Elta Music String Ringer Analog Transformer Based Ring Modulator Pedal

String Ringer Ring Modulator

The String Ringer is fundamentally a ring modulator based on the original transformer matrix (and not the ubiquitous
modulator chip) for that distinctive vintage ring mod sound and 60’s germanium distortion. This is not your average stomp box however and uses concepts that are more akin to modular synths than effects pedals. The extended features of the String Ringer give it numerous sound possibilities.

VCO OUT

Use this as a synthesizer! Together with Carrier In, this acts as the insert point for the VCO (or “carrier") thus providing access to the VCO (regardless of whether there is anything connected to the Carrier In).


CARRIER IN

This acts as a second input it you want to ring mod two external signals. Connecting a jack will break the path of the VCO. When nothing is connected, the VCO out is “normalized” to the Carrier In (i.e. no jack cable needs to be connected for basic operation). This input has a 20K input impedance so when using a guitar or other high impedance source
some signal buffering or pre-amplification will be desirable. Buffering can easily be achieved by connecting an FET switching pedal in bypass between the guitar and this input.


DC 9 VOLT

Power jack. You can use a regulated 9 volt D.C. power supply which has a standard 2.1 mm, negative – center.


VCO CV IN

This is a STEREO jack socket that accepts 8 different types of controllers for the VCO frequency.


LFO DEPTH

This Is a STEREO jack socket that accepts 2 different types of controllers for the LFO depth.


LFO DEPTH

The action of this control depends on the status of the LFO/Unlock foot switch (i.e. whether the LFO is activated or not) and the OCT/RING footswitch (i.e. whether you‘re in octave or ring mod mode).


LFO RATE

Determines the speed of the LFO. The LFO has a range from very slow up to low audio frequencies (which allows FM effects to be heard at the VCO output, as well as driving the ring mod bananas. The action (rate) of the LFO is shown by the yellow LED.


VCO FREQ

Determines the frequency of the VCO. The VCO has an extremely large range. At the slow end it can be used to create gating/repeater effects.


DRIVE

Ring Mod Mode Determines the drive to the ring mod. More drive means more distortion and thus a more atonal effect. For purer more bell-like tones keep the drive low (and select sine wave on the VCO).


TONE

A glorified name for a tone pot - but this is no ordinary tone control. Clockwise it goes from a low pass, through fizzy and scooped, to a poky mid boost. At either extreme it will roll off high-end harmonics - useful for creating purer bell-like tones.


BLEND

Mixes the dry signal with effect. Giving 100% effect when fully clockwise and vice-verse. Adding some dry signal is useful for preserving bottom end on bass sounds. Adding sokme dry signal also adds some semblance of the original key.


VOLUME

Boost and volume control.