The Alexander Pedals Color Theory is a two-footswitch stompbox that pairs an 8-step sequencer with a 32-bit effects processor, covering pitch-shift, modulation, resonant filter, tremolo, synth-oscillator and octave effects1. It belongs to the wider family of multi-effects pedals, but its identity comes from the sequencer: the effect parameters move through a programmed series of steps as you play.
The controls
Four knobs plus a select button run the pedal, and each does different work depending on the mode1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Steps | Selects anywhere from two to eight sequenced intervals; also tweaks the primary parameter of the selected effect type, such as delay time, filter frequency or tremolo rate1 |
| Rate | Controls the speed of a given effect; in park mode it doubles as the means to alter MIDI values1 |
| Lag | Shifts the transition from one sequenced step to another: angular, robotic or jumpy transitions at minimum, smooth ones at clockwise settings; also alters each effect's secondary parameter, such as tone, filter resonance or oscillator wave1 |
| Mix | Governs the dry-to-wet ratio for the entire effected signal; in park mode it controls the dry-to-wet mix for the parked step only1 |
| Select (press and hold) | With mix held, alters output level from -20 dB to +10 dB; with mix held it can also change the order of sequenced steps to up, down, or random1 |
The two footswitches carry the sequencing and preset duties: the left activates park mode when held down, and the right cycles through the presets available via the pedal's own hardware, its LED lighting while held1.
Park mode and the sequencer
The pedal runs in two modes: standard sequencer mode, or park mode, where it is parked on a specific step within a given sequence1. Park mode changes what the knobs do: mix controls the parked step's dry-to-wet mix only, and rate becomes the way to alter MIDI values1.
The steps knob sets the sequence length, from two to eight sequenced intervals, and the step order can be set to up, down, or random1. The LED array doubles as a visual guide: the topmost LED changes color in time with the sequence rate, each sequenced step has an associated hue, the left footswitch's LED blinks in time with the programmed or tapped-in tempo, and the center LEDs change color to indicate effect selection, blue, purple or red for pitch-shift, synth oscillator or resonant filter on top, and modulation, synthesized octave (PWM) or tremolo on the bottom1.
MIDI and app control
Beyond the panel, the Color Theory can be tweaked via MIDI functionality and third-party apps that show graphic depictions of the pedal's functions; Alexander recommends Hexler Limited's TouchOSC for iOS and Android devices1. The pedal also incorporates OSC (open sound control) app compatibility, and a near-invisible pushbutton accesses many additional effects and functions1.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar reviewed the pedal in August 2021, listing as pros a "Limitless array of step-sequenced sounds in a compact, brilliantly conceived and executed package" along with diverse control options and a very reasonable price1.
"Limitless array of step-sequenced sounds in a compact, brilliantly conceived and executed package."
Videos
Premier Guitar
Mary Spender
Mike Hermans
Questions
What effects does the Alexander Pedals Colour Theory make?
It is a two-footswitch stompbox that pairs an 8-step sequencer with a 32-bit effects processor. The effect types cover pitch-shift, modulation, resonant filter, tremolo, synth-oscillator and octave effects. A near-invisible pushbutton accesses many additional effects and functions beyond the main selection, and the pedal also supports OSC (open sound control) app compatibility.
What does park mode do on the Colour Theory?
Park mode parks the pedal on a specific step within a given sequence instead of running the full sequence. Holding the left footswitch activates it. In park mode the mix knob controls the dry-to-wet mix for the parked step only, and the rate knob doubles as the means to alter MIDI values.
How do you change presets on the Colour Theory?
Presets are available via the pedal's own hardware and are cycled by holding down the right footswitch. The right footswitch's LED lights while it is held down to cycle through the presets. The pedal can also be tweaked via MIDI functionality and third-party apps such as Hexler's TouchOSC.
Does the Colour Theory have tap tempo?
Yes. The left footswitch's LED blinks in time with the programmed or tapped-in tempo, so you can tap in a sequence rate at the pedal. The topmost LED also changes color in time with the sequence rate, with each sequenced step having an associated hue.
How many steps can the Colour Theory sequence?
The steps knob lets you select anywhere from two to eight sequenced intervals. You can also change the order of the sequenced steps to up, down, or random, which is done by pressing and holding the select button with the mix knob.
Sources (1)
- Alexander Pedals Colour Theory Review, Premier Guitar, 2018-10-12
