General
Based on the vintage Japanese bucket-brigade chorus/vibrato from 1976, the Universal Audio Astra Modulation Machine lays out some throwback modulation alongside the kind of '60s-flavoured tremolo that you'd usually only get from the USA-made clean amplifiers from the same era. In Chorus Brigade mode, the most complete emulation of the original ground-breaking circuit is engaged, resulting in thick, chewy and inspiring, saturated sound. Next to that, Flanger/Doubler mode engages the sound of a seventies rack-mounted studio effect that's infamous for its over-the-top, wild-haired character, and here, even features an end-to-end emulation of the original circuit - which is pretty rare.
The Universal Audio Trem 65: Valve-Amp-Style Tremolo & UAFX Dual Stereo Mode
Now we come to Trem 65 mode, which grabs every detail of the valve-based optical system of a '60s-era American amp, right down to the photoresistor light source and 12AT7 driver valve - and all of it happens with impressive accuracy. This pedal then takes things further than the amp ever did, allowing guitarists to experiment with the shape, warping it from sine to square waves and everything in between. Meanwhile, an internal UAFX engine supports every modulation effect in stereo, so big and complex stereo images and sonic textures can be built at will. All of this comes backed up by studio-quality conversion, dual-processing engines, a live/preset mode, true/buffered bypass operation and silent switching, as well as extra downloadable effects as soon as this bombshell of a stompbox has been registered with UA.
Tips or comments about this product
- The Astra Modulation Machine can be registered via the Bluetooth function of the pedal. Find out how it works here.
- As soon as the Astra Modulation Machine has been registered, the Phaser X90 and Dharma Trem '61 effects can be downloaded.
- Between 23/05/24 and 31/8/24, you get a £50 discount on the Astra Modulation Machine.
