Catalinbread Semaphore Tremolo

Analog tremolo type effect.
4 knobs:
- Volume: adjusts the output volume (boost can be used in some cases)
- Depth: adjusts the effect in the signal (term dry / wet)
- Rate: The speed of tremolo
- Shape: affine setting the waveform (selectable)
2 switches:
- Slow / Fast: initial speed of the tremolo
- Triangle / Square: initial shape of the wave
1 Footswitch
IN / OUT Jack
Power supply: 9V type Boss

9 Because I put "perfect" does not exist. And we will see later that the absence of a tap tempo can sometimes be missed.

UTILIZATION

The pedal is small. Quite kindly thought to fit in a already crowded pedalboard. The knobs are well made and enjoyable to use, even if it may be possible to note their lack of toughness.
The general configuration is very simple, no need manual to know where to go and start looking for sounds.

Due to the size of the pedal, sometimes, not often but sometimes the feet (shoes) come slightly disrupt one of the knobs ... Furthermore the switches are located between the 4 knobs. So they must be relatively gentle handling.
In summary, if you've got large fingers, you play in "Rangers" and you got used to jump on your pedals ... you might not always be comfortable!

Finally, in situations of jam, you might want to go with the tremolo. If the spleen is not set to the tempo ... oops! it is good for quick look at the pedal and make the adjustment pronto.
Hence the usefulness of a tap tempo, which does not exist on this pedal ... For this we need to put 100 + € for Stereo, Semaphore the same brand. Or the home Goatkeeper Lightfoot Labs, but there it is € 200 € 250 see more need and more ...

I note all the same to 8 because in the end, the pedal is very nice to use.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound is simply excellent!
It's analog, it's vintage. Perfect for me!
By-pass, no signal distortion. Engaged be careful with the volume output because it can also boost.

The best test is to listen to on You Tube, or try it yourself if you're lucky enough to have near you a store dealer (not on Toulouse).

I have not tried a lot of tremolo, but I find the sound much better than a Boss TR2.

If you want to hear this effect in situ, ie in a song, listen to the track Semaphore (yes) Kinski (Sub-Pop).


OVERALL OPINION

Good value for money. The sound is excellent and the possibility of setting sufficiently varied for the price around € 160 (the average price of a pedal of this quality). For more opportunities you have to type a lot more with models exemplified above.

Personally, I do it again this choice without hesitation. But if I had the 250 € of Stereo Semaphore, I would buy for tap tempo!

I put only 7 for value for money because, anyway, it's still too much the stuff of zic '!

For cons the effect is excellent so 9!