The Celestial Effects Gemini VTR is a 3-in-1 pedal combining vibrato, tremolo and reverb in one space-saving enclosure. The vibrato section is pitch-shifting vibrato driven by an optically coupled LFO, firing two phase shift engines to produce what Pedal of the Day described as warm Magnatone-style vibrato1. It sits alongside other dedicated vibrato pedals, tremolo pedals and reverb pedals, but combines all three in a single box.
Controls and connections
The vibrato section carries Depth, Speed and Duty Cycle control knobs, plus a Square Wave/Triangle Wave toggle switch that changes the shape of the modulation. Inside, the pedal even boasts two internal trimpots to adjust the amount of vibrato Volume and Tone1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Depth | Sets the intensity of the vibrato modulation |
| Speed | Sets the rate of the optically coupled LFO |
| Duty Cycle | Shapes the modulation waveform's duty cycle |
| Square/Triangle toggle | Switches the LFO between square and triangle waves |
| Internal trimpots (x2) | Adjust vibrato Volume and Tone |
The Gemini features two stereo output jacks, and Pedal of the Day pointed to players running stereo amp setups as the obvious audience, writing "you can imagine how a pedal like this will sound" spread across two amps1.
The power jack accepts +9vdc only, Boss type center negative, and the pedal draws approximately 210 mA at full ON. That figure rules out a battery and is beyond many daisy chain outputs, so plan your power supply accordingly1.
Size, weight and what reviewers said
This is a large pedal: 8.20 inches deep, 5.00 inches wide and 2.50 inches high including switches and knobs, weighing 23 oz1. Pedal of the Day's 2016 review called it "this being the biggest, most complex and possibly best-sounding pedal to date from Hudson, MA," and praised the look as well: "this big gold monster sound awesome, the twin dragon graphics make it stand out and sparkle on your board"1.
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Questions
Is the Celestial Effects Gemini VTR true bypass?
Yes. The Gemini VTR uses true bypass switching via a high grade 3PDT footswitch, according to Pedal of the Day's 2016 review. That means the pedal's circuit is removed from the signal path entirely when it is switched off, so your guitar's signal passes straight through to your amp.
How much current does the Gemini VTR draw?
Pedal of the Day lists the current draw as approximately 210 mA at full ON. That is well above what many daisy chain supplies can deliver from a single output, so a dedicated 9V supply output rated for at least that figure is the safe way to power it.
Can the Gemini VTR run in stereo?
Yes. The pedal features two stereo output jacks, and Pedal of the Day notes it suits players running stereo amp setups, letting the vibrato, tremolo and reverb effects spread across two amplifiers.
What do the internal trimpots on the Gemini VTR adjust?
The Gemini VTR has two internal trimpots that adjust the amount of vibrato Volume and Tone. Opening the pedal up lets you set how loud and how bright the vibrato section sits relative to the rest of the signal, on top of the external controls.
How big and heavy is the Gemini VTR?
Pedal of the Day lists the dimensions as 8.20 inches deep by 5.00 inches wide by 2.50 inches high, including switches and knobs, with a weight of 23 oz. It is a large pedal that takes up considerable pedalboard space.
Sources (1)
- Celestial Effects Gemini VTR Vibrato Tremolo Reverb, Pedal of the Day (www.pedal-of-the-day.com), 2016-08-16