A field guide to Reverse Mode C

Chase Bliss

Reverse Mode C is a tribute to a very special mode found on the Empress Superdelay, released in 2008.

Made in collaboration with Empress Effects.

Power requirements

9V DC Center Negative

~270 mA

Overview

Reverse Mode C is a very vibrant delay.

It stuffs the ambience around you with color, creating big, moving backgrounds that contrast and uplift your playing.

It can also make some pretty cool reverse delay sounds.

How does it do all that?

Reverse Mode C contains three different echo voices, each one moving in a different direction:

You can isolate, combine, and sequence these voices to create unique reflections that shift in all directions and span the stereo field, then tie it all together with a variety of flexible modulations that can be synced or drifting.

It’s a unique opportunity to bring the space around you to life.

Let’s learn how.

Setup

Let’s get Reverse Mode C settled into its new home. If you’re experienced with pedals you can probably ignore this bit and dive right in.

Power

Reverse Mode C requires a 9V DC, center negative power supply, with at least 270 mA of current. You’ll see this symbol on your power supply:

Input/Output

Reverse Mode C can be used in mono, stereo, or mono to stereo. The default setting will automatically work for either mono or stereo:

Many stereo devices use dual mono jacks, so you may need a TRS to dual TS-style cable.

If you have a mono input but want to split it to stereo output: Turn on the MISO dip switch.

And if you want to use Reverse Mode C to create a wide stereo image: Turn on the SPREAD dip switch.

OPTIONS

Reverse Mode C has lots of ways to customize and fine-tune your experience. If you’d like to get right into all that, check out:

• Hidden Options
• Customize
• Ramping
• External Control

If you don’t want to get into all that, it’s probably best to start with all dip switches in the “Off” position.

Okay – let’s get started.

Getting Started

Let’s begin somewhere familiar.

A nice, clean echo.

The top row of knobs are your essential delay controls. Spend a moment exploring these to get comfortable and try some different FILTER positions while you’re at it.

Now we can get multidirectional.

Rotate the BALANCE knob counter-clockwise and notice how the echo gradually changes directions as it morphs from one voice to the next. Now max it out to hear all three voices at once.

Twist the OFFSET knob and notice how the voices split apart, each taking on a unique delay time and finding their space in the mix.

Now let’s introduce some motion. This is where things come to life.

First, a bit of modulation.

And finally, voice sequencing.

You should sound pretty fantastical by now. Let’s get into how all this works.

Controls – Knobs

A: TIME knob

Use the TIME knob to set the global delay time. The maximum time is 4.19 seconds (or 8.38 when set to half sample rate, see “Footswitches” section). You can also use tap tempo to set the delay time.

B. MIX (RAMP) knob

Use the MIX knob to control the blend between your input signal and the effect. If ramping is engaged, the function of this knob will change. It now controls the speed of the movement.

C: FEEDBACK knob

Use the FEEDBACK knob to set the number of echoes. You can max out this knob without fear of oscillation – in some settings you will get stable, infinite build-up, and in others long, melting decay.

D: OFFSET knob

You can think of the OFFSET knob as a secondary TIME knob. It splits apart the three voices and gives each one a different delay time, all linked to the primary TIME knob (or tap tempo). At minimum all three voices share the same global delay setting, but as you turn up the knob they each begin to gradually change in their own way. See the Offset section for the specifics.

E: BALANCE knob

Use the BALANCE knob to adjust the volume of the three voices. The left half of the BALANCE knob lets you isolate and blend between the voices, and the right half of the knob shifts their relative levels for different mixes.

F: FILTER

Controls – Toggles

A: SYNC / OFF / FREE (Modulation) toggle

Use the SYNC / OFF / FREE (Modulation) toggle to engage the modulation, and to decide whether it is synced or moving freely.

• SYNC setting: Modulation is on, and the rate is linked to delay time.
• OFF setting: Modulation is bypassed
• FREE setting: Modulation is on, and its rate is independent of delay time.

B: VIB / TREM / FREQ (Modulation Type) toggle

Use the VIB / TREM / FREQ (Modulation Type) toggle to engage the modulation, and to decide whether it is synced or moving freely.

Selects the modulation type.

• VIB setting: Vibrato
• TREM setting: Tremolo
• FREQ setting: Frequency shifting

C: RUN / OFF / ENV ⋅ SEQUENCE toggle

Use the RUN / OFF / ENV ⋅ SEQUENCE toggle to engage a sequencer that cycles between the different voices. It can run continuously or be manually triggered by your input signal.

• RUN setting: Synth-style sequencer
• OFF setting: No sequencing
• ENV setting: Envelope-controlled sequencer

D: PRESETS toggle

The left and right positions of the Presets toggle each store a preset, while the middle position is live.

To save to the right slot, hold the right foot switch for 3 seconds, then add the left footswitch for another 3 seconds. Do the same for the left slot, but start by holding down the left footswitch. The middle LED will blink to indicate success.

Controls – Footswitches

A: BYPASS footswitch

Tap the BYPASS footswitch to engage the pedal.

Hold the BYPASS footswitch to cut the sample rate in half. This will extend the max delay time up to 8.38 seconds and introduce a mild lo-fi quality. It will also play your existing echoes at half-speed when engaged.

B: TAP footswitch

Tap the TAP footswitch to adjust the delay time.

Hold the TAP footswitch to capture and repeat the current moment infinitely.

B+A: HIDDEN OPTIONS

Holding down both footswitches accesses secondary controls that fine-tune various aspects of Reverse Mode C. Keep the switches held down while making your changes, and release when you’re finished.

Hidden Options

Hold down both footswitches until the LEDs turn green to access the hidden options.

TIME knob hidden option: Sequencer Rate

In Hidden Options mode, use the TIME knob to select the speed of the sequencer. Each option is a different synced subdivision of the delay time.

MIX knob hidden option: Sequencer: Ramping Waveform

In Hidden Options mode, use the MIX knob to select the shape of the ramping movement. The shapes smoothly blend as you move from one to the next:

• Triangle
• Square
• Sine
• Random
• Smooth Random

OFFSET knob hidden option: Modulation Depth

In Hidden Options mode, use the OFFSET knob to select the intensity of the modulation.

BALANCE knob hidden option: Modulation Rate

In Hidden Options mode, use the BALANCE knob to select the speed of the modulation. Higher settings will go into audio rate and become a rough textural element.

SYNC / OFF / FREE (Modulation) toggle hidden option: Octave Type

In Hidden Options mode, use the SYNC / OFF / FREE (Modulation) toggle to choose whether the reverse octave voice is an upper or lower octave. Only one can be used at a time, but the middle position lets you use both with the sequencer.

VIB / TREM / FREQ (Modulation Type) toggle hidden option: Rest / Skip

In Hidden Options mode, use the VIB / TREM / FREQ (Modulation Type) toggle to control how the sequencer treats voices that are “muted” by the BALANCE knob.

PRESETS toggle hidden option: Reset

To reset all the hidden options to their default setting, flip the Preset toggle to the left position and back to center three times. Once the LEDS start blinking, press both footswitches simultaneously to confirm.

BALANCE and OFFSET knobs

The BALANCE and OFFSET knobs control Reverse Mode C’s voices.

Use the BALANCE knob to set the volume of the voices.

Use the OFFSET knob to set the timing of the voices.

Balance

The BALANCE knob controls what voice(s) you hear.

The left half of the BALANCE knob lets you solo a specific voice, or blend neighboring voices together.

This will be a simple reverse delay.

This will be a blend of both forward and reverse delay.

The right half of the BALANCE knob plays all three voices at once, and adjusts their relative levels for different mixes.

Offset

The OFFSET knob controls the timing of the voices.

At the minimum position of the OFFSET knob, all of the voices share the same delay time, equal to the TIME knob (or tap tempo). They are essentially stacked on top of each other.

The OFFSET knob allows you to split those voices apart, giving each one its own delay time. This creates space and separation so that each voice can cut through, and also makes for more interesting rhythmic relationships.

The OFFSET knob sweep contains four targets designed to be pleasing and well-synced.

As you turn the OFFSET knob, it smoothly adjusts the values as you travel between them to let you discover your own and explore more asynchronous possibilities.

Modulation

Reverse Mode C contains three different types of modulation, each with an alternate variety (accessible via the MOD TYPE dip switch). The movement can be synced to the delay time or free, and pushed into audio rate to become a gritty textural element or create clanging, discordant echoes.

To get things moving, simply select your preferred type and whether you want the motion to be synced to the delay time or free.

There it is.

To customize that movement we can dip into the Hidden Options. You can control the depth and rate by holding down both footswitches and adjusting the OFFSET and BALANCE knobs.

Try maxing out the RATE control and exploring the atonal and rough sounds you can get (the setting of the DEPTH knob will also make a big difference here).

Modulation Types

VIBRATO

Vibrato is a classic tape-style pitch modulation. It gives your echoes a warbly and vintage quality.

ALT MODE: CHORUS

Chorus provides a sparkling, misty pitch modulation. It lends a dream-like quality to the ambience.

TREMOLO (SQUARE)

Tremolo is an abrupt, percussive volume modulation. It chops up your echoes and establishes a strong sense of rhythm.

ALT MODE: TREMOLO (RAMP DOWN)

Tremolo / Ramp down gives you a plucky, pinging volume modulation. It produces an electronic quality, like a synth echoing your playing.

FREQUENCY SHIFTER (UP)

Frequency Shifter (Up) gives you a lush, hypnotic frequency modulation – the stuff of science fiction.

ALT MODE: FREQUENCY SHIFTER (DOWN)

Frequency Shifter (Down) is an alternate flavor of frequency shifting that causes your frequencies to continuously spiral downwards.

Sequencing

This is where things get special.

The sequencer introduces an extra layer of motion by stepping through the voices one-by-one, creating a shape-shifting echo.

Below is the default sequence, which you will notice includes a 4th voice: reverse octave down. This makes for a nice, even 4-step sequence.

The sequencer has two modes:

Sequencer: RUN setting

With the RUN setting, you get a synth-style sequencer that continuously steps forward at a steady speed synced to the delay.

Sequencer: ENV setting

With the ENV setting, you get an envelope-controlled sequencer that only steps to the next voice when input audio is present.

It can be that simple if you like – just choose your mode and let the sequencer do its thing. But we’ve also provided some options to let you dig a little deeper.

Sequencer Options

There are a few ways to adjust the sequencer to your liking using the Hidden Options.

SEQUENCER RATE

The sequencer is synced to the delay time, but you can have it move either at a faster or slower subdivision. This makes it possible to have long delay times where the sequencer darts between different voices, or a slapback delay that slowly shape-shifts, or everything in-between.

OCTAVE TYPE option

The OCTAVE TYPE option will also influence the type of patterns you get from the sequencer.

OCTAVE TYPE option: DOWN setting

The Down setting removes the upper octave from the sequence, playing the sub octave twice instead.

OCTAVE TYPE option: BOTH setting

With the Both setting, both voices appear in the sequence.

OCTAVE TYPE option: UP setting

With the Up setting, the lower octave is removed from the sequence, playing the upper octave twice instead.

REST / SKIP

The sequencer is interactive with the BALANCE knob. If you set BALANCE in a way that mutes one or more of the voices, the sequencer will react to that in one of two ways:

REST

With the RUN / OFF / ENV ⋅ SEQUENCE toggle set to the left position (Rest), the muted voices are left in the sequence, resulting in a full 4-step sequence with moments of silence.

SKIP

With the RUN / OFF / ENV ⋅ SEQUENCE toggle set to the right position (Skip), the muted voices are removed from the sequence, resulting in a shorter sequence.

FADE TYPE

Sets how the sequencer moves from one step to the next – instantly, or in a smooth, gradual way.

The gray labels are the default settings.

Now that’s multidirectional!

Customize

The red-labeled dip switches] on top of Reverse Mode C allow you to configure it for your setup and fine-tune things to your liking.

SWAP dip switch

The SWAP dip switch lets you make DEPTH and RATE primary, surface-level controls instead of Hidden Options. This is useful if you want more immediate control over the modulation.

(When engaged, OFFSET and BALANCE will become the hidden options.)

MISO dip switch

MISO stands for “Mono In, Stereo Out”. When the MISO dip switch is set to on, it splits a mono input signal into a stereo output.

SPREAD dip switch

When the SPREAD dip switch is set to On, it hard-pans the forward and reverse voices to create a spacious stereo image.

TRAILS dip switch

When the TRAILS dip switch is set to on, it allows the echoes to fade out naturally after the pedal is bypassed.

LATCH dip switch

When the LATCH dip switch is set to On, it changes the hold function for each footswitch from momentary to latching, so that it will remain engaged until the footswitch is held again.

FEED TYPE dip switch

The FEED TYPE dip switch sets whether the octave effect is inside or outside of the feedback loop. This lets you choose between a steady amount of pitch shifting, or echoes that continuously ascend (or descend).

FADE TYPE dip switch

The FADE TYPE dip switch controls how the sequencer moves from one step to the next – immediately, or in a smooth, gradual way.

MOD TYPE dip switch

The MOD TYPE dip switch lets you engage a secondary flavor of modulation for each type – see modulation types.

Gray labels are the default settings.

Ramping

Ramping gives you the ability to automate Reverse Mode C’s knobs, either as a one-time movement (“Ramp”) or continuous motion (“Bounce”).

It’s easier to get started with Bounce, so let’s do that. We’re essentially going to modulate a knob.

1. Engage Bounce.

2. Choose which knob(s) you wish to control.

3. Choose the sweep.

4. Set the speed.

Now the tone of the echoes will steadily shift, introducing another layer of modulation. The position of the knob you’re controlling is important, because it either sets the maximum or minimum point of the range (depending on the SWEEP setting).

By default, Bounce is a triangle wave, but you can use the Hidden Options to choose from a whole pile of options.

Ramp is the same idea, but the movement only happens once when you turn the pedal on. Your chosen knob(s) either rise or fall to the position set by the knob, then stay there. This is useful for creating a wave of motion and activity when you first turn Reverse Mode C on.

Check out the Dip Switches 101 document on our website for a step-by-step on ramping.

Ramping is engaged as soon as the dip switch for a corresponding knob is set to ON. At this point, the MIX knob automatically changes to control the ramp speed. You can still adjust MIX while ramping by holding down the left footswitch as you move the knob.

External Control

Reverse Mode C is compatible with MIDI, CV, expression and external footswitch.

CV range

0-5 V

Higher voltage or any negative voltage could damage the pedal.

• CV: floating ring TRS to TS
• EXP: TRS cable

CV and expression can be used to control Reverse Mode C’s knobs.

MIDI lets you go deeper and control everything, including clock sync, the Hidden Options, and the dip switches.

CV and expression are set up the same way as ramping using the dip switches on the top of the pedal. The pedal will simply detect a CV or expression signal when you plug it in and hand over control.

1. Choose which knob(s) you wish to control.

2. Choose the sweep.

3. Choose the polarity.

4. Set the range.

If you plug in a CV or expression signal but engage none of the knobs, you will have control over MIX.

MIDI requires a Chase Bliss Midibox to convert the signal to a ¼” TRS jack. For details on getting MIDI going with Reverse Mode C, check out the MIDI manual.

The MIDI jack can also be used to control Reverse Mode C’s delay time using external tap-tempo.

BYE

This is the end of the Reverse Mode C manual. We hope you’re feeling bold and bright!

Write us anytime if you’d like to know more: help@chasebliss.com

We’re happy to help.

↻ 2023-10-31