Kernom Elipse

The Kernom Elipse is a multi-modulation pedal that puts the classic modulation effects in one box: chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, vibrato, uni-vibe and rotary speaker, plus hybrid sounds in between. Kernom describes it as an "analog modulation beast with digital brain": the audio path is analog, while a digital control layer reshapes the modulation¹. It is the third pedal in Kernom's Dynamic Mood Morphing Analog Series, following the Ridge and Moho, and was launched at the NAMM show in January 2025².

The idea that sets it apart is the MOOD knob. Instead of a mode switch with fixed algorithms, MOOD is a continuous control that morphs between effects, so classic sounds sit at defined positions and the space between them holds hybrid combinations¹. Pedal of the Day's reviewer called this seamless morphing the pedal's innovative core, letting you "select classic effects at specific positions or discover entirely new hybrid sounds in between"³.

An analog modulation pedal with a digital brain

Under the hood, the Elipse is not a conventional BBD, OTA or VCA design. Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson described it as a patented hybrid circuit combining an analog stage with AD and DA conversion, biasing, equalization and filtering, plus a substantial dual digital control layer, calling it "very much its own innovation"⁴. Kernom's own technical pages explain it as a nonlinear analog circuit combined with a digital memory stage that extends and enhances BBD-style modulation: the analog stage provides warmth and movement, while the digital control layer enables MOOD reshaping across the modulation⁷.

The build is solid for the price. The pedal measures 11.2 cm deep x 16.4 cm wide x 5.2 cm tall (4.4 inches deep x 6.5 inches wide x 2 inches tall) and weighs 850 g (1,8 lbs)¹. Kernom's product page lists it at a regular price of £289.00¹.

The MOOD knob's positions, as Kernom lays them out, group the effects like this¹:

Guitar World's review notes the logic of the ordering: the rotary effect sits between tremolo and chorus because it shares elements of both sounds, with chorus, vibrato and flanger adjacent, and the vibe next to the phaser⁵. Reviewers found each region does its job: Pedal of the Day described chorus and vibrato running "from subtle warmth to massive, wide stereo-like effects," flanger and phaser modes nailing "jet-engine swooshes & rich, evolving movement," the rotary mode capturing "the iconic Leslie swirl, perfect for blues & organ-like texture," and the vibe selection giving "classic 60s warble with extra dimension"³.

One limitation worth knowing: the audio input is mono, and Guitar Pedal X flagged that "the one weakness with this device is that the Rotary Speaker is not in stereo"².

The controls

The Elipse keeps the knob count low, with each control doing defined work¹:

The SHAPE control has more depth than a typical waveform switch. Guitar Pedal X describes it as a combination of sine and triangle waves with pulse width modulation: counter-clockwise gives a sharper, narrower pulse width, the middle is a balance of the waveforms, and clockwise is smoother and wider⁴.

SWIRL is the control that pushes the Elipse past stock modulation sounds. Because its second stage adds drive, the pedal can layer grit under chorus or flanger, something a pure modulation pedal cannot do. For players coming from single-effect pedals, see the flanger, phaser and tremolo pages for how those circuits work on their own¹.

Presets, MIDI and expression morphing

The Elipse has one onboard preset, reachable from a dedicated footswitch, so you always have two sounds available at your feet. Beyond that, 128 presets are accessible via MIDI¹.

The rear panel carries the connections: mono audio in, audio out, an expression pedal input, MIDI in and out on 1/8" jacks, and the 9V DC power socket². Kernom specifies a type A mini jack TRS MIDI cable for MIDI connections¹. MIDI gives full control over all the parameters¹, which puts the pedal in the same category as other MIDI pedals for players running a programmed board.

The expression input is where the pedal gets playful. Kernom describes it as letting you "morph between two presets in real time for ultimate live expression"¹. Pedal of the Day's reviewer found this the most engaging part of the pedal:

For players who use one, the expression pedal becomes a live performance control here rather than a simple parameter sweep: rocking it transitions between two complete modulation settings¹.

Power

The Elipse runs on a standard 9V DC center negative pedal supply, which is not included with the pedal¹. Kernom's product page rates it at 150mA minimum with 200mA or more recommended¹, and the maker's support documentation specifies 250mA or higher⁸. The pedal is protected against power supply inversion, so a polarity mistake will not damage it⁹.

What reviewers said

The Elipse launched at $369 / £309 / €369, with Kernom noting that custom duties may apply outside the EU⁵. Since then the listed price has come down: Kernom's own product page now shows a regular price of £289.00¹, and guitar.com lists the Elipse at $299⁶. So the current asking price sits below the launch price on both sides of the Atlantic.

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