The SolidGoldFX Stutterbox is an all-analog optical tremolo pedal built in Montreal, Quebec, announced September 10, 2012. SolidGoldFX describes it as relying on a light source and photocell to create what the company calls a "mesmerizing and throbbing effect reminiscent of our favorite vintage tube amps," with a proprietary tap tempo microprocessor on top1. It is a tremolo pedal aimed at players who want amp-style pulsing plus modern timing control.
How it works and how it is controlled
The Stutterbox is an optical design: the tremolo effect is produced by a light source and photocell shaping the analog signal, the approach SolidGoldFX points to vintage tube amps for1. The tap tempo microprocessor sets the timing, and the rate can be set three ways: the speed knob, an expression pedal, or the tap foot-switch, which SolidGoldFX says gives greater accuracy1.
The controls:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Speed | Sets the tremolo rate; can be overridden by expression pedal or tap1 |
| Tap foot-switch | Taps in the rate, with 1x, 2x, and 4x tap multiplier settings1 |
| Mode | Three waveform settings (sine, square, sweep) plus eight rhythmic patterns and accents1 |
| Tone | Dials in texture1 |
| Gain | Dials in output2 |
The Mode knob is what separates the Stutterbox from a basic tremolo. Alongside sine, square, and sweep waveforms, it carries eight rhythmic patterns and accents, so the pedal can move from a smooth amp-style pulse to choppy, gated rhythms1.
Power
The pedal runs on a 9V battery or a 9V DC adapter4, through a standard 2.1mm input jack1. Premier Guitar's announcement notes the jack is rated 9 to 18V DC1.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar's reviewer highlighted the dual-speed capability: "The inclusion of switchable, dual-speed modulation makes the pedal capable of fast, radical switches that tremolo-equipped amps and most standard pedals aren't capable of"4.
Guitar Interactive Magazine quoted the maker on the design intent: "Our goal was to build a natural sounding tremolo with innovative new features"2.
Delicious Audio reported in December 2012 that SolidGoldFX had relaunched the Stutterbox, alongside its Apollo phaser, less than a couple of months after the original release3.
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Questions
Does the SolidGoldFX Stutterbox run on a 9V battery?
Yes. Premier Guitar's review notes the unit is powered by a 9V battery or a 9V DC adapter. The pedal also provides a standard 2.1mm DC input jack, so it works with the usual center-negative pedalboard power supplies as well as battery power.
Is the Stutterbox true bypass?
Yes. SolidGoldFX's announcement describes the Stutterbox as having true bypass switching, which the company says rounds out the package. With true bypass, the pedal's circuit is removed from the signal path entirely when it is off.
What waveforms and rhythm patterns does the Stutterbox have?
The Mode knob offers three distinct waveform settings, sine, square, and sweep, along with eight different rhythmic patterns and accents. That combination lets you go from a classic amp-style pulse to choppy, rhythmic gating.
Can you control the Stutterbox tremolo rate with an expression pedal?
Yes. According to SolidGoldFX's announcement, the tremolo rate can be set using the speed knob, controlled by an expression pedal, or tapped in via the tap foot-switch. The tap foot-switch also has 1x, 2x, and 4x multiplier settings.
Is the SolidGoldFX Stutterbox analog?
Yes. SolidGoldFX describes it as an all-analog tremolo that relies on a light source and photocell to create its effect, the same optical approach used in vintage tube amp tremolo circuits. The tap tempo microprocessor handles timing only, not the audio path.
Sources (4)
- SolidGoldFX Announces New Stutterbox Tap Tempo Tremolo, Premier Guitar, 2012-09-10
- SolidGoldFX New Stutterbox Tap Tempo Tremolo, Guitar Interactive Magazine, 2012-09-11
- SolidGoldFx's Electroman Delay, Delicious Audio, 2012-12-31
- SolidGoldFX Stutterbox Tremolo Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2011-07-05
