Strymon Ultraviolet Vintage Vibe

The Strymon UltraViolet Vintage Vibe is a compact digital chorus and vibrato pedal that meticulously recreates the sound of the classic 1960s Shin-Ei Uni-Vibe, while adding modern features and flexibility.

It is designed to capture the "gooey swirl" and unique, throbbing modulation of the original photocell-based circuit.

Key Features

• Core Sound: A hyper-accurate, all-new digital algorithm that models the complete optical circuit, including the interplay between the Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO), the virtual light bulb, and the light-dependent resistors.

• Three Modulation Modes (MODE Switch):

  • Chorus (50/50 Mix): The classic Uni-Vibe sound, mixing the dry signal with the phase-shifted signal for maximum depth and the signature "whooshing" effect.

  • Vibrato (100% Wet): Only the phase-shifted signal is heard, creating a frequency-dependent pitch-vibrato effect.

  • Blend (70/30 Mix - New): A dry-dominant setting (70% dry / 30% wet) for a more subtle, less intrusive motion that is unique to the UltraViolet.

• Three Bias Settings (BIAS Switch - New): This control is a major innovation, allowing you to select the center frequency of the LFO sweep, which drastically alters the pedal's voice and character:

  • Low: Centers the sweep around lower frequencies, providing a more pulsing, squarish waveform well-suited for tremolo-like effects.

  • Mid: Optimized for a balanced, classic vibe effect the sweet spot for authentic '60s tones (e.g., Jimi Hendrix).

  • High: Centers the sweep around higher frequencies, resulting in a smoother, wider sweep that is great for sounds evocative of certain Pink Floyd tones.

• Controls: Dedicated knobs for Speed, Intensity (depth of the sweep), and Volume (with up to a $+4\text{dB}$ boost available).

Modern Connectivity and Functionality

• Presets: Stores up to 300 user-defined presets.

• MIDI: Full MIDI implementation via a TRS jack or the USB-C port, allowing for remote control, parameter automation, and preset recall.

• I/O: TRS Stereo Input and Output for running in mono, mono-to-stereo, or full stereo setups.

• Bypass: Switchable between true bypass (relay-based) and buffered bypass (with an option for trails/spillover).

• Preamp: Features a discrete Class A JFET analog input preamp for exceptional touch sensitivity and dynamics.

• Expression/MIDI: The TRS EXP/MIDI jack can be used for an expression pedal to control any combination of knobs, or for an external tap tempo switch.