Built upon the same proprietary DSP architecture as the smash-hit Avalanche Run, Pyramids is a Stereo Flanging Device with five user-definable presets, eight flanger modes, tap tempo, tap subdivision via the Rate & Tap mini-toggle, a multifunction Modify control, positive and negative Feedback, and a variable Mix control, which is something you don't see on a flanger every day.
Pyramids has six knobs, three switches, two footswitches, and five jacks. Pyramids' "Activate" footswitch features EarthQuaker Devices' exclusive Flexi-Switch technology. This relay-based true-bypass switching platform allows for momentary or latching operation, making it easier than ever to engage the effect to bedazzle individual notes or phrases! For standard latching operation, tap the footswitch to activate the effect and tap again to bypass. For momentary operation, simply hold down the footswitch for as long as you'd like to use the effect. Release the footswitch to bypass.
Pyramids' eight flanger modes are:
- Classic: delivers the "classic" (duh) jet-plane liquid-silk flanging sound we all know and love. In this mode, Pyramids recreates the studio-quality sounds of old-school ADT (automatic double tracking) as heard on timeless recordings by those fabulous mop-tops from England (you know which ones) and on the most ripping double-tracked riffs to come from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
- Through-Zero: provides authentic tape-style flanging without all the calibration, biasing, demagnetizing of heads, and so on that a real tape machine - two of em, actually - requires. Use Through-Zero Mode to achieve intensified, swirling, dramatic phase cancellation and comb-filtering effects in stereo!
- Barber Pole Up: infinitely sweeping upward flanging effect with no discernable beginning, middle, or end creating an "endless circular staircase" effect derived from the Shephard Tone auditory illusion popularized in television, video games, and film.
- Barber Pole Down: infinitely sweeping downward flanging effect with no discernable beginning, middle, or end creating an "endless circular staircase" effect derived from the Shephard Tone auditory illusion popularized in television, video games, and film.
- Trigger Up: In this mode, Pyramids provides an infinitely upward sweeping flanger that restarts the flange cycle with each new pick attack or by pressing the Tap/Trigger footswitch.
- Trigger Down: In this mode, Pyramids provides an infinitely downward sweeping flanger that restarts the flange cycle with each new pick attack or by pressing the Tap/Trigger footswitch.
- Step: sweeps up and down in stepped increments, producing a rhythmic flange effect similar to an arpeggiator and/or sequencer on a synth instrument.
- Random: sweeps up and down in random intervals, creating a chaotic flange effect similar to a synthesizer or envelope filter's "sample & hold" function.
To accommodate any input source, Pyramids includes stereo input and outputs which allow for a variety of routing options onstage or in the studio. Routing possibilities include:
• Mono in / Mono out
• Mono in / Stereo out
• Stereo in / Stereo out
In addition, Pyramids' Trigger Up/Down modes allow for Side Chain Flanging, in which an external control source (drum machine, sequencer, CV) may be used to trigger the flanger while you play another instrument! In this configuration, the primary instrument is routed through the Right Input and Right Output while the control source is patched into the Left Input. Also, Pyramids' Manual control may be modulated in all modes via expression pedal (sold separately).
Listen to Pyramids on Soundcloud.
Power Requirements
• Current Draw: 425mA
• For best results, please use the included 9v center-negative 1-amp DC power supply.
• To use with multiple output transformer-balanced isolated pedal-specific power supplies, Pyramids may be powered from two outlets combined using a current-doubling cable. DO NOT USE A VOLTAGE-DOUBLING CABLE BECAUSE THAT WILL SEND 18V TO PYRAMIDS AND FRY IT LIKE AN OVEREASY EGG AT A GREAZY SPOON DINER.
Tech Specs
• 24-bit 96kHz A/D & D/A converters
• S/N Ratio: 115dB typical
• Input Impedance: 1M Ohm
• Output Impedance: 100 Ohm
• All analog dry signal path
• All digital wet signal path with 20Hz - 20 kHz frequency response
• PCBs populated by a combination of artificial and human intelligence in the Akron, Ohio of America.
• Each and every Pyramids is completely assembled, wired, and tested by total human beans in the Great Sphinx of Akron, Ohio, which, coincidentally, looks exactly like the cover of Iron Maiden's Powerslave.