The Empress Queen of Delay
The Empress Echosystem Delay is a state-of-the-art delay pedal built for the 21st century. Spanning roughly 42 different delay algorithms, this pedal renders classic sounds like digital, tape, analog, reverb, and reverse delay in immaculate hi-fidelity (especially when run in stereo). Where it really shines, however, is via a wide arsenal of modern algorithms that range from washy, ambient, and modulated to downright experimental — there’s filtered, multi, ambient, stutter, and lo-fi delay modes just to name a few. Parameters are infinitely tweakable with knobs for output, mix, tone, feedback and delay time/ratio, and two variable “Thing” knobs that change function depending on the mode. For double the trouble, the Empress Echosystem also features a powerful Dual Engine that lets you stack any two delays together in parallel, series, or left/right stereo. The result is limitless but immaculately rendered delay options for modern players. But don’t worry: the Empress allows up to 35 presets, so no matter how crazy your settings get, you can always find your way back via instant recall!
Related Videos: Echosystem Dual Engine Delay Pedal
From tape to stutter: 42 algorithms and counting
The Empress Echosystem Delay interface is clean and efficient with a treasure trove of options beneath the hood. The 12 surface-level algorithms you see on the control panel packs a core palette of classic and experimental delays, and many of these contain alternate voicings for a grand total of 42 algorithms onboard. Explore mathematical digital delay, dark warm analog, saturated tape, haunting reverse, oscillating modulation, and more. Sub-options augment core tones with innovative tweaks: turn digital mode into a stereo ping-pong effect with deep spatial movement across speakers; choose between six versatile ambient modes for the perfect wash; and scramble lo-fi mode into “Digital Death” for rich lo-fi trails that sound ripped from an 8-bit video game. And that’s just a few of the meticulously crafted options you’ll find onboard!
Stack tones with Dual Engine
The Empress Echosystem Delay's Dual Engine functionality means that any two delay algorithms can be stacked together for incredible results and intriguing depth. When running Dual Engine, you control the routing of each delay. Choose between parallel, series or stereo left/right routing for immersive interplay with unique results.
Store up to 35 presets — you’re going to need them!
Let’s be real: a customizable delay pedal does little good without a way to store and recall those favorite settings. The Empress Echosystem delay stores up to 35 presets that are easy to access using an intuitive navigation system. Scroll through groups of five presets using the center scroll footswitch; LED lights change colors once you reach a new set of five, so it’s easy to know where you’re at in your bank. Simply press the left footswitch to choose your preset, and you’re off the to races. Sweetwater pedal hawks like this preset system; it’s simple and intuitive but doesn’t require any fragile screens that might become a point of failure down the line. But if you’d like to try out other preset layouts, you can customize navigation via the pedal’s advanced settings for even more flexibility.
Countless ways to connect and control
The Empress Echosystem’s controls excel in their own right, but what’s really impressed Sweetwater pedal sharks is its many external control options. You can connect an expression pedal to swell effects dynamically in real time, add an external tap tempo footswitch for tempo control from a distance, connect it to MIDI, external audio control, or even control the pedal’s voltage for big tone tweaks on the fly. There’s even a built-in cab sim with three modes, which is great for recording, gigs, or practicing without an amp. For simplicity, all connections run through standard instrument cable inputs. Last but not least, the Empress Echosystem Delay runs on powerful firmware that’s updated periodically with new algorithms and effects. Installing fresh firmware is simple and easy: just use download the proper files and load them in via SD card using the Empress Echosystem’s built-in slot. This way, you can get the latest software without having to shell out for an entirely new unit.
Empress Echosystem Delay Pedal Features:
- 12 core delay algorithms, with multiple variations for a total of 42 current algorithms on current firmware
- Classic delay modes: digital, tape, analog, modulated, reverse, and reverb
- More experimental and ambient options for unique and refreshing sounds: multi, filter, ambient, stutter, lo-fi, and whisky
- Dual Engine functionality: use any 2 delay algorithms simultaneously, routed in parallel, series or stereo left/right
- Tone, feedback, mix, output, and ratio controls for tweaking sounds to your liking
- Thing 1 and Thing 2 knobs for variable tweaking depending on the selected mode
- Save up to 35 presets for convenient recall — never lose a perfect tone again!
- Preset system uses color-shifting LEDs for high-vis navigation that gets you where you need to be
- Global tap tempo and knob tempo controls allow an endless amount of rhythmic programming
- Built-in cab sim with 3 modes — great for recording, gigs, or practicing without an amp!
- Stereo output option with isolated transformer that eliminates pesky hum and ground loops
- Universal control port: connect an expression pedal, external tap tempo switch, voltage control tools, MIDI, or external audio input
- Advanced controls menu allows true/buffered bypass switching, alternate preset navigation, MIDI configuration, input signal pads, and more
- Updateable firmware support from Empress (future firmware updates must be installed via SD card)
