Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $521
Standard/Professional
$150
$601+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Empress Effects ZOIA". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash your creativity with the Empress Effects ZOIA, a revolutionary multi-effect pedal that brings the power of a modular system right to your pedalboard. This versatile pedal is much more than a multi-effect unit; it's a blank canvas for your sonic masterpieces. With the ZOIA, you're not confined to pre-set effects. You can construct custom effects, synthesizers, sequencers, and more, all within a compact, pedalboard-friendly format. The ZOIA's intuitive grid-based interface makes it easy to create and save up to 64 patches, offering endless possibilities for tone shaping and sound design.
Key Features:
- Fully modular system in a compact pedal format
- Comprehensive range of effects, synth modules, sequencers, and more
- Intuitive grid-based interface for easy patch creation and editing
- Ability to create and save up to 64 custom patches
- Pedalboard-friendly design for easy integration into your setup
- Enhances creativity and encourages exploration of new sonic possibilities.
Owner's manual
Empress Effects ZOIA User ManualProduct specs
| Pedal Type | Multi-FX |
| Analog/Digital | Digital |
| Presets | 64 x Patches |
| Number of Effects | 23 x Audio Modules, 24 x Control Modules, 20 x Effect Modules |
| Effects Types | Over 80 FX, CV, Audio, Interface and Analysis modules |
| Amp Modeling | Cabinet Simulator |
| Looper | Yes |
| Inputs | 2 x 1/4" (L, R) |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4" (L, R) |
| MIDI I/O | 2 x 1/8" Type A (In, Out) |
| Other I/O | 1 x 1/4" (Control Port), 1 x MicroSD slot |
| Expression Control | Yes |
| Power Source | 9V DC 300mA power supply (sold separately) |
| Height | 2.62" |
| Width | 5.7" |
| Depth | 3.75" |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs. |
FAQs
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What kind of effects can I create with the Empress Effects ZOIA?
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The Empress Effects ZOIA offers over 80 types of effects, including audio, control, and interface modules, allowing you to create complex signal chains and custom patches.
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Can the Empress Effects ZOIA function as a looper?
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Yes, the Empress Effects ZOIA includes a looper feature, enabling you to record and layer sounds for live performances or creative experimentation.
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What are the connectivity options for the Empress Effects ZOIA?
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The ZOIA features 2 x 1/4" inputs and outputs for stereo operation, MIDI I/O via 1/8" Type A ports, and a control port for expression pedal connectivity.
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Is the Empress Effects ZOIA suitable for live performances?
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Absolutely, the ZOIA allows you to save up to 64 patches, making it easy to recall complex setups during live performances.
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Does the Empress Effects ZOIA require an external power supply?
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Yes, the ZOIA requires a 9V DC 300mA power supply, which is sold separately.
Videos
loopop
Empress ZOIA compared to 3 product types: Boutique pedals, MultiFX and Modular // Review, tutorial
Empress ZOIA compared to 3 product types: Boutique pedals, MultiFX and Modular // Review, tutorial
loopop
5 Whys To Buy a ZOIA // The best FX Pedal
Ricky Tinez
Introducing: Zoia / Empress Effects
Knobs
ZOIA Mega Tutorial 1
True Cuckoo
Empress Effects Zoia Demo (In Stereo - Please use Headphones)
The Pedal Zone
Empress Effects ZOIA: Introduction + Demo
Red Means Recording
The Empress ZOIA Is For Guitar Too (Stereo Demo)
collector//emitter
Diving Into The Empress ZOIA.
Benn Jordan
Empress Effects ZOIA
HAINBACH
Empress Effects ZOIA
Mike Hermans
Empress Effects ZOIA - All Effects (Quick Run)
Do Noise
Welcome to ZOIA!
Fireghosting
The Most Complex "Pedal" - Empress Zoia
Michael W. Westbrook
ZOIA by Empress Effects
Sound Isles
Empress Effects ZOIA - Sound Demo (no talking)
Guitar Bonedo
EMPRESS EFFECTS ZOIA Beginners Guide
Tubedigga
ZOIA How To: Build Effects Tutorial
aBunchOfPedals
The Empress Zoia does everything: But is it FUN?
Gearfacts
Reviews
PROS
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Intuitive and easy to learn with resources available
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Highly versatile, suitable for sound design and modular synthesis
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Portable with a regular battery pack
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Endless creative possibilities pushing musical boundaries
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Over 1200 patches available for learning and use
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Compatible with different musical instruments and setups
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Encourages experimentation with its modular, button-based UI
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High-quality sound effects like reverb, delay, and granular processing
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Continuous firmware updates improve functionality
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Active community for sharing patches and tips
CONS
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The steep learning curve for beginners
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Small screen can make navigation challenging
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Memory card slot design is somewhat impractical
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Some effects, particularly distortion, can sound digital
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Processor may lag with heavy effects loading
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Visibility of connections and types in patches could be improved
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Empress Effects ZOIA.
Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
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Owners utilize ZOIA as a powerful MIDI controller, modulating parameters like volume and tone on external pedals for unique effects such as tremolos.
Source -
The ZOIA is employed to replicate a Boss Slicer effect with a momentary footswitch, integrating subtle delay and stereo reverb.
Source -
One user created an entire album using only the ZOIA and a guitar, showcasing its versatility and power as a standalone tool.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 12 Ratings
145
Supreme control
This pedal does everything. And I don't been that lightly, I mean it literally dies whatever you can think of. It's baffling how empress have done it. This is an ocean of sounds, and a true undertaking to understand 100%, but even at my measly fraction of a percent of knowledge I've managed to exceed my expectations, every time. A must buy for anyone thinking about creating unique soundscapes or effects chains that normal pedals can't accomplish!
Artist usage
Add artist
At 32:20 in HeadCount's "Check In with Julien Baker" she briefly shows the setup she is using to create the score for the documentary North By Current. The ZOIA can be seen (mirrored by the selfie cam) sitting on the table in front of her.
Julien also briefly mentioned this pedal by name when she and Katie Harkin appeared on the Talkhouse Podcast (19:55).
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In an Instagram post dated August 14, 2019, Sarah Lipstate mentions using the Empress Effects ZOIA on her pedalboard, highlighting its role in crafting her Iggy soundscapes live.
In his YouTube video titled "Empress Effects ZOIA," Hainbach demonstrates his frequent use of the Empress Effects ZOIA. The video serves as a detailed exploration of how he incorporates this versatile multi-effects pedal into his music production.
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i attended a seminar with Cuckoo at Moogfest APRIL 26 2019 and he was using and performing with the Empress and Teenage Engineering OP-Z. The submitted pic shows both units and i took the pic.
Peter Holmström, guitarist for The Dandy Warhols, is confirmed to use the Empress Effects ZOIA, as evidenced by his Instagram post where he shared a photo of his pedalboard, thanking Empress Effects for fixing his ZOIA with "new switches, buttons and screen."
Visible in this January 13, 2020 Twitter post.
I'm honored to be among the first to welcome @empress_effects to the world of modular. And I can't think of a bigger splash than this monster on the right. Well. Fucking. Done! #zoia #euroburo
She's using the Empress Effects Zoia pedal in this video. She states that she's using the pedal.
In the Dawsons Music interview, Vedran Mircetic mentions using the Empress Effects ZOIA in his pedal setup.
In a video shared on their Patreon, Sweet Valley can be observed with the Empress Effects ZOIA in their setup. The presence of the ZOIA is confirmed through visible branding and distinctive features such as its size, button layout, and lighting, allowing for clear identification of this specific piece of gear.
According to the artist page on Empress Effects Inc., Josh Hager is listed as a user of the Empress Effects ZOIA.
In the video titled "Happy Jam" uploaded by Magic Point on YouTube, the artist is seen utilizing an Empress Effects ZOIA multi-effects pedal, identifiable by its distinct colorful buttons and square shape. This visual evidence confirms Magic Point's use of this specific gear in their music creation process.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Empress Effects ZOIA, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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