Electro Harmonix Super Pulsar

A "deluxe" tremolo: the modern evolution of a vintage effect

Tremolo is one of the oldest modulation effects: a volume variation that brings chords and sustained notes to life, from "vintage amp" textures to the most staccato pulses. The Super Pulsar fits into this tradition but takes it much further: it maintains an analog audio path for an organic feel while adding precise digital control (tap tempo, patterns, presets, advanced stereo). The result: a pedal designed both to recapture classic vibes and to program complex, perfectly timed rhythmic movements.

Who is the Super Pulsar for, and in which styles does it make a difference?

The EHX Super Pulsar is aimed at guitarists (and bassists) who want more than an "on/off" tremolo. It suits intermediate to advanced levels very well thanks to its saving and synchronization capabilities, while remaining simple to use if limited to essential settings (Rate, Depth, waveform).

In terms of styles, it excels in surf, blues, vintage rock (smooth and musical tremolo), but also in indie, post-rock, shoegaze, ambient when exploiting stereo, phase, and patterns. In the studio, it becomes a sound-design tool to animate guitars, keyboards, or reamped tracks. Live, its 8 presets avoid bending down between songs and secure tempo changes.

Controls, modes, and creative ideas (tap, phase, envelope, presets)

The Super Pulsar offers an approach that is both immediate and highly programmable. The modulation speed is set via the RATE potentiometer, the TAP TEMPO footswitch, an external tap, or even an external clock to integrate the pedal into a synchronized setup. The waveforms (sine, triangle, and pulse) allow switching from a round and "singing" tremolo to sharp cuts like a "stutter".

Its strong point: intelligent stereo. You can choose operation modes: stereo in/out, mono in/stereo out, stereo in/mono out, or mono in/mono out, which facilitates integration on a pedalboard or in an amp effects loop. The right channel phase adjusts from 0 to 360 degrees relative to the left channel: perfect for creating displacement, swinging effects, or even an auto-pan sensation depending on your setup.

Another expressive asset: interaction with playing. The pedal can add modulation via an envelope follower on Rate and/or Depth, producing a more "alive" tremolo that reacts to your attack and right-hand dynamics. Finally, the EXP input allows real-time control of Rate, Depth, Shape, Phase, or Volume : ideal for speeding up a pulse during a break, gradually opening depth, or transforming a smooth wave into tight chopping without letting go of the neck.

Sound

The Super Pulsar delivers a warm and dynamic tremolo, with an analog character that respects the instrument's grain and touch response. In sine/triangle, you get smooth modulation, perfect for thickening arpeggios or adding movement to open chords. In pulse mode, the pedal goes much further: sharp cuts, "percussive" rhythms, almost sequencer-like effects when using patterns and tempo sync.

In stereo, the sense of space becomes a true musical tool: depending on the chosen phase, the modulation can remain coherent and wide or create very marked lateral shifts. The Super Pulsar is appreciated by guitarists working in genres from indie to post-rock, with uses both textural and rhythmic (for example: Shakey Graves, Nathan Stocker, Andy White, Mark Smith, Nick Steinhardt ).

Technical specifications

Effects	Tremolo	Type	sector
Technology	Analog & Digital	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Blue

Audio	stereo	Memory	up to 8 presets
Adjustable waveforms	sine, triangle, pulse	Dimensions	5.75 x 4.75 x 2.5 inches
Right channel phase adjustment	0 to 360 degrees relative to left channel	Required voltage	9.6V DC
Operating modes	stereo in/out, mono in/stereo out, stereo in/mono out, mono in/mono out	Consumption	165 mA
Expression pedal control	Rate, Depth, Shape, Phase, or Volume	Included adapter	200 mA
Play-responsive modulation	assignable envelope follower on Rate and Depth