The Thermion Breathe is a compact multi-effects pedal that packs three tools into one box: an analog-style tap delay, a dual reverb, and a clean boost of up to 15dB1. Thermion describes the delay as delivering "rich, warm repeats" and the dual reverb as offering "lush, natural room sounds," with the boost providing "up to 15dB of pure, transparent gain"1. The reverb section is built around the Zero Amp reverb, run in a dual setup1.
It is a mono pedal, one input and one output, aimed at players who want delay, reverb and a boost on a single pedalboard footprint. RockBoard's PedalPedia listing calls its compact footprint "a perfect fit for both pedalboards and studio rigs"2.
What it does: delay, reverb and boost
The Breathe's three sections each have their own controls and switching. The delay is a tap tempo delay with a variable multiplier, a Delay Time knob with a maximum of 800ms, a Delay Mix knob, Delay Feedback/Repeats, and a Character switch offering Normal and Bright settings13. The Delay Mode switch selects between Trails and Active, so repeats can fade out naturally after bypassing rather than cutting off3.
The reverb side has a Reverb Type knob for selecting the reverb type, and a Reverb Mode switch choosing between Stay On and Active23. Stay On keeps an always-on reverb mix running, which Thermion positions for rhythm playing1. A Mix knob sets the overall mix, and a Boost Level knob sets the boost level2.
Three footswitches control the pedal: a Reverb Footswitch, a Delay Footswitch, and a combined Tap/Boost Footswitch3.
| Section | Controls | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Delay | Delay Time (800ms max), Delay Mix, Delay Feedback/Repeats, Character (Normal/Bright) | Tap tempo with variable multiplier; Mode switch Trails/Active13 |
| Reverb | Reverb Type, Mix | Mode switch Stay On/Active; Stay On gives always-on reverb mix123 |
| Boost | Boost Level | Up to 15dB of clean boost12 |
On the boost amount, Thermion's own product page describes the clean boost as cutting through with up to 15dB of pure, transparent gain1, and its listing elsewhere sums the pedal up as three pedals in one: a +15dB clean boost, an analog style tap delay and a dual reverb3.
Power and connections
The Breathe runs on 9V DC, center negative, through a standard 2.1mm DC jack, with a maximum current consumption of 350mA13. That draw is well above what a typical small analog pedal uses, so it needs a power supply or an isolated output rated for it rather than a battery.
At 350mA maximum draw, the Breathe should be powered from a supply output rated for at least that current. Daisy-chaining it with several other digital or hybrid pedals on a single low-current output can cause problems.
Signal connections are mono: one input, one output, with input impedance above 1MΩ and output impedance below 1kΩ13. Despite being true bypass, the pedal also carries a buffered preamp, which RockBoard's listing says keeps the tone clear whether the pedal is on or off2.
Where it came from
Guitar Pedal X reported in November 2024 that the Breathe "evolved I believe as a much requested companion pedal to Thermion's potent Zero and Freeway floor-based amps"3. The Zero Amp reverb inside it comes from that lineage, run here in a dual setup1. RockBoard's PedalPedia listing adds that the pedal was "Born from firsthand feedback by Thermion's artist crew," whose input shaped the final design2.
The pedal was available to order from the Thermion Webstore as of November 20243.
What reviewers said
Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson covered the Breathe when it launched, highlighting the three-in-one format of "+15dB Clean boost, Analog style Tap Delay and Dual Reverb" and calling it "super handy"3. On usability, he found the layout especially clear:
"Everything is very clearly and obviously marked on the surface of the pedal - and it is therefore a highly intuitive and"
He also noted the mono input/output as a characteristic of the device, something stereo-seeking players should weigh before choosing it3.
Videos
Thermion
Guitarristas
Tone Chase Basement
Questions
Is the Thermion Breathe stereo?
No. The Breathe is a mono input/output device, with one input and one output. Players looking for stereo delay or reverb spreads will need a different pedal. Its input impedance is greater than 1MΩ and its output impedance is under 1kΩ.
What is the maximum delay time on the Thermion Breathe?
The delay time goes up to 800ms, set with the Delay Time knob or tapped in with the tap tempo footswitch, which also offers a variable multiplier. The delay section has its own Delay Mix knob plus Delay Feedback/Repeats and a Character switch with Normal and Bright settings.
What does Stay On mode do on the Thermion Breathe?
Stay On is a reverb mode that keeps an always-on reverb mix running, which Thermion positions as useful for rhythm playing. The Reverb Mode switch selects between Stay On and Active, so the reverb can either run permanently or engage only when switched in.
Does the Thermion Breathe have delay trails?
Yes. The Delay Mode switch offers a Trails setting alongside Active, so repeats can continue to fade out naturally after the delay is bypassed rather than cutting off abruptly.
Is the Thermion Breathe true bypass?
Yes, the Breathe is true bypass, and RockBoard's PedalPedia listing also describes a buffered preamp that keeps the tone clear whether the pedal is on or off. It runs on 9V DC center negative power at up to 350mA, so it needs a proper power supply rather than a battery.
Sources (3)
- Breathe - Thermion, Thermion
- Breathe by Thermion, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-11-07