The Diffractor Soundings Arboretum Stereo Tremolo is a stereo tremolo pedal from Diffractor Soundings, designed, as the maker puts it, to be "a truly versatile stereo tremolo"1. Its signal path is 100% analog, but the modulation engine is a unique digital LFO circuit built specifically to offer a wide variety of waveforms2. That combination lets it cover a large range of tremolo sounds, from the warmth of a sine waveform to the hardness of a choppy square waveform2.
What the Mode feature does
The Arboretum's distinguishing feature is its Mode control. It offers a second waveform, also selectable among 8 options, that can modulate the tremolo's speed, depth or both2. In other words, one waveform shapes the tremolo itself while a second waveform moves the speed or depth of that tremolo over time, which takes the pedal beyond classic tremolo use into experimental territory1.
Pedal of the Day's reviewer framed the pedal's appeal around that depth of control: "If you love turning knobs and creating experimental sounds, you'll love the Arboretum Stereo Tremolo"1.
Controls, tap tempo and external control
The main waveform selection runs from sine to square, offering a variety of tremolo sounds1. Speed can be set by tap tempo, with 6 multiplier options for how the LFO speed relates to the tapped tempo2.
- Waveform selection: 8 options, from sine to square2
- Mode: a second waveform (8 options) modulating speed, depth or both2
- Tap tempo: LFO speed control with 6 multiplier options2
- Expression/CV: works with an expression pedal or a CV signal (0-5V)2
For players who use external control, the expression or CV input adds another layer of real-time control over the sound1. If you are new to that kind of hookup, see Expression Pedals.
Power
The Arboretum requires 9V DC center negative, with 9.6V as the maximum, and draws 200mA2.
At 200mA, the Arboretum draws more current than many standard tremolo pedals, so a power supply output rated below that will not run it reliably.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day reviewed the Arboretum in August 2024, presenting it as a versatile stereo tremolo with a digital LFO, an analog signal path, multiple waveforms, the Mode feature and expression or CV control1. The reviewer highlighted the Mode feature as what makes the pedal particular, allowing players to go "way beyond the 'classic' use of a" tremolo1. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio described the not-exactly-compact stompbox as something that "might as well redefine versatility within the tremolo" field2.
For how the Arboretum sits among modulation effects more broadly, see Tremolo Pedals.
Videos
Diffractor Soundings
Diffractor Soundings
Diffractor Soundings
Questions
Is the Diffractor Soundings Arboretum analog or digital?
It is a hybrid design. Inside is a digital LFO circuit, built specifically to offer a wide variety of waveforms, and that LFO modulates a 100% analog input signal. So the audio path stays analog while the modulation engine is digital, which is what lets the pedal cover everything from a smooth sine wave to a hard, choppy square wave.
How much current does the Arboretum draw?
The Arboretum runs on 9V DC center negative, with a maximum of 9.6V, and draws 200mA. That is a heavier draw than many compact tremolo pedals, so it is worth checking what your power supply can deliver on each output before adding it to a pedalboard.
Can the Arboretum be controlled with CV?
Yes. The pedal accepts either an expression pedal or a CV signal in the 0 to 5V range, giving players additional control over the effect beyond the front-panel knobs.
How many waveforms does the Arboretum have?
The Arboretum offers 8 waveform options, running from the warmth of a sine waveform to the hardness of a choppy square waveform. On top of that, the Mode feature lets you select a second waveform, also from 8 options, that can modulate the tremolo's speed, depth or both.
Sources (2)
- Diffractor Soundings Arboretum Stereo Tremolo, Pedal of the Day, 2024-08-17
- Diffractor Soundings Arboretum Stereo Tremolo, Delicious Audio, 2024-08-19
