The Folktek Alter Y is a stereo multi-effects pedal built around delay and reverb, made by Folktek, a Eurorack builder that moved into stompboxes with pedal versions of two existing modules: this and the Alter X1. The Alter Y is the pedal version of the Alter 2 Eurorack module, and Folktek notes that running the Alter X into the Alter Y, or the other way around, creates some powerful changes1. Where a typical pedal takes a guitar in and sends one line out, the Alter Y carries four 1/8" connections, with stereo outputs for right and left channels2.
The modes
Folktek lists seven modes on the Alter Y, spanning delay, reverb and pitch-based effects2:
- Analog delay
- Reverb with infinite capture and LP + HP filters
- Choral reverb
- Palindrome reverse delay: backward/forward repeat
- Time stretch
- Pitch shift, notated in semi-tones
- Time stretch glitch
The delay and reverb modes cover ground players usually reach for with separate delay and reverb pedals, while the reverse, time stretch and pitch modes push toward the textural end of the multi-effects range. Delicious Audio noted that all effects have a variation of a filter which may change effect to effect1.
The controls: Mix, X, Y, Shift and Clock
The panel carries controls for Mix, X, Y and Shift as well as Clock2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Mix | Blend of effect and dry signal2 |
| X | Controls various rates, feedback and time over the different effects2 |
| Y | Controls various rates, feedback and time over the different effects2 |
| Shift | Mode and shift control2 |
| Clock | Adjusts the bitrate which controls the DSP, which can drastically change the effect; Folktek notes it is not for synchronization2 |
The X and Y knobs are the heart of the pedal: rather than one knob per parameter, each mode maps rate, feedback and time onto those two controls, so the same pair of knobs does different work in each mode2. Folktek also notes that running X into Y, or vice versa, creates some powerful changes2.
The Clock knob is the unusual one. Folktek describes it as adjusting the bitrate which controls the DSP, which can drastically change the effect, and notes that in doing so it is not for synchronization2. Paolo De Gregorio of Delicious Audio wrote of that behavior:
"In doing so it does slightly lower the quality of the output signal but the results are fantastic."
In plain terms, turning Clock down degrades the digital processing on purpose, a lo-fi character rather than a tempo match, so it is not the tap-tempo or sync control its name might suggest2.
Bypass, trails and connections
The Alter Y uses buffered relay-based bypass over its 1/4" inputs and outputs2. Folktek specifies buffered switching that allows for trails, so a delay repeat or reverb tail keeps decaying after you disengage the effect instead of being cut off2. Players who specifically want true bypass hard switching should know that is not what this pedal offers; the buffering is tied to the trails behavior2.
The Alter Y is not true bypass: Folktek specifies buffered relay-based bypass over the 1/4" ins and out, and the buffered switching is what allows trails2.
On the jack side, the pedal features four 1/4" jacks in addition to 1/8" connections, with stereo outputs for right and left channels2. The 1/8" jacks carry over from its Eurorack origins, where patch-level connections are the norm, and they are what make the pedal at home in a modular setup as well as on a pedalboard2.
Power and hardware
The Alter Y runs on a 12V negative tip AC adapter, which is included; the supplied US adapter is rated 100-240V ~ 50/60Hz 0.6A2. The connector is standard for most pedals at 2.1mm, negative tip2. Note that this is a 12V supply, so check what your pedalboard power supply offers before slotting it into a daisy chain.
The enclosure is very thick, gold plated PCB; Folktek puts it plainly: "it's very, very tough"2. The pedal measures 6" x 5.1" x 2.2" (152.7mm x 128.5 x 56mm), so it occupies more board space than a standard compact stompbox2.
Folktek lists the Alter Y at £228.00 GBP on its product page as of 26 October 20262.
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Questions
Is the Folktek Alter Y based on a Eurorack module?
Yes. Folktek describes the Alter Y as the pedal version of its Alter 2 Eurorack module. Delicious Audio, reporting the announcement in March 2021, noted that the stompbox sports the same circuit as the Eurorack Alter 2. The pedal format adds four 1/4" jacks alongside the 1/8" connections and buffered switching that allows for trails.
What does the Clock knob do on the Folktek Alter Y?
According to Folktek, the Clock control adjusts the bitrate, which controls the DSP and can drastically change the effect. Folktek notes that in doing so it is not for synchronization. Paolo De Gregorio of Delicious Audio wrote that lowering the bitrate does slightly lower the quality of the output signal but that the results are fantastic.
Does the Alter Y have trails?
Yes. Folktek specifies buffered switching that allows for trails, meaning the delay or reverb tail continues to decay naturally after you switch the effect off, rather than being cut off immediately.
Is the Folktek Alter Y true bypass?
No. Folktek specifies buffered relay-based bypass over the 1/4" inputs and outputs. The buffering is what allows the trails feature, so the effect tail keeps ringing out after bypass instead of stopping abruptly.
What power supply does the Folktek Alter Y use?
The Alter Y runs on a 12V negative-tip AC adapter, which Folktek includes. The supplied US adapter is rated 100-240V ~ 50/60Hz 0.6A, and the connector is the standard 2.1mm negative-tip type used by most pedals.
Does the Folktek Alter Y have stereo outputs?
Yes. Folktek lists stereo outputs for right and left channels, so the pedal can feed a stereo rig, two amps or a stereo recording setup. It also features four 1/4" jacks in addition to 1/8" connections.
Sources (2)
- New Pedals: Folktek Alter Y CV-Controlled Stereo Multi-FX, Delicious Audio, 2021-03-03
- Folktek Alter Y Guitar & Eurorack Effects Pedal, Folktek
