The Spaceman Effects Delta II is a compact harmonic tremolo pedal with an all-analog, high-headroom signal path. Released on October 30, 2022, it was the first compact tremolo in the Portland maker's lineup1. Its central trick is a LAG control that morphs continuously between traditional tremolo and harmonic tremolo, so one knob spans two classic effects.
Where a standard tremolo turns the whole signal up and down, the Delta II splits your guitar into high and low frequency bands and modulates their amplitude in opposite directions. Delicious Audio described the result as "a small form factor harmonic tremolo, with smooth organic tone," with "great swirling, phasey tones with endless rhythmic possibilities"1.
What it does: harmonic tremolo that morphs into traditional tremolo
Harmonic tremolo is achieved by splitting the input signal into high and low frequency bands and amplitude modulating them in opposite directions: when the high band swells, the low band dips, and vice versa. Because the two bands trade places rather than dropping together, the effect feels smoother and more swirling than a conventional volume pulse1.
The Delta II's LAG control is what makes it a two-in-one pedal. It introduces a variable offset between the LFO's dual outputs, adjustable from 0 to 180 degrees out of phase. At one end of the range the two modulation outputs move together, giving traditional tremolo; at the other they move in opposition, giving full harmonic tremolo; everywhere in between is a blend of the two1.
The controls and voice modes
The VOICE toggle offers three signal path modulation options, choosing which parts of the split signal get modulated1:
| Voice mode | What it does |
|---|---|
| High & Dry | Modulates the high band only, highlighting top-end shimmer, clarity and bite2 |
| High & Low | Modulates both bands, a more liquid tonality useful for swirling phasey sounds2 |
| Low & Dry | Modulates the low band only, excelling at dark throbbing low-end presence2 |
Spaceman says exploration of the DEPTH, FREQ, and RES controls will "unearth filtery stabs, slithering vibrato, or robotic rhythms"2. The RES control shapes the resonance of the filter split, and with DEPTH at minimum the filter acts as a fixed filter for tone shaping, so the pedal can serve as a subtle EQ even with the tremolo effectively off1.
Power and connections
The Delta II runs on 9 to 18V DC, negative center, through a 2.1mm jack, and Spaceman describes it as 18V capable for high-headroom use cases21. The higher voltage range suits players who want maximum clean range from the analog circuit.
The EXP/CV input is a 0-5V DC TRS jack with over-voltage and reverse-voltage protection2. It works with an expression pedal or a control voltage source and can be assigned to control either Depth or Rate1, so you can sweep tremolo intensity or speed in real time. Input resistance is 1 megohm2.
Spaceman Effects describes the Delta II as a high headroom, all analog signal path with expanded tone shaping abilities1. The pedal sits in a cast-aluminum enclosure with a durable, engraved vinyl faceplate and jewel indicator light1.
How the circuit works
The signal path is all analog and optical. The input signal is buffered, then flows into a 2-pole state-variable filter that performs the frequency range split. The high-pass, low-pass, and dry signals are then routed into the tremolo portion, where optical elements amplitude-modulate the bands in opposite directions21. The dual LFO design is what enables both harmonic and traditional tremolo sounds from one pedal2.
Where it came from
The Delta II comes from Spaceman Effects, and the company describes it as a high headroom, all analog signal path with expanded tone shaping abilities1. Physically, it is built in a cast-aluminum enclosure topped with a durable, engraved vinyl faceplate and a jewel indicator light1.
The line has since continued in a more pedalboard-friendly direction. The Delta II Cadet carries the same harmonic tremolo circuit into the Cadet Series, which Spaceman describes as repeatable, SMD-based designs with consistent availability, accessible pricing, and everyday reliability2.
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Questions
Is the Spaceman Delta II true bypass?
Yes. It uses true-bypass relay switching with a soft-touch footswitch, so your signal passes around the circuit when the pedal is bypassed1.
Can I run the Spaceman Delta II at 18V?
Yes. The pedal is 18V capable for high-headroom use cases, with a 9 to 18V DC input range, negative center, via a 2.1mm jack21.
What is the difference between harmonic tremolo and regular tremolo?
Regular tremolo modulates the volume of the entire signal at once. Harmonic tremolo splits the signal into high and low bands and modulates their amplitude in opposite directions, producing a smoother, phasey, swirling character1.
Where is the Spaceman Delta II made?
It is hand-wired and built in Portland, Oregon, in a cast-aluminum enclosure with an engraved vinyl faceplate and jewel indicator light1.
Does the Delta II work with an expression pedal?
Yes. The Exp In jack accepts an expression pedal or CV source and can control either Depth or Rate1.
Sources (2)
- Spaceman Effects Delta II Tremolo, Delicious Audio, 2022-10-30
- Delta II Cadet: Harmonic Tremolo, Spaceman Effects
