The Matthews Effects Conductor V2 is an optical tremolo pedal, presented by the company's Rick Matthews at the Delicious Audio Stompbox Booth1. It is a tap tempo tremolo with selectable waveforms, plus inputs for external tap and expression control1.
What it does
As a tremolo, the Conductor V2 modulates the volume of your signal at a set speed and depth, from what Matthews describes as "light flutter to wavering pulse" at the top of the Depth control1. Being an optical design, it uses an internal light-based element to shape the gain rather than a mechanical or digital one1. The Wave control selects six unique wave forms, which Matthews says give "a variety of undulating textures"1.
Controls, tap tempo and inputs
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Rate | Manually change the speed of the tremolo1 |
| Depth | Controls the strength of the tremolo effect, from light flutter to wavering pulse1 |
| Wave | Select 6 unique wave forms for a variety of undulating textures1 |
| Tap Division | Select 6 tap divisions to keep you right on time1 |
| Ramp Time | Controls the time it takes for the Conductor to change its tap speed, from 0 to 10 seconds1 |
| Gain | Controls the output volume to compensate for any perceived loss of volume at higher depths1 |
The tap tempo system is the pedal's centrepiece. There is an onboard tap switch, and an external tap input of the Normally Open type for a separate footswitch1. Six tap divisions let the tremolo lock to the tapped tempo at different note values1.
Ramp Time is the control that sets the Conductor apart from most tap tremolos: rather than snapping to a new tempo, the pedal takes between 0 and 10 seconds to arrive at the new tap speed, depending on where the knob is set1. The Gain knob then lets you make up any perceived volume drop at high depth settings1.
For external control, the expression input is compatible with a Moog EP-3 or similar expression pedals1. If you are shopping for one, see Expression Pedals.
History and versions
The V2, shown at NAMM, goes beyond updated graphics: it offers six waveforms where the original had fewer, plus onboard tap, external tap and expression inputs1. Matthews Effects' Rick Matthews came in person to the Stompbox Booth to present it1.
The Conductor V2 came from Matthews Effects' Rick Matthews, who appeared in person at the Stompbox Booth to demonstrate the new version. Beyond updated graphics, the V2's Wave switch offers six unique wave forms for a variety of undulating textures, giving players more shape options than a standard tremolo's single waveform1.
For other tremolo designs, see Tremolo Pedals.
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Questions
Is the Matthews Conductor V2 true bypass?
Yes. The Conductor V2 uses soft-touch true-bypass switching, so when the pedal is off your guitar's signal passes through without going through the tremolo circuit. Matthews Effects pairs this with the onboard footswitch and the tap division selection, so the pedal can sit on a board and stay in time with the rest of the rig while leaving the dry tone untouched when engaged off.
What expression pedal works with the Conductor V2?
The Conductor V2 has an external expression input that is compatible with the Moog EP-3 or similar expression pedals. Plugging one in gives you external control over the pedal, alongside its external tap input, which is a Normally Open type. Players who want to sweep the effect with their foot while playing can use any expression pedal of that type.
What does the Ramp Time knob do on the Conductor?
Ramp Time controls the time it takes for the Conductor to change its tap speed, over a range of 0 to 10 seconds. Instead of jumping instantly to a new tempo when you tap, the pedal eases into it, which is useful for tempo shifts within a song. At 0 the change is immediate; turned up, the speed change happens gradually.
What changed from the original Conductor to the V2?
Version 2 includes more than just updated graphics. The improved Conductor brings additional wave forms and subdivisions, plus onboard tap, external tap and expression inputs. The original Conductor, launched in 2015, was a tap tempo tremolo with four waveforms and a clean boost, retailing for $250.
Does the Conductor V2 have external tap tempo?
Yes. Alongside the onboard tap tempo, the Conductor V2 has an external tap input of the Normally Open type, so a separate tap switch can be connected. It also has six tap divisions to choose from, keeping the tremolo in time with the song at different note values.
Sources (1)
- Matthews Effects, Delicious Audio, 2018-02-02
