The Flamma FC16 is a compact tremolo pedal from Flamma Innovation, which describes it as an optical tremolo effect1. It arrived in 2022, according to Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio2. If you are new to tremolo, it is the effect that rhythmically rises and falls in volume, and you can read how pedals of this type work on the Tremolo Pedals type page.
What the FC16 does
Flamma describes the FC16 as delivering a classic optical tremolo effect with a huge range of speeds and depths, bringing that range "in a compact, metal package"1. Optical tremolo is the approach associated with older tube-amplifier tremolo circuits, and Flamma leans on that association in its own description of "that classic optical tremolo sound"1. Pedal of the Day, reviewing the pedal in August 2022, likewise framed it around "that classic optical tremolo sound"3.
The pedal's simple design, in Flamma's words, allows for quick customization and tone tweaking on the fly1. Pedal of the Day also noted the small footprint and the color: "This fire engine red machine has an easy-to-use control set and a small footprint"3.
The controls: depth, bias and speed
The FC16 keeps its faceplate to three knobs, which Flamma lists as depth, bias, and a large speed adjustment knob1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Depth | Sets how deep the volume modulation goes2 |
| Bias | Brings various colors of the tremolo sound, per Flamma; makes the LFO wave choppier or smoother, per Delicious Audio12 |
| Speed | A large knob setting the rate of the tremolo2 |
On the bias knob, the two descriptions line up: Flamma says it "brings various colors of the tremolo sound"1, and De Gregorio puts it in practical terms: "The Bias knob makes the LFO wave choppier of smoother"2. The LFO is the low-frequency oscillator, the wave shape that drives the volume pulsing, so bias shifts the tremolo between a smoother swell and a harder, choppier pulse.
Build, bypass and price
The FC16's true bypass circuit, Flamma says, "ensures a noise-free environment until you're ready for more of that classic optical tremolo sound"1. True bypass means that when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes through it without passing through the effect circuit.
On build, the maker describes a compact metal package1, and Delicious Audio's coverage points to "a tasteful choice for the metal case's color"2. Pedal of the Day went further on durability: "The enclosures used with these pedals are really robust and sturdy, ensuring you can take them on the road or to any gig"3.
As of 26 October 2026, Flamma's product page lists the FC16 at $59.90 USD with a sale price of $39.90 USD1.
Videos
Flamma Innovation
Pedal of the Day
Perry Frank
Questions
Is the Flamma FC16 true bypass?
Yes. Flamma states the FC16 uses a true bypass circuit, which the company says ensures a noise-free environment until the effect is engaged. Both Delicious Audio and Pedal of the Day repeat the same true bypass description in their coverage of the pedal, so it is consistent across the maker's page and the press.
What does the bias knob do on the Flamma FC16?
Flamma says the bias knob brings various colors to the tremolo sound. Paolo De Gregorio of Delicious Audio describes it more specifically: the bias knob makes the LFO wave, the shape that drives the volume pulsing, choppier or smoother. In practice it shifts the character of the tremolo between a soft swell and a harder, more squared-off pulse.
How much does the Flamma FC16 cost?
On Flamma's product page as of October 2026, the FC16 lists at $59.90 USD with a sale price of $39.90 USD. Prices can change, so the sale figure reflects the maker's page on the date it was checked.
Is the Flamma FC16 a metal enclosure pedal?
Yes. Flamma describes the FC16 as bringing a huge range of depth and speed in a compact, metal package, and Delicious Audio notes the choice of the metal case's color. Pedal of the Day adds that the enclosures used for these pedals are robust and sturdy enough to take on the road or to any gig.
Sources (3)
- FLAMMA FC16 Classic Optical Tremolo Pedal, Flamma Innovation (www.flamma.shop)
- Flamma FC16 Optical Tremolo, Delicious Audio, 2022-09-19
- Flamma Innovation FC16 Optical Tremolo, Pedal of the Day, 2022-08-08
