The Catalinbread Tremolo8 is a tremolo pedal with eight programs and reverb built in, released in May 2023. It began life as a digitized model of the Fender Showman's "harmonic vibrato", the amp circuit that produces a shifting, hollowed-out tremolo rather than a simple volume pulse, and grew from there: Catalinbread added trem-specific reverb algorithms and a subtle tone control to the core model12. Premier Guitar's news item counted "8 unique programs" and described the pedal as showing "what volume modulation is truly capable of"2. Paolo De Gregorio at Delicious Audio called it "a comprehensive and creative multi-mode pedal"3.
Where it came from
Catalinbread started the project as a pedal for personal enjoyment: a digitized model of the Fender Showman's "harmonic vibrato"2. The company's own manual tells the same story, and explains the reverb side by pointing to earlier work: "our previous work on the Topanga Burnside reflects this", referring to the sound of tremolo splashing against reverb like Magnatones or Vibro Champs1. Premier Guitar put it the same way: "We really like the sound of tremolo splashing against a reverb like Magnatones or Vibro Champs"2. One program even pairs tremolo with chorus, because, as the manual puts it, "trem modulation with chorus floating on top sounded too good to leave out"1.
The controls
The front panel is three knobs plus a tone control, with extra functions tucked inside1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| RATE | Controls the speed of the trem1 |
| SPACE | Controls parallel reverb mix, except for Program 6, where it controls chorus depth1 |
| PROGRAM | Program selector; the manual's program matrix details what each of the eight does1 |
| TONE | In most programs, a high-pass filter between the trem and reverb sections; certain programs use it for program-specific functions1 |
Inside the pedal there are two more adjustments:
- BUFFER SWITCH (internal): switches between Buffered/Trails and True Bypass1
- ADJUSTABLE GAIN TRIMMER (internal): adds more overall gain to your signal; turning it up too far introduces distortion1
The Tremolo8 ships in Buffered/Trails mode so long reverb trails do not cut off when you switch the pedal off. If you want true bypass, remove the backplate and flip the internal switch1. MusicRadar's Jonathan Horsley noted the same default: "Straight out the box, the Tremolo8 is set in a buffered trails mode so that your reverb trails don't abruptly stop"4.
Power
The Tremolo8 runs from 9 to 18 volts on a standard DC center-negative pedal supply, and Catalinbread asks for a supply providing at least 60mA1. It does not run on batteries1. Higher voltage is not just tolerated but encouraged: "if you want a bit more output, a dry signal boost and increased headroom, try any voltage you like up to 18V!"1. The 60mA draw means a low-output daisy-chain output may not be enough on its own.
Price and status
MusicRadar reported the Tremolo8 available now, priced £178/$219, as of 12 May 20234. Premier Guitar's item, dated 18 May 2023, listed the MSRP as $219.992. The two US figures differ by 99 cents, a difference of the $219 MusicRadar figure and the $219.99 MSRP figure.
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Questions
Is the Catalinbread Tremolo8 true bypass?
Not as shipped. The Tremolo8 leaves the factory in Buffered/Trails mode, which Catalinbread chose so long reverb trails do not cut off when you switch the pedal off. If you prefer true bypass, remove the backplate and flip the internal switch to True Bypass. The internal switch is the only way to change it, so there is no external toggle to reach for mid-set.
Does the Catalinbread Tremolo8 take a battery?
No. Catalinbread's manual states plainly that the Tremolo8 does not run on batteries, so you will need a DC pedal power supply. It uses a standard center-negative supply and draws at least 60mA, which rules out most daisy-chain leftovers on a crowded board.
Can I run the Tremolo8 at 18 volts?
Yes. The Tremolo8 runs from 9 to 18 volts on a center-negative supply. Catalinbread says running at higher voltage, up to 18V, gives you more output, a dry signal boost and increased headroom. Whatever voltage you choose, the supply must provide at least 60mA.
How much does the Catalinbread Tremolo8 cost?
Premier Guitar's news item, dated 18 May 2023, listed an MSRP of $219.992. MusicRadar, on 12 May 2023, reported the pedal available at £178/$2194. The two US launch figures sit a dollar apart, so roughly $219 is the launch price in the United States.
Is the Tremolo8 analog or digital?
Digital. The project began as a digitized model of the Fender Showman's harmonic vibrato, and the pedal carries eight digital programs covering tremolo, reverb, chorus, filter and ring modulation. That modeling is what lets one pedal hold eight distinct tremolo characters.
Sources (4)
- Tremolo8_Manual, Catalinbread Effects
- Catalinbread Effects Announces Tremolo8, Premier Guitar, 2023-05-18
- New Pedal: Catalinbread Tremolo8, Delicious Audio, 2023-05-10
- Catalinbread rethinks volume modulation with the Tremolo8, MusicRadar, 2023-05-12
