The CNZ Audio VTR-20 is a compact analog tremolo pedal. Tremolo, which CNZ Audio calls "one of the earliest modulation effects," varies the volume of your signal in a repeating cycle, producing the pulsing sound heard on 60s surf records. The maker positions the VTR-20 as covering both ends of that range: "With the VTR-20, you can throwback to the classic surf-guitar sounds of the 60's or add a gentle tremolo to enhance the sonic signature of your tone."1
The controls
The VTR-20 keeps things simple with three knobs, each with a distinct job1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Depth | Adjusts the intensity of the tremolo effect1 |
| Speed | Adjusts the tempo of the tremolo1 |
| Bias | Controls the overall signal shaping1 |
Depth and Speed are the standard tremolo pair: how strong the volume swing is, and how fast it repeats. Bias is the third dimension here, shaping the overall signal and letting the player move the character of the effect beyond a plain volume pulse. The knobs are weighted with clear indicators, and a red LED shows when the effect is on.1
Power and connections
The pedal runs from a 9VDC supply with a center-negative, positive-outside plug, drawing 10 mA. It has 1/4 inch input and output connectors, a 470K ohm input impedance and a 470 ohm output impedance.1
The maker's specifications list a 9VDC input only, with no battery option given. The center-negative polarity also means it will not share a positive-tip daisy-chain output.
Bypass is true bypass, which CNZ Audio describes as providing "transparent tone" in the off setting, so the pedal should stay out of your signal path when switched off.1
Build
The VTR-20 is housed in a solid aluminum enclosure with a firm foot switch, and at 3.75 by 1.77 by 1.9 inches it takes up little room on a board. The listed weight is .53 lbs including the box.1
Videos
Aaron J Livecchi
Sources (1)
- VTR-20 | Tremolo Pedal | CNZ Audio, CNZ Audio
