The NativeAudio Aakii is a mono chorus/vibrato pedal offering two distinct modulated effects in one box. NativeAudio describes its range as "from a lush and aquatic chorus to a thick and syrupy vibrato, Aakii provides a range of vintage and modern modulated tones."1 It sits in the same family as the company's earlier Pretty Bird Woman chorus/vibrato, and it fits alongside other modulation effects such as chorus pedals and vibrato pedals.
Chorus to vibrato with a Mix control
The Aakii's central feature is its Mix control, which NativeAudio says "blends between chorus and vibrato for a mixture of modulated voicings."1 Rather than choosing one effect or the other, the control lets you set any point between a chorus voicing and a vibrato voicing, including blends of the two. Both effects are part of the same design: NativeAudio describes the pedal as having "two distinct modulated effects: chorus and vibrato."1
The bypass switch: latching or momentary
The bypass switch works in two modes, and which one you get depends on how you press it1:
- Latching: press and release the switch quickly to toggle the effect on and off, as with a conventional pedal.
- Momentary: hold the switch while the effect is off to temporarily turn the effect on, and release it to turn the effect off.1
The momentary mode is useful for dipping into vibrato or chorus for a single note or phrase without leaving it engaged1.
Power and practical details
The Aakii runs on 9VDC through a 2.1mm center negative connector, the standard for most pedalboard supplies, and draws 80mA.1 Its footprint is 2.6" wide by 4.77" long.1
At 80mA, the Aakii needs a supply output rated for at least that current. A low-current daisy chain output shared with other pedals may not be enough.
The name
NativeAudio explains the name directly: "Aakii (ah-gee) is the Blackfeet translation meaning woman. Aakii honors my grandmother who was given the birth name, Pretty Bird Woman."1 The company describes Aakii as a limited edition, named for the Blackfeet word meaning woman in honor of the founder's grandmother.1
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Questions
Is the NativeAudio Aakii analog or digital?
NativeAudio describes the Aakii's circuit design as digital with analog bypass. The modulation itself is processed digitally, while the bypass path keeps the signal analog when the effect is switched off.
Does the NativeAudio Aakii have buffered or true bypass?
The Aakii uses buffered bypass switching, according to NativeAudio's product page. That means the signal passes through a buffer when the effect is off, which can help drive longer cable runs.
What power supply does the NativeAudio Aakii need?
The Aakii runs on 9VDC through a 2.1mm center negative connector and draws 80mA. Use a supply that can deliver that current rather than relying on a low-output daisy chain output.
What does Aakii mean?
Aakii, pronounced ah-gee, is the Blackfeet word meaning woman. NativeAudio says the name honors founder Mike Trombley's grandmother, who was given the birth name Pretty Bird Woman.
Is the NativeAudio Aakii mono or stereo?
The Aakii is a mono pedal. NativeAudio lists its output audio as mono, so it takes a single input and returns a single output to the amp or the next pedal.
Sources (1)
- NativeAudio: Native-owned effect pedal company, NativeAudio (www.nativeaudio.com)
