Taking its cue from Universal Audio’s Astra Modulation machine, the UAFX Flow vintage tremolo pedal delivers a vintage-tinged trio of tube-style tremolo effects. This pedal packages Universal Audio’s world-renowned digital algorithm technology into a compact enclosure, providing guitarists with the instantly gratifying feel of a traditional 3-knob stompbox. Flow offers two classic tube-driven tremolo algorithms, from the funky brown-panel magic of Dharma to the choppy optical tremolo of 65. In addition, Flow also sports a bold square-wave trem built from the ground up by UA that utilizes virtual optical photocell technology. Moreover, as the Flow’s sonic inspiration hails from history’s most sought-after tube amps, this pedal also boasts spot-on emulation of a tube preamp section’s rich and character-filled voice. You also get a tap tempo function for effortless rhythmic synchronization. Tap into history’s most legendary tube-based tremolo circuits with Universal Audio’s Flow!
Capture the tone of tube-driven tremolo royalty
The Flow Vintage Tremolo expands on Universal Audio’s Astra Modulation Machine with two new tremolo circuits, adding up to three immaculately modeled tube-driven tremolo options.
- Dharma: Inspired by the brown-panel amplifiers of the late 1950s and early ’60s, Dharma’s utterly unique formula of volume fluctuation and phase shifting is considered by many guitarists to be one the finest tremolos ever created. Dharma delivers a funkier, chewier sound than a standard tremolo circuit purely based on volume — it’s a natural fit for soulful vintage R&B tones and swampy rock tunes.
- 65: The tremolo circuit by which all others are judged, the choppy sound of 65 is likely the first sound most guitarists think of when they hear the word tremolo. This setting comes straight from the Astra, and it is based on the legendary black-panel amplifiers of the mid-1960s. 65 is by far the most versatile tone Flow offers, making it a must-have for any tremolo fanatic’s sonic toolbox.
- Square: Lastly, Square is a wholly unique creation based on virtual optical photocell technology. This setting offers a distinctive hard-edged attack that makes it particularly suited to players who prefer a driving, rhythmic tremolo. From old-school rockers to modern pop producers, Sweetwater guitarists of all styles found Square to be a refreshing and versatile take on traditional tube tremolo.
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The power of the studio on your pedalboard
Universal Audio’s legacy lies in the studio, and that fact often shines through its pedals’ predilection for diverse and complex sonic sculpting possibilities. Frankly, few pedals can match the sheer depth of UAFX designs, but sometimes, a slightly more straightforward design can be preferable. Universal Audio’s scaled-down UAFX pedals pack the same studio-grade sound as their bigger brothers — often with the same algorithms — but with an intuitive knob-per-function design that’s just at home on the stage as it is in the studio.