ULTRAVIOLET vintage vibe

Front Panel Controls

MODE

The 3-way toggle switch selects the mix configuration of the dry and wet signals:

• chorus: (left position) combines a 50/50 mix of dry and wet to achieve maximum depth and the classic vibe effect.
• blend: (middle position) combines a 70/30 mix of dry and wet to reduce the depth for a milder effect.
• vibrato: (right position) only the wet signal for a classic, frequency-dependent, phase-vibrato effect.

Diagram shows the MODE switch with positions labeled 'chorus', 'blend', 'vibrato'.

SPEED

Controls the rate of the LFO sweep.

FOOTSWITCH

Engages and disengages the effect. The RED LED on at the top of the pedal indicates that the effect is engaged. ?

NOTE: Press and hold the FOOTSWITCH for 2 seconds to enter Save Mode (see page 23), or to configure Expression Pedal parameter assignments (see page 11). You can optionally configure an external footswitch for TAP or FAVORITE Mode functionality (see page 16).

Front Panel Controls (continued)

LED INDICATOR

Illuminates RED ? to indicate that the effect is engaged. Use the FOOTSWITCH to engage and disengage the effect. Also lights additional colors when configuring Power Up Mode features (see page 8).

BIAS

The 3-way toggle switch sets the center point of the LFO for a range of vibe experiences:

• low: (left position) the sweep is centered around lower frequencies for a pulsing vibe effect.
• mid: (middle position) the sweep is optimized for a balanced vibe effect.
• high: (right position) the sweep is centered around higher frequencies for a wide-ranging vibe effect.

Diagram shows the BIAS switch with positions labeled 'low', 'mid', 'high'.

INTENSITY

Adjusts the LFO sweep amplitude. At minimum, the LFO amplitude is zero, resulting in a static effect determined by the BIAS setting.

VOLUME

Controls the output level of the pedal, up to a 4dB boost at maximum.

Diagram shows the front panel of the Strymon UltraViolet pedal with controls labeled: MODE, BIAS, SPEED, INTENSITY, VOLUME, and FOOTSWITCH. The MODE switch has positions 'chorus', 'blend', 'vibrato'. The BIAS switch has positions 'low', 'mid', 'high'. The FOOTSWITCH has a RED LED indicator.

I/O MODE SELECTOR

This switch configures the input and output signal routing:

• mono: (left position) Use with a mono input signal (e.g., guitar). Output is mono. Defaults to True Bypass.
• mono → stereo: (middle position) Use with a mono input signal. Output is stereo. Bypass mode is Buffered Bypass.
• stereo: (right position) Use with a stereo input signal. Output is stereo. Bypass mode is Buffered Bypass.

Stereo I/O requires a TRS adapter or cable.

Diagram shows the rear panel of the UltraViolet pedal with jacks labeled: IN, OUT, EXP/MIDI, 9VDC, and USB. The I/O MODE SELECTOR switch is shown between IN and OUT, with positions 'mono', 'mono stereo', 'stereo'.

IN and OUT Jacks

• IN: (TRS jack) High impedance, ultra low-noise, discrete Class A JFET stereo preamp input.
• OUT: (TRS jack) Low impedance stereo output.

Mono and Stereo I/O Cable Connections

The UltraViolet In and Out jacks accept either TS or TRS type 1/4" cables for mono or stereo connections.

Diagram shows a TS cable with Tip and Sleeve connectors. Diagram shows a TRS cable with Tip, Ring, and Sleeve connectors.

With a TRS stereo connection, the Tip carries the left signal and the Ring carries the right signal.

Connection Examples

Mono In - Mono Out

To connect UltraViolet in a mono signal chain, use TS cables for both UltraViolet's IN and OUT. Set the I/O Selector switch to mono.

Diagram shows a signal chain: From preceding pedal's mono output -> TS cable -> UltraViolet IN -> UltraViolet OUT -> TS cable -> To next pedal's mono input.

Mono In - Stereo Out

To feed a mono signal into UltraViolet, use a TS cable to UltraViolet's IN. Connect a TRS + dual TS cable to UltraViolet's OUT to route UltraViolet's stereo signal to a stereo pedal. Set the I/O Selector switch to mono → stereo.

Diagram shows a signal chain: From preceding pedal's mono output -> TS cable -> UltraViolet IN -> UltraViolet OUT -> TRS cable (split into TS tip and TS ring) -> To next pedal's stereo inputs. The TRS cable is labeled 'TS (tip)' and 'TS (ring)'.

Stereo In - Stereo Out

To connect UltraViolet in a stereo signal chain, use TRS + dual TS cables into both UltraViolet's IN and OUT. Set the I/O Selector switch to stereo.

Diagram shows a signal chain: From preceding pedal's stereo outputs -> TRS cable -> UltraViolet IN -> UltraViolet OUT -> TRS cable (split into TS tip and TS ring) -> To next pedal's stereo inputs. The TRS cable is labeled 'TS (tip)' and 'TS (ring)'.

NOTE: Alternatively, you can use a TRS - TRS cable when connecting a pedal with a TRS stereo input or output (such as connecting to the TRS stereo input of a Strymon cloudburst stereo reverb).

Rear Panel Ports

• USB-C: Computer connection for MIDI I/O and firmware updates.
• 9VDC: Power input. Only use an adapter with the following rating: 2.1mm tip, center-negative, 9VDC, 250mA minimum. (Adapter sold separately.)

Diagram shows the rear panel of the UltraViolet pedal with IN, OUT, EXP/MIDI, 9VDC, and USB-C jacks labeled. The EXP/MIDI jack is highlighted.

EXP/MIDI Jack

Multifunction communication jack for external control of UltraViolet's features and functions. Can be set to operate in one of the following modes (See "Configuring the EXP/MIDI Jack" on page 9 for details):

• Expression Pedal Mode (see page 11).
• Favorite Mode (see page 12).
• Tap Mode (see page 18).
• MIDI Mode (see "Configuring UltraViolet for MultiSwitch Plus” on page 16 or “Saving Presets in MIDI Mode” on page 23).

Bypass Mode for Mono I/O

With the rear I/O Mode Selector set to mono, the UltraViolet pedal is set for True Bypass as the default. Setting UltraViolet to Buffered Bypass Mode preserves the high frequency response of your instrument's signal through your pedal chain and long cable runs.

NOTE: Whenever the rear I/O Mode Selector is set to mono → stereo or stereo, the bypass mode is automatically set to Buffered Bypass.

1. Press and hold the footswitch for at least 2 seconds while powering up UltraViolet. Once the LED flashes RED ?, release the footswitch.
2. Toggle the BIAS (BYPASS) switch to choose between True or Buffered Bypass Modes. The LED will change color to indicate the current status as you toggle the switch:
• True Bypass: Set the switch to the low (left) position. The LED lights GREEN (default).
• Buffered Bypass: Set the switch to the high (right) position. The LED lights RED ?.
3. Press the FOOTSWITCH to store the Bypass Mode and begin using UltraViolet.

The Bypass Mode setting persists across power cycles.

Diagram shows the UltraViolet pedal with the BIAS switch and LED highlighted, indicating the selection of True Bypass (GREEN) or Buffered Bypass (RED).

Configuring the EXP/MIDI Jack

1. Press and hold the footswitch for at least 2 seconds while powering up UltraViolet. Once the LED flashes RED ?, release the footswitch.
2. Turn the VOLUME (EXP/MIDI JACK) knob to select the function of the rear panel's EXP/MIDI jack. The LED will change color to indicate the current status as you turn the knob:
• Expression Pedal Mode: GREEN (default, minimum) - Using a standard TRS expression pedal allows continuous control over any of the knobs. (See page 11 for details.)
• Favorite Mode: AMBER (11 o'clock) - Using a Strymon MiniSwitch (sold separately) allows you to recall a Favorite setting. (See page 12 for details.)
• Tap Mode: RED (1 o'clock) - Using a Strymon MiniSwitch allows you to tap in a tempo in quarter notes for UltraViolet's LFO to follow. (Also, see the FOOTSWITCH description on page 4 for note division options.)
• MIDI Mode: BLUE (maximum) - Allows for the selection of three presets using a Strymon MultiSwitch Plus (sold separately) - see page 16. Full MIDI functionality is available by sending MIDI Program Change messages via 1/4" TRS MIDI connection using a Strymon Conduit or MIDI EXP cable. Up to 300 preset locations are available via MIDI - see page 23.
3. Press the footswitch to store the EXP/MIDI Jack Mode and begin using UltraViolet.

The EXP/MIDI jack setting persists across power cycles and is not saved per preset.

Diagram shows the UltraViolet pedal with the VOLUME knob highlighted, indicating the selection of Expression (GREEN), Favorite (AMBER), Tap (RED), or MIDI (BLUE) modes.

Expression Pedal Setup

Use a TRS expression pedal with a 25k Ohm or greater pot value to remotely control the knobs of UltraViolet. By default, UltraViolet is configured so that an Expression pedal controls the SPEED knob.

1. Configure the EXP/MIDI jack for Expression Mode. (See page 9 for configuration instructions.)
2. Connect an expression pedal to the EXP/MIDI jack of UltraViolet using a TRS cable.

Diagram shows the UltraViolet pedal's rear panel EXP/MIDI jack connected via a TRS cable to an expression pedal.

3. Press and hold the FOOTSWITCH for at least 2 seconds, until the LED blinks GREEN.
4. Rock your expression pedal to the HEEL position. The GREEN LED will stop blinking and remain lit.
5. Set the knob(s) you would like to control to the desired settings for the HEEL position of the expression pedal.
6. Rock the expression pedal to the TOE position. The LED will turn RED ?.
7. Set the knob(s) you would like to control to the desired settings for the TOE position of the expression pedal.
8. Press and release the UltraViolet footswitch to exit and store your expression pedal setup.

Your expression pedal assignment is saved per Favorite setting or MIDI preset.

If UltraViolet is set to respond to MIDI EXPRESSION and the EXP/MIDI jack is set to MIDI Mode, you can send MIDI CC# 100 with values 0 (heel) to 127 (toe) to perform the expression pedal setup.

Favorite Switch Setup and Compare Mode

Connect MiniSwitch or other external latching footswitch to store and recall your Favorite setting.

Your Strymon MiniSwitch's internal jumper switch must be set to the factory-default FAV/BOOST Mode setting for Favorite Switch functionality. If you've changed the setting of this jumper switch, you'll need to change it back to FAV/BOOST Mode - see page 14.

1. Configure the EXP/MIDI jack for Favorite Mode. (See page 9 for more info.)
2. Connect your MiniSwitch (or, optionally, an external latching switch with a TRS cable) to the EXP/MIDI jack.

Diagram shows the UltraViolet pedal's rear panel EXP/MIDI jack connected via a TRS cable to a Strymon MiniSwitch.

3. Dial in your desired sound.
4. To save your sound as the new Favorite setting, press and hold the UltraViolet footswitch for at least 2 seconds, until the LED blinks GREEN. Then, press and hold the UltraViolet footswitch until the LED lights BLUE to save the Favorite setting.

Step on the external footswitch to toggle between your current and Favorite settings on UltraViolet. Make sure to dial in a different sound for the non-Favorite setting to hear the difference between the two settings.

Compare Mode

With the Favorite or MIDI preset recalled, as a knob or switch is adjusted, the LED flashes GREEN when the current knob or toggle switch position matches the setting of the preset.

Power Up Mode settings are applied globally and not stored individually per preset.

Saving presets works differently when using MIDI - see page 18 for details.

The Favorite setting is stored at MIDI Program Change location 0.

Tap Mode Switch Setup

Optionally, you can use your Strymon MiniSwitch or an external, non-latching (momentary) type switch to access UltraViolet's Tap mode. This allows you to "tap" in a tempo to which UltraViolet's LFO can sync.

The Strymon MiniSwitch includes an internal jumper switch that must be changed from its factory FAV/BOOST Mode setting to work for the UltraViolet Tap Mode momentary switch functionality. Follow these steps to configure the MiniSwitch's jumper switch and EXP/MIDI jack.

1. Unscrew the four screws on the bottom of the MiniSwitch chassis.
2. Once opened, locate the small jumper underneath the circuit board and change it from the center and right pins (FAV/BOOST Mode) to the center and left pins (TAP Mode).

Diagram shows a close-up view of the MiniSwitch circuit board jumper switch. One diagram shows the jumper on the right pins labeled 'FAV/BOOST Mode'. Another diagram shows the jumper on the left pins labeled 'TAP Mode'.

3. Once the jumper configuration is complete, secure the cover back on your MiniSwitch.
4. Configure UltraViolet's EXP/MIDI jack for Tap Mode. (See page 9 for more info.)
5. Connect your MiniSwitch (or, optionally, a momentary switch with a TRS cable) to the EXP/MIDI jack.

Diagram shows the UltraViolet pedal's rear panel EXP/MIDI jack connected via a TRS cable to a Strymon MiniSwitch.

6. Now just "tap" in quarter notes of your desired tempo on the MiniSwitch and you'll hear UltraViolet's LFO SPEED adjust to follow.

Configuring UltraViolet for MultiSwitch Plus

Configure UltraViolet and MultiSwitch Plus for additional external control.

1. Press and hold the UltraViolet footswitch while connecting power to the pedal. Hold for at least 2 seconds, until the LED stops blinking.
2. Turn the SPEED knob all the way counter-clockwise to set the MIDI CHANNEL to Channel 1. The LED should be GREEN.
3. Turn the INTENSITY knob to select the following MIDI OUT option:
• Send MIDI CC and Other Data: GREEN
• Send Other Data: AMBER
4. Turn the VOLUME knob all the way clockwise to set the EXP/MIDI jack to MIDI Mode. The LED should be BLUE.
5. Press the UltraViolet footswitch to exit and store the MIDI CHANNEL, the MIDI OUTPUT setting, and the EXP/MIDI Jack Mode.
6. Connect a TRS cable to UltraViolet's EXP/MIDI jack.

Diagram shows the UltraViolet pedal's rear panel EXP/MIDI jack connected via a TRS cable to a Strymon MultiSwitch Plus.

7. Press and hold the A footswitch on MultiSwitch Plus while connecting the other end of the TRS cable to any one of the three jacks. The three LEDs on MultiSwitch Plus will blink GREEN when you release the A footswitch.

Diagram shows the Strymon MultiSwitch Plus with footswitches A, B, C labeled.

Using MultiSwitch Plus

Selecting and saving UltraViolet presets using MultiSwitch Plus.

Diagram shows the Strymon MultiSwitch Plus with footswitches A, B, C labeled, and PRESET 1, PRESET 2, PRESET 3 below them.

Footswitches A, B, and C on MultiSwitch Plus correspond to MIDI Program Changes 1, 2, and 3.

1. Step on a switch that is not illuminated to recall the corresponding preset.
2. Step on an illuminated switch to bypass UltraViolet.

Saving UltraViolet Presets with MultiSwitch Plus:

1. Dial in the sound that you would like to save as your preset on UltraViolet.
2. Press and hold the UltraViolet footswitch for at least 2 seconds, until the LED blinks GREEN.
3. Press the A, B, or C MultiSwitch Plus footswitch to save the current state of the pedal to the desired location.

Configuring UltraViolet to Use MIDI

Using MIDI unlocks a set of tools that can be used to load any of UltraViolet's 300 preset locations using a suitable MIDI controller or interface connected to the UltraViolet EXP/MIDI jack. This requires a Strymon MIDI EXP cable or a MIDI controller/interface, such as Strymon Conduit, with at least one quarter-inch output.

When using a Strymon MIDI EXP Cable, the MIDI OUT Mode must be set to Off. (See page 22 for details.)

Diagram shows two connection examples: 1. UltraViolet EXP/MIDI jack connected via a MIDI EXP cable to a MIDI Enabled Stompbox. 2. UltraViolet EXP/MIDI jack connected via a TRS cable to a 1/4" TRS MIDI Interface (like Strymon Conduit). A MIDI Controller with 5-pin MIDI Outputs is also shown.

STEP 1 - SET EXP/MIDI JACK TO MIDI MODE

1. Press and hold the footswitch for at least 2 seconds while powering up UltraViolet. Once the LED flashes RED ?, release the footswitch.
2. Turn the VOLUME (EXP/MIDI JACK) knob clockwise until the LED is BLUE (maximum) to select MIDI Mode.

MIDI data is received on the TIP of the TRS connection of the EXP/MIDI jack.

Diagram shows the UltraViolet pedal with the VOLUME knob highlighted for setting MIDI Mode.

STEP 2 - SET MIDI CHANNEL

1. Turn the SPEED (MIDI CHANNEL) knob to set the MIDI communication channel. The LED indicates status. Your knob selections are as follows:
• Channel 1: GREEN (default, minimum)
• Channel 2: AMBER (10 o'clock)
• Channel 3: RED (12 o'clock)
• Channel 4-16: BLUE (maximum) - set by next received MIDI Program Change message, requires 1/4" MIDI connection.

Once the LED turns BLUE, it will blink until the pedal receives a MIDI Program Change message. Once a message is received, the pedal will be set to the MIDI channel that carried the message and exit the Power Up Mode to allow you to begin using UltraViolet. (If you've successfully configured MIDI Channel 4-16, you can skip item 4 on the next page.)

2. Press the footswitch to exit and store your MIDI Channel setting and begin using UltraViolet.

A simple way to check that communication is working is to send CC #102 with a value of 127 when the footswitch is bypassed. This will enable the footswitch (and the LED will light RED ?) if MIDI is properly connected and configured.

If you are only sending data to UltraViolet using the Strymon MIDI EXP cable, the MIDI OUT Mode must be set to OFF. (See page 22 for details on configuring the MIDI OUT Mode.)

MIDI Channel assignment is not saved per Favorite setting or MIDI preset.

Diagram shows the UltraViolet pedal with the SPEED knob highlighted for setting MIDI Channel.

STEP 3 - SET MIDI OUT MODE

1. Press and hold the footswitch for at least 2 seconds while powering up UltraViolet. Once the LED flashes RED ?, release the footswitch.
2. Turn the INTENSITY (MIDI OUT) knob to select what kind of MIDI data is sent from UltraViolet to other MIDI devices. The LED will flash momentarily to indicate your selection:
• OFF: RED (default, minimum knob position) - No MIDI messages are sent out of UltraViolet.
• THRU: BLUE (11 o'clock knob position) - Incoming MIDI messages are sent to the MIDI Out without any additional MIDI messages generated by UltraViolet.
• ON CC, OTHER: GREEN (1 o'clock knob position) - MIDI CC and Sysex messages generated by UltraViolet are sent to the MIDI Out.
• ON OTHER: AMBER (maximum knob position) - Sysex messages generated by UltraViolet are sent to the MIDI Out.
3. Press the footswitch to store the MIDI Out Mode and exit.

MIDI data is sent from the RING of the TRS connection of the EXP/MIDI jack.

Diagram shows the UltraViolet pedal with the INTENSITY knob highlighted for setting MIDI OUT Mode.

Saving Presets in MIDI Mode

When in MIDI Mode, the currently loaded settings can be saved to any of UltraViolet's 300 preset locations at any time.

1. To enter Save Mode, press and hold the footswitch for at least 2 seconds, until the LED blinks GREEN to indicate that UltraViolet is waiting to receive a MIDI Program Change message.
2. To save the current state of the pedal to the currently loaded preset location, press and hold the footswitch for at least 2 seconds, until the LED lights BLUE.
3. OR
4. To save the current state of the pedal to any preset location, send the unit a MIDI Program Change on UltraViolet's currently selected MIDI channel. For example:
• Send MIDI Program Change #10 to save the preset to the corresponding memory location on the pedal.
• To recall this preset, send MIDI Program Change #10 from your MIDI controller or sequencer.

Diagram shows the UltraViolet pedal, indicating the footswitch action for saving presets.

MIDI Program Changes

Your UltraViolet pedal contains 300 preset locations, numbered sequentially from 0-299. Because MIDI Program Change messages have a maximum number of 128 (0-127), the presets are grouped into three MIDI patch banks.

Some MIDI applications and controllers start with MIDI Program Change 1 instead of 0. In these setups, add one to each MIDI Program Change location above.

The UltraViolet pedal always powers up in MIDI Patch Bank 0, so if you plan to stay within the first 127 preset locations, simply send a standard MIDI Program Change message to load a preset.

If you will be using MIDI Banks 1 and/or 2, it is advisable to send a standard MIDI Bank Change message (MIDI CC# 0 with a value equal to the MIDI Bank#) before each MIDI Program Change.

Selecting Program Change 127 within any MIDI Bank 0, 1, or 2 will put UltraViolet into Manual Mode. In this mode, UltraViolet will be set to the current knob and switch settings. No preset data can be stored at this preset location.

MIDI CCs

All on/off parameters are implemented with 0=off and any other value (1-127)=on. They are documented as "0" and "127" because many MIDI controllers send out 0 and 127 for on/off switches.

Some MIDI applications and controllers start their MIDI enumeration with 1 instead of 0. In these setups, add one to each CC and set of Range values above.