The ZOIA 10K is a limited special edition of the ZOIA from Empress Effects, the Canadian maker's modular multi-effects unit for synthesizers and guitars. Rather than a fixed set of stompbox effects, the ZOIA is, in the maker's words, "an entire modular effects environment, letting you create custom sounds, from effects" and beyond, built from "90+ modules and growing, including over 20 pre-built effects"1. The 10K edition weighs 1.5lbs1.
What it is and how it differs from the regular ZOIA
The ZOIA 10K is a limited special edition of the regular ZOIA, limited to 500 units. According to gearnews.com's Jef, "the concept and technology of the modular effects unit is identical to that of the regular version"2. What sets it apart is the look: "the Special Edition comes in beige with a bright blue OLED display"2. Empress describes the colourway as exclusive, stating "This exclusive colourway is available only in 500 units worldwide"1.
For a player, that means the 10K behaves like any other ZOIA: a grid-based, fully routable environment where modules such as effects, oscillators, filters and sequencers can be patched together into custom multi-effects rigs, synth voices and more. The special edition weighs 1.5lbs1.
Controls and connectivity
One connection does a lot of work on the ZOIA 10K. Empress specifies a single ¼" Control Port that "accepts MIDI, expression pedal, control voltage, and external switch inputs"1, so a player can hook up clock, switching, and external control without extra jacks.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Input impedance | >= 1MΩ1 |
| Output impedance | 100Ω1 |
| Frequency response (-3dB) | 10Hz, 23.4kHz1 |
| Input headroom (no pad) | +0.5 dBu1 |
| Output headroom | +16.2dBu1 |
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.22%1 |
| Dynamic range | 105.5 dBA1 |
| Converters | 24-bit, 48kHz with 32-bit internal processing1 |
| Power input connector | 2.1mm barrel connector1 |
| Weight | 1.5lbs1 |
Price and the Scratch and Dent version
Empress lists the ZOIA 10K at $549.00 USD1. At launch in December 2024, gearnews.com reported "The special edition is now available from Thomann for $487 / £459 / €549"2.
Empress also offered a Scratch and Dent ZOIA 10K at $499.00 USD, down from $549.003. These are not defective units: "Scratch and Dent pedals are functionally working perfectly," according to the maker, but "They have small cosmetic flaws such as a smudge on the screenprint, scratches or maybe a powdercoating defect"3.
The Scratch and Dent ZOIA 10K is listed as Sold Out on Empress Effects' page3. With the main edition limited to 500 units worldwide1, neither version is a standing catalog product.
Players interested in the wider ZOIA family may also want to look at the Empress Effects Zoia Euroburo, another variant of the same modular platform.
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Questions
How many ZOIA 10K units were made?
Empress Effects limited the ZOIA 10K to 500 units worldwide. The company states on its product page that the exclusive colourway is available only in 500 units, and gearnews.com reported the same limit when the special edition became available in December 2024 alongside the free ZOIA 5.0 firmware update.
What is the difference between the ZOIA 10K and the regular ZOIA?
According to gearnews.com, the concept and technology of the modular effects unit are identical to the regular version. The 10K is a limited run of 500 units with a beige enclosure and a bright blue OLED display instead of the standard colourway. Functionally, it offers the same 90+ modules, including over 20 pre-built effects.
How much did the Empress ZOIA 10K cost?
Empress Effects lists the ZOIA 10K at $549.00 USD on its product page. When the special edition launched in December 2024, gearnews.com reported it available from Thomann for $487 / £459 / €549. The Scratch and Dent version, with small cosmetic flaws, was listed at $499.00 USD against a regular price of $549.00.
What is a Scratch and Dent ZOIA 10K?
Scratch and Dent pedals are functionally working perfectly, according to Empress Effects, but carry small cosmetic flaws such as a smudge on the screenprint, scratches, or possibly a powdercoating defect. The Scratch and Dent ZOIA 10K was listed at $499.00 USD and is now sold out.
What are the input and output impedances of the ZOIA 10K?
Empress Effects specifies an input impedance of >= 1MΩ and an output impedance of 100Ω. The pedal also has an output headroom of +16.2dBu, input headroom of +0.5 dBu with no pad, a frequency response of 10Hz to 23.4kHz at -3dB, 0.22% total harmonic distortion, and a dynamic range of 105.5 dBA.
Sources (3)
- ZOIA 10K, Empress Effects Inc.
- Empress Effects ZOIA 10K: Special Limited Edition and New Firmware 5.0, gearnews.com, 2024-12-10
- S&D ZOIA 10K, Empress Effects Inc.
