Some models of guitar pedals that apply modulations to the guitar sound can create similar effects if not installed correctly, and therefore can be confused by less experienced listeners; these are the vibrato and tremolo effects.
It is important to know in detail the differences between these effects so that they can be used to the maximum in the pedalboard setup. Their parameters and considerations will be described separately below to better understand them.
Parameters of a tremolo effects pedal
Tremolo pedals are widely known for their programmable volume control, these effects pedals allow you to create interesting shapes for the final sound by playing with the amplitude of the signal in conjunction with other parameters. This modulation can be adjusted using three basic parameters:
-
Speed:
Adjusts the amount of time in milliseconds that an oscillation takes, so fast or slow speeds can modify the naturalness of the sound as desired.
-
Depth:
It is the amount of adjustment applied to the signal, with great intensity, a dynamic effect can be created in addition to other source modulations to a complex signal.
-
Wave:
This is the type of effect shape applied, on some models, it may simply be a sine wave control slider in a square form while on others there may be more waveforms.
More sophisticated models feature parameters such as frequency sweeps, mix level, expression pedal, and chorus mix.
Parameters of a vibrato effects pedal
Vibrato pedals are more notorious modulations because they vary the harmonic frequency of the note that is being played, these pedals are an important part in creating complex sounds that can be coupled with other modulations to obtain shapes more characteristic of a particular sound. Among the main parameters used by these effects are:
-
Speed:
The speed in which the volume of the final stage varies, this can vary in each model since some cannot compensate for losses in the amplitude of the signal when applying the effect.
-
Depth/Intensity:
The amplitude in which the processed volume varies, this effect applied intensely can be interpreted as “doubles” at a greater intensity with slight delays.
-
Wave:
The behavior of the effect is common as a sine shape that gradually increases and decreases the amplitude of the signal, but with other shapes that create complex and interesting effects, taking their name from there.
Modern models feature even more precise settings as well as the combination of other effects and control pedals to synchronize with time and apply effects as you play.
Although these effect pedals can be combined with each other and with other effects, their modulations are very specific and therefore they can create shapes over time that allow better characterization with styles more typical of indie or progressive music. Namely, musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, and Steve Ray Vaughan used these effects to obtain their own sound that was able to mark generations and maintain interest in the use of these effects today.
