The Folktek Alter X is a stereo experimental multi-effects pedal, and the pedal-format version of Folktek's Alter 1 Eurorack module. Folktek announced its entry into stompboxes in March 2021 with pedal versions of two existing modules, the Alter X and the Alter Y, both built by the Portland, Oregon Eurorack maker1. As a multi-effects pedal, it gathers seven effect modes in one box, each of which Folktek describes as a mashup of effects chosen to complement one another when used together2.
Folktek's page states the Alter X is temporarily unavailable and will be available for purchase again in late June3.
From Eurorack module to pedal
Folktek came to guitar pedals from the Eurorack modular world. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio described the company as a "Portland Eurorack builder" announcing its entry into the stompbox niche in March 20211. The Alter X carries that background with it: alongside the four 1/4-inch jacks a guitar player expects, it keeps 1/8-inch jacks from its module origins2, and the mix, X, Y and filter controls all have CV control inputs, so external control voltage sources can drive parameters the way they would on a modular synth1.
The seven modes and how they are controlled
Folktek lists the modes as long delay, notated granular delay, plate reverb, shimmering reverb, distortion and multi-filter, pitch delay, and stutter glitch2. The company describes each mode as a mashup of effects that complement one another, and notes that running X into Y, or the other way around, creates some powerful changes2. The delay and reverb modes sit alongside what players would find on dedicated delay and reverb pedals, while the distortion and multi-filter mode touches territory covered by distortion and filter pedals.
The controls are Mix, X, Y and Sift, plus the clock knob2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Mix | Blend of effect and dry signal, with a CV input21 |
| X | Controls various rates, feedback and time across the different effects, with a CV input21 |
| Y | Controls various rates, feedback and time across the different effects, with a CV input21 |
| Sift | Filter control, with a CV input21 |
| Clock | Adjusts the bitrate which controls the DSP; not for synchronization2 |
The clock control is the one that sets the Alter X apart from most pedals. Folktek explains that it "adjusts the bitrate which controls the DSP which can drastically change the effect," and is explicit that it is not for synchronization2. In other words, it is not a tap tempo: it changes how the digital processing itself behaves, which can reshape the sound of whichever mode is selected.
Bypass, trails and power
The Alter X uses buffered relay-based bypass over its 1/4-inch inputs and output, and Folktek specifies buffered switching that allows for trails, so delay and reverb tails keep ringing after you switch the pedal off2. Power comes from a 12V negative tip AC adapter, which is included with the pedal and rated 100-240V ~ 50/60Hz 0.6A. The connector is the standard 2.1mm negative-tip type used by most pedals2. The enclosure is described by Folktek as very thick, gold plated PCB, which the company calls very, very tough2.
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Questions
Does the Folktek Alter X have trails?
Yes. Folktek specifies buffered switching that allows for trails, so when you switch the pedal off, the delay or reverb tail continues to decay naturally rather than being cut off immediately. The bypass itself is described as buffered relay-based bypass over the 1/4-inch inputs and output, which is how the pedal passes signal when it is disengaged.
Is the Folktek Alter X stereo?
Yes. The Alter X has stereo 1/4-inch inputs and outputs, in addition to 1/8-inch jacks carried over from its Eurorack origins. That makes it usable both as a guitar pedal at the front of an amp or stereo rig and as a line-level or modular-adjacent effect unit.
Does the Alter X have CV inputs?
Yes. According to Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio, the mix, X, Y and filter controls all have CV control inputs, a feature inherited from Folktek's Eurorack background. This lets you modulate those parameters from external control voltage sources as well as by hand.
What does the clock control do on the Alter X?
Folktek describes the clock control as adjusting the bitrate, which controls the DSP and can drastically change the effect. It is not a synchronization or tempo control in the usual pedal sense; it changes how the digital processing itself behaves, which can reshape the character of the selected mode.
What power adapter does the Folktek Alter X use?
The Alter X uses a 12V negative tip AC adapter, which Folktek includes with the pedal. The included supply is rated 100-240V ~ 50/60Hz 0.6A, and the connector is the standard 2.1mm negative-tip type used by most pedals.
Sources (3)
- Folktek Alter X CV-Controlled Stereo Multi-FX, Delicious Audio, 2021-03-03
- Folktek Alter X Guitar & Eurorack Effects Pedal, Folktek
- Folktek Alter Y Guitar & Eurorack Effects Pedal, Folktek
