Strymon Volante Magnetic Echo Machine Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Strymon Volante is a magnetic echo machine designed to deliver a wide range of vintage delay effects. It features three distinct echo engines: Drum echo, Tape echo, and Reel-to-Reel studio echo, along with a Sound on Sound looper mode and an onboard spring reverb. This pedal is suitable for electric and acoustic guitars, synthesizers, vocals, and keyboards, offering extensive control over delay parameters and sonic characteristics.

2. Safety Information

• Power Supply: Use only the specified 9V DC power supply with the correct polarity. Using an incorrect power supply can damage the unit and void the warranty.
• Water and Moisture: Do not expose the unit to water or excessive moisture. This can cause electric shock or fire.
• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation around the unit. Do not block ventilation openings.
• Cleaning: Clean the unit with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosols.
• Servicing: Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

3. Package Contents

Upon opening the box, verify that the following items are included:

• Strymon Volante Magnetic Echo Machine pedal
• 9V DC Power Supply (specific to region)
• USB Cable
• Quick Start Guide (this manual provides detailed instructions)

4. Product Overview and Controls

The Volante pedal features a comprehensive set of controls for shaping your echo sounds. Familiarize yourself with the layout below.

Figure 4.1: Top view of the Strymon Volante pedal, showing all knobs, switches, and footswitches.

Top Panel Controls:

• REC LEVEL: Adjusts the input gain for the echo signal. Higher settings introduce more saturation.
• LOW CUT: Filters out low frequencies from the echo repeats.
• MECHANICS: Controls the mechanical integrity of the virtual echo machine, affecting wow, flutter, and other imperfections.
• WEAR: Simulates the degradation of the magnetic medium, adding warmth and character to the repeats.
• TYPE Switch: Selects between Drum, Tape, and Studio echo engines.
• SPEED Switch: Adjusts the playback speed of the echo, affecting delay time (Half, Normal, Double).
• REPEATS: Controls the number of echo repeats.
• ECHO LEVEL: Adjusts the overall volume of the echo repeats.
• SPRING: Controls the level of the onboard spring reverb.
• TIME Playback/Feedback LEDs (1-4): Indicate active playback and feedback heads.
• SPACING Switch: Adjusts the spacing between the virtual playback heads (Even, Triplet, Golden, Silver).

Footswitches:

• ON (Left Footswitch): Toggles the effect on/off. Hold for Reverse.
• FAVORITE (Middle Footswitch): Recalls a saved preset. Hold for Pause (in Sound on Sound mode).
• TAP (Right Footswitch): Taps in the delay tempo. Hold for Splice (in Sound on Sound mode).

Figure 4.2: Rear panel connections of the Strymon Volante, including audio inputs/outputs, expression pedal, USB, MIDI, and power input.

Rear Panel Connections:

• INST/LINE Switch: Selects input level for instrument or line level signals.
• LEFT IN / RIGHT IN: Mono or stereo audio inputs.
• LEFT OUT / RIGHT OUT: Stereo audio outputs.
• EXP: Expression pedal input for real-time control of parameters.
• USB: USB connection for firmware updates and MIDI control.
• MIDI IN / MIDI OUT: Standard MIDI connections for advanced control and synchronization.
• 9VDC: Power input for the included 9V DC power supply.

5. Setup

5.1 Power Connection

1. Ensure the Volante is switched off (if applicable) and all audio connections are made before connecting power.
2. Connect the included 9V DC power supply to the 9VDC input on the rear panel.
3. Plug the power supply into a suitable wall outlet.

5.2 Audio Connections

The Volante supports both mono and stereo operation.

• Mono Setup: Connect your instrument to the LEFT IN jack. Connect the LEFT OUT jack to your amplifier or next pedal.
• Stereo Setup: Connect your stereo source (e.g., another stereo pedal, synth) to the LEFT IN and RIGHT IN jacks. Connect the LEFT OUT and RIGHT OUT jacks to your stereo amplifier setup or audio interface.
• Input Level: Use the INST/LINE switch to match your input signal level. Set to INST for guitar/bass, and LINE for synthesizers or effects loops.

5.3 MIDI and USB Connections (Optional)

• MIDI: Connect MIDI cables from your MIDI controller or interface to the MIDI IN and MIDI OUT jacks for advanced control, preset changes, and synchronization.
• USB: Connect a USB cable from the Volante to your computer for firmware updates and MIDI over USB functionality.

6. Operating Instructions

6.1 Basic Operation

1. Engage the Effect: Press the ON footswitch to activate the delay effect. The LED above the footswitch will illuminate.
2. Select Echo Type: Use the TYPE switch to choose between Drum, Tape, or Studio echo.
3. Adjust Delay Time: The delay time is primarily controlled by the TAP footswitch. Tap it two or more times to set the tempo. The SPEED switch (Half, Normal, Double) further divides or multiplies the tapped tempo.
4. Control Repeats: Turn the REPEATS knob to increase or decrease the number of echo repetitions.
5. Set Echo Level: Use the ECHO LEVEL knob to blend the wet (effected) signal with your dry signal.
6. Add Spring Reverb: Adjust the SPRING knob to introduce the onboard spring reverb.

6.2 Shaping the Echo Tone

• REC LEVEL: For clean echoes, keep this knob lower. Increase it to introduce natural saturation and soft clipping characteristic of magnetic media.
• LOW CUT: Use this to remove muddy low frequencies from your repeats, making them clearer and less intrusive.
• MECHANICS & WEAR: These knobs allow you to dial in the imperfections and character of vintage echo machines. Experiment with them to achieve desired vintage textures.
• SPACING: The SPACING switch alters the rhythmic relationship between the four virtual playback heads.
  • Even: Heads are equally spaced.
  • Triplet: Creates triplet-based rhythms.
  • Golden: Asymmetrical spacing for unique rhythmic patterns.
  • Silver: Another asymmetrical spacing option.

6.3 Sound on Sound Looper Mode

The Volante features a mono Sound on Sound looper mode, inspired by classic tape looping techniques.

1. Engage Looper: Hold the TAP footswitch for approximately 1 second until the LED above it flashes. This enters Sound on Sound mode.
2. Record: The looper automatically starts recording when engaged. Play your phrase.
3. Overdub: After the initial loop is recorded, the looper automatically enters overdub mode. Play additional layers.
4. Stop/Clear: Press the ON footswitch to stop playback. Hold the ON footswitch to clear the loop.
5. Pause: In Sound on Sound mode, hold the FAVORITE footswitch to pause the loop.
6. Splice: In Sound on Sound mode, hold the TAP footswitch to splice the loop, creating a new loop point.
7. Reverse: While the loop is playing, hold the ON footswitch to reverse the loop playback.

6.4 Presets

The Volante allows you to save and recall your favorite settings.

• Saving a Preset: Once you have dialed in your desired sound, press and hold the FAVORITE footswitch until its LED flashes, then release. Your current settings are now saved to the Favorite preset.
• Recalling a Preset: Press the FAVORITE footswitch to instantly recall your saved preset.
• Note: The Volante supports up to 300 presets via MIDI, but only one "Favorite" preset is directly accessible via the footswitch.

7. Advanced Features

7.1 Expression Pedal Control

Connect a standard expression pedal to the EXP jack to control various parameters in real-time. The specific parameter controlled can be configured via secondary functions or MIDI.

7.2 MIDI Implementation

The Volante offers extensive MIDI control for integration into complex setups.

• MIDI Control Change (CC): Most knobs and switches can be controlled via MIDI CC messages.
• Program Change (PC): Access up to 300 presets using MIDI Program Change messages.
• MIDI Clock Sync: Synchronize the delay tempo with external MIDI clock sources.
• Refer to the full MIDI Implementation Chart available on the Strymon website for detailed information.

8. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Wipe the pedal with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and grime. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Storage: Store the pedal in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures when not in use.
• Firmware Updates: Periodically check the Strymon website for firmware updates. Updates can introduce new features or improve performance. Use the USB connection and the Strymon Updater software to perform updates.

9. Troubleshooting

10. Specifications

11. Warranty and Support

11.1 Warranty Information

Strymon products are designed and built to high standards. For detailed warranty information, including coverage period and terms, please refer to the official Strymon website or contact their customer support. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

11.2 Customer Support

If you encounter any issues not covered in this manual or require further assistance, please visit the official Strymon support page or contact their customer service team. You can typically find contact information and FAQs on the Strymon website.

Strymon Website: www.strymon.net