Electro Harmonix Pico Atomic Cluster Spectral Decomposer effect pedal

General

The Electro Harmonix Pico Atomic Cluster is an innovative addition to your pedalboard that takes your sound to new heights. This compact glitch and synth pedal offers a unique way to deconstruct your signal, transforming it into an array of surprising sounds. It works with an algorithm that lowers the frequency resolution of your instrument, resulting in effects ranging from lo-fi glitch and auto-arpeggio to ambient synth pads. This creates sounds that can range from rhythmic to ethereal, depending on how you set up the pedal.

Pico Atomic Cluster: musical exploration

The two main knobs, ATOMS and SPEED, give you extensive control over the effects you create. The ATOMS knob controls the number of simultaneous resonant oscillations applied to your signal, from a full spectrum analysis to a single note. As you decrease this control, you get a more pixelated and glitchy sound. The SPEED knob determines how fast the oscillations are renewed, allowing you to adjust the timing and rhythm of the effects. Setting the speed lower gives you a more structured, step-by-step effect, while a higher speed creates a more chaotic, random result.

Percussive or ambient

The MODE button lets you choose between SHARP and SMOOTH mode, which determines the transition of the oscillations. In SHARP mode, you get direct, rhythmic transitions that create a more punky, percussive sound. In SMOOTH mode, the transitions are gradual, creating a softer, ambient sound. The volume knob and BLEND control let you fine-tune further by adjusting the output level and the balance between dry and wet signal to achieve exactly the desired effect.