The ZCAT Q-Mod is a compact digital multi-effects pedal from ZCAT Pedals that puts four modulation effects in one box: chorus, flanger, phaser and tremolo, selected from a single effect type control. On top of the modulation it carries an independent reverb with its own level control, which ZCAT says can be used with or without the other effects1. For a player who wants the main modulation colors on a small pedalboard slot, it gathers them into one die cast aluminum enclosure weighing 200 g1.
The pedal has gone through more than one version. The original Q-Mod offers three bypass modes, buffered bypass, reverb always on, and true bypass, and can run on a 9V battery or a 9V DC supply1. The Q-Mod 2 keeps the same effect set but offers two bypass modes, buffered and true, and drops the battery option, running on a 9V DC supply only2.
What it is and what it does
ZCAT Pedals describes the Q-Mod as "a digital multi-effects processor featuring Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, and Tremolo," with "an independent Reverb effect that can be used with or without other effects"12. In practice that means one knob selects which of the four modulation effects is active, while Depth and Speed shape its intensity and rate, and a separate Reverb Level knob sets the wet level of the reverb1.
The independent reverb is the feature that separates it from a plain modulation pedal. On the original Q-Mod, a reverb always on mode keeps the reverb in the signal path even when the modulation is switched out, so the pedal can act as a standalone reverb with the modulation bypassed1. The Q-Mod 2 keeps the independent reverb but drops the always on bypass option, offering buffered or true bypass instead2.
For background on each effect family, see the pages on chorus pedals, flanger pedals, phaser pedals, tremolo pedals and reverb pedals.
Controls and bypass
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Effect type | Selects chorus, flanger, phaser or tremolo1 |
| Depth | Sets the intensity of the modulation1 |
| Speed | Sets the rate of the modulation1 |
| Reverb Level | Sets the level of the independent reverb1 |
The single silent soft-touch footswitch handles the bypassing, and the original pedal's three bypass modes give the player a choice of how it sits in the chain: buffered bypass keeps a buffer active when the effect is off, true bypass disconnects the circuit entirely, and reverb always on leaves the reverb running1. Players comparing bypass approaches can read more on the buffer pedals page.
Power and connections
The original Q-Mod can be powered by a 9V battery or a 9V DC power supply of the standard Boss type, negative tip1. The Q-Mod 2 runs on the 9V DC supply only2. Current draw is 80 to 90 mA at 9V DC1.
A "Blem" version of the original Q-Mod, sold as brand new and under warranty, is also listed on the maker's site3.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Input impedance | 1 M ohms1 |
| Output impedance | 1 k ohms1 |
| Recommended load impedance | 10 kohms or greater1 |
| ADC-DAC HF response (-3dB) | 20Hz to 14 KHz1 |
| THD (1KHz, -1db from clipping) | 0.015 to 0.03%1 |
| Current draw | 80 to 90 mA (DC 9V)1 |
| Dimensions | 72 (W) x 111 (D) x 50 (H) mm1 |
| Weight | 200 g1 |
The 20Hz to 14 KHz frequency response and low THD figures reflect the digital converters in the signal path, which is worth knowing for players who prefer to keep their chain fully analog1.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day reviewed the Q-Mod in a video in January 2015, presented by Kyle, covering the multi-effect and its features5.
What the retail listings show is a price of €159.00 EUR for the pedal4.
Videos
ZCAT Pedals
ZCAT Pedals
All Things Weatherly
Questions
Is the ZCAT Q-Mod analog or digital?
It is digital. ZCAT Pedals describes the Q-Mod as a digital multi-effects processor featuring chorus, flanger, phaser and tremolo, plus an independent reverb effect. Its published specs include an ADC-DAC frequency response of 20Hz to 14 KHz at -3dB.
Does the ZCAT Q-Mod have true bypass?
Yes, true bypass is one of its selectable modes. The original Q-Mod offers three bypass modes: buffered bypass, reverb always on, and true bypass. The Q-Mod 2 offers two: buffered bypass and true bypass.
Can the reverb on the Q-Mod be used on its own?
Yes. ZCAT Pedals states the Q-Mod has an independent reverb effect that can be used with or without the other effects, and the original version adds a reverb always on mode so the reverb keeps running even when the modulation is bypassed.
What effects does the ZCAT Q-Mod include?
It includes four modulation effects, chorus, flanger, phaser and tremolo, selected by an effect type control, plus an independent reverb with its own level control. Depth and speed knobs shape the modulation.
Sources (5)
- ZCAT Q-Mod, ZCAT Pedals
- ZCAT Q-Mod 2, ZCAT Pedals
- ZCAT Q-Mod Blem, ZCAT Pedals
- ZCAT Q-Mod & Q-Mod 2, ZCAT Pedals
- Z.Cat Pedals Q-Mod Multi-Effect, Pedal of the Day, 2015-01-26
