Strymon
Strymon Volante Magnetic Tape Delay
Best vintage echo tool for experimental guitarists seeking authentic tape textures.
The Strymon Volante is a versatile magnetic tape delay pedal that masterfully recreates the sonic character of vintage echo machines. It offers three distinct magnetic delay types, including drum, tape, and reel-to-reel studio echoes, alongside a dedicated spring reverb and a unique Sound on Sound looper. Sculpt your sound with intuitive controls for mechanics, wear, and head spacing, and explore complex rhythms with four independent playback heads. With extensive MIDI implementation for 300 presets, Volante seamlessly blends vintage warmth with modern stability, acting as a true extension of your instrument.
$429.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
10
/ 204
#10 in Effects Processors
Price vs Category Average
-5%
Below average
Signal Path Type
Hybrid
/ Hybrid
Who it's for
- Vintage tone seekers craving authentic tape machine character
- Professional touring guitarists needing deep MIDI and studio integration
- Experimental musicians building complex, rhythmic soundscapes
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious players looking for affordable delay solutions
- Gigging musicians who prefer immediate, knob-per-function simplicity
- Pedalboard users with limited power supply capacity
Performance breakdown
Sonic Authenticity
Captures the nuanced imperfections and saturation of vintage magnetic tape perfectly.
Rhythmic Versatility
Four independent playback heads offer unparalleled control over complex rhythmic patterns.
Preset Management
Extensive MIDI implementation makes managing 300 presets seamless for professional rigs.
Looper Capability
Sound on Sound mode provides evolving, organic degradation for creative looping.
Interface Intuition
Tactile controls make deep sound sculpting accessible without menu diving.
Build Integrity
Rugged construction ensures reliable performance in demanding studio or stage environments.
Key Specs
Signal Path Type
Hybrid
Processing Type
Hybrid
Number of Presets
300
MIDI Control Enabled
True
Looper Functionality Included
True
Expression Pedal Input Enabled
True
Number of Footswitches
1
Effect Type
Delay, Reverb, Looper
Features
- Authentic magnetic tape saturation and imperfections
- Vintage spring reverb for classic ambiance
- Sound on Sound looper with evolving degradation
- Four independent delay heads for complex rhythms
- Variable head spacing for rhythmic flexibility
- Intuitive controls for sonic sculpting
- Full MIDI implementation for preset management
- Analog class-A JFET input stage
What customers say
The Volante earns widespread acclaim for its exceptional sound quality and inspiring design. Its magnetic tape delay emulations are celebrated for their authentic warmth and musicality, establishing a new benchmark for digital delay pedals. Musicians value the intuitive interface, which simplifies the creation of intricate ambient soundscapes. Although it is a considerable purchase, the overwhelming sentiment is that the profound sonic depth and superior build quality fully justify the cost. It is considered a vital tool for creative expression.
Know before you buy
The Volante offers Drum Echo, Tape Echo, and Studio Reel-to-Reel Echo. Each mode is designed to emulate the specific sonic characteristics, saturation, and mechanical imperfections of those vintage machines.
Yes, the pedal features a dedicated Sound on Sound mode. This looper allows for evolving degradation, loop direction changes, and pitch shifting, providing a more creative, vintage-inspired looping experience than a standard digital looper.
You can access eight presets directly from the pedal's interface. By utilizing full MIDI implementation, you can expand your storage to 300 total presets.
Yes, it features a dedicated vintage spring reverb algorithm. This can be used in conjunction with the delay settings to add depth and classic ambiance to your signal.
Yes, the Volante supports both. It features an expression pedal input for real-time parameter control and full MIDI implementation via 5-pin DIN, USB, or the expression jack for deep integration into your rig.
The four independent playback heads allow you to create complex, multi-tap rhythmic patterns. You can adjust the level and feedback for each head individually and use the Head Spacing control to change the timing intervals between them.
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