The Copilot Fx Polypus Supreme is a tremolo pedal with an all analog audio signal path: your volume is modulated by an LFO offering six different waveshapes, and the pedal adds tap tempo on top of that1. It is an expanded version of the original Copilot Fx Polypus, and the expansion is what gives the Supreme its character: a step sequencer of 3, 4 or 5 steps that can drive either the LFO rate or the tap ratios, plus CV jacks for syncing with other pedals and devices1.
For a player, that means the Polypus Supreme can do ordinary tremolo work, but it can also step through a programmed series of rates or ratio multipliers, either on its own clock, synced to an incoming CV clock, or advanced by hand with a footswitch1.
What the Polypus Supreme does
At its core it is a tremolo: the LFO modulates your volume, and you choose from six waveshapes to shape how that modulation moves1. Tap tempo lets you set the rate by foot, and in tap mode the ratio knob selects multipliers of x1, x2, x3, x4, x8 or x1/22.
The sequencer is the Supreme's addition over the original Polypus. Its length can be assigned to 3, 4 or 5 steps, and each step is set by its own knob1. What those knobs control depends on the Tap/Rate toggle: in the up position the steps set the rate of the LFO, and in the down position the steps set the tap ratios1. So you can program a repeating pattern of tremolo speeds, or a pattern of rhythmic subdivisions against your tapped tempo.
The sequencer can run in three modes, set by the Trigger and Scroll toggles1:
- Triggered mode: the sequence advances to the next step each time you press the middle footswitch1.
- Scroll Mode with Pause: the sequencer advances on its own, and pressing the middle footswitch pauses it on the current step until you release1.
- Pause with Scroll: the sequencer stays on the current step, and as soon as you press the middle footswitch it starts scrolling1.
A Reset toggle sets whether the sequencer returns to step 1 when you go to bypass, or keeps its place1.
The controls, sequencer modes and CV jacks
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| MIX | Depth control1 |
| I to V | Step knobs for the rate or tap ratios1 |
| Trigger toggle | Sets whether the sequencer is in Triggered or Scroll mode1 |
| Scroll toggle | Sets Pause & Scroll mode or Scroll & Pause mode1 |
| Tap/Rate toggle | Up: steps set the LFO rate. Down: steps set the tap ratios1 |
| Reset toggle | Sets whether the sequencer resets to step 1 when going to bypass1 |
The original Polypus carries related controls of its own: Range for the amount of modulation depth, Wave for the LFO waveshape, and Vol for output volume2.
The CV jacks are where the Supreme talks to the rest of a rig1:
- CV IN SYNC JACK: accepts a 0 to 5V CV clock to sync the LFO rate and the sequencer rate1.
- LFO CV OUT JACK: a 0 to 5V CV output to sync other devices, compatible with the Broadband and Bandwidth1.
- SEQUENCER CV OUT JACK: a 0 to 5V CV output to sync other devices, also compatible with the Broadband and Bandwidth1.
That makes the pedal part of a larger synced setup: you can feed it a clock from another source, or use its LFO or sequencer clock to drive other Copilot FX pedals. The original Polypus also has an expression jack that takes a TRS expression pedal of any value, or 0 to 5V CV over a TRS cable, to control the rate and ratios2.
The Polypus Supreme runs only on a 9V DC power jack with center negative polarity, with no battery option1. Plan on a pedalboard power supply rather than a battery or a daisy chain setup that cannot deliver clean 9V DC.
Videos
Copilot Fx
Copilot Fx
Questions
Can the Polypus Supreme run on a battery?
No. It is powered only by a 9V DC power jack with center negative polarity, and there is no battery option. You will need a standard pedalboard power supply with a center negative 9V output.
Is the Copilot Fx Polypus Supreme analog?
Yes. Copilot FX describes it as a tremolo pedal with an all analog audio signal path. The volume is modulated by an LFO offering six different waveshapes, and the pedal adds tap tempo and a step sequencer on top of that analog audio path.
Can the Polypus Supreme sync to a clock or other pedals?
Yes. A CV sync input jack accepts a 0 to 5V clock signal to sync the LFO rate in tap mode and the sequencer rate. It also has LFO and sequencer CV output jacks that send 0 to 5V to sync other devices, and Copilot FX lists them as compatible with its Broadband and Bandwidth pedals.
How is the Polypus Supreme different from the original Polypus?
The Polypus Supreme is an expanded version of the Polypus. The original is a tremolo with tap tempo, waveshape selection and an expression jack, while the Supreme adds a step sequencer of 3, 4 or 5 steps plus CV input and output jacks for syncing the LFO and sequencer with other gear.
How big is the Polypus Supreme?
Copilot FX lists its dimensions as 5.5 inches by 4.5 inches by 3 inches, in a powder coated aluminum case with silk screened artwork in enamel ink.
Sources (2)
- Copilot Fx Polypus Supreme Tap Tempo tremolo pedal, Copilot Fx, 2017
- Copilot Fx Polypus Tap Tempo tremolo pedal, Copilot Fx, 2017
