Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $140

Standard/Professional

$50

$176+

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Budget

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High-end

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Description

Introducing the Empress Tremolo2, where digital precision meets analog warmth, offering an unparalleled tremolo experience. This isn't just a pedal; it's a gateway to a sonic landscape, ripe with possibilities. With its opto technology core, the Tremolo2 ensures your tone remains unblemished while delivering pulsating rhythms that can transform any track from mundane to mesmerizing. Three distinct waveforms and an array of rhythms invite you to sculpt your sound, while the addition of up to 12dB of clean gain injects your music with an unmistakable presence. Dive into the Empress Tremolo2 and find not just a sound, but your sound, savable and recallable across 8 presets for seamless integration into your creative process.

Key Features:

  • Utilizes opto technology for a high-fidelity tremolo effect without compromising tone.
  • Offers three selectable waveforms for versatile sound shaping.
  • Adjustable rhythms allow for a wide range of sonic experimentation.
  • Added gain stage provides up to 12dB of undistorted gain.
  • 8 recallable presets make it easy to save and switch between your favorite settings.

Product specs

Brand Empress
Model Tremolo 2
Finish Orange
Year 2010s
Made In Canada
Categories Tremolo Pedals

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Empress Tremolo2 pedal?

The Empress Tremolo2 offers a wide range of waveforms, tap tempo with multiple subdivisions, and the ability to save presets. It also includes an innovative rhythm mode, allowing for complex tremolo patterns.

Does the Empress Tremolo2 have true bypass?

Yes, the Empress Tremolo2 features true bypass switching, ensuring that your tone remains unaffected when the pedal is not in use.

Can the Empress Tremolo2 be powered by a standard 9V power supply?

The Empress Tremolo2 requires a 9V DC power supply, but it can also handle voltages up to 18V for increased headroom and dynamic range.

How does the Empress Tremolo2 compare to other tremolo pedals in terms of versatility?

The Empress Tremolo2 is known for its versatility, offering a range of waveforms, tap tempo, and rhythm patterns, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles and settings.

Is the Empress Tremolo2 suitable for both guitar and bass?

Yes, the Empress Tremolo2 works well with both guitar and bass, providing clear, dynamic tremolo effects that enhance your instrument's natural tone.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Empress Tremolo2

Video thumbnail for Empress Tremolo2 by ProGuitarShopDemos

Empress Tremolo2

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects Tremolo2 by Empress Effects

Empress Effects Tremolo2

Empress Effects

Empress Effects

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects - Tremolo2 by Knobs

Empress Effects - Tremolo2

Knobs

Knobs

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects Tremolo 2 by Mike Hermans

Empress Effects Tremolo 2

Mike Hermans

Mike Hermans

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects Tremolo2 Tremolo 2 by Curtis Kent

Empress Effects Tremolo2 Tremolo 2

Curtis Kent

Curtis Kent

Video thumbnail for 7 Creative Sounds with Tremolo! // Empress Tremolo 2 by Alex Price

7 Creative Sounds with Tremolo! // Empress Tremolo 2

Alex Price

Alex Price

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects Tremolo2 - Presets by Empress Effects

Empress Effects Tremolo2 - Presets

Empress Effects

Empress Effects

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects Tremolo 2 Demo and Review by Sam Goffen Guitar - Gear Reviews and Lessons

Empress Effects Tremolo 2 Demo and Review

Sam Goffen Guitar - Gear Reviews and Lessons

Sam Goffen Guitar - Gear Reviews and Lessons

Reviews

PROS

  • Best sounding tremolo pedal, comparable to high-end amp trems

  • Easy to use with immediate access to a range of tones

  • Offers remarkable flexibility and complexity for live use

  • Comprehensive preset system operable during performances

  • Features true or buffered bypass options

  • Ability to ramp down speed of trem oscillation uniquely

  • Three distinct waveforms plus a unique "Rhythm" setting

  • Allows control of trem effects via MIDI

  • Solid build quality with a 4-year warranty

  • Intuitive controls and convenient tap tempo

CONS

  • Preset mode disables tap tempo on the pedal itself

  • Learning curve for expression features and advanced settings

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Empress Tremolo2.

Features and functionality

  • Tap tempo and subdivisions allow precise timing with 8th's, 16th's, and triplets, enhancing rhythmic control.

    Source
  • The V2 version offers save-able presets, providing quick access to frequently used settings for live performances.

    Source
  • The "boost" function can be used as a clean boost, potentially sharing circuitry with the Empress Boost pedal, offering additional versatility.

    Source
  • Slow transitions between presets provide unique soundscaping opportunities, adding depth to live performances and studio sessions.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Empress Tremolo2 was compared to Catalinbread Tap-Trem; both are highly regarded, but Catalinbread was used for extensive touring.

    Source
  • While some consider the Cusack Tap-A-Whirl, the Empress Tremolo2 is favored for users who need straightforward, subtle tremolo without extra rhythm options.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Synced tremolo is highlighted as essential for live setups, making the Empress Tremolo2 suitable for performers needing precise tempo control.

    Source
  • Owners find the pedal effective for projects requiring choppy tremolo effects, though it may not match the extreme modulation of pedals like the Goatkeeper.

    Source
  • Owners highlight its suitability for subtle tremolo effects, catering to genres requiring gentle modulation rather than aggressive tremolo tones.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users found the attack harsh on trem cycles, suggesting it might not suit all tonal preferences.

    Source
  • One owner, after a month of use, finds it engaging and versatile, suggesting long-term satisfaction with the pedal's performance.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • MIDI integration can expand capabilities but is noted as cumbersome unless the user is serious about complex setups.

    Source

Build quality

  • A blemish on the bypass label was noted on a scratch and dent model, suggesting potential cosmetic issues on discounted units.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The high price point is a barrier for some, emphasizing its premium position in the market compared to budget options.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 11 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
H

solid

Not overly fancy as some, but it sounds great, has presets and some interesting options to get a variety of sounds.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jeff Beck uses Empress Tremolo2

Jeff Beck

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

Empress Tremolo2 visible in the photo of Jeff Beck's pedal board from the auction of his items at Christie's, January 2025, see: Jeff Beck - The Guitar Collection

See how Joff Oddie uses Empress Tremolo2

Joff Oddie

Guitarist

Wolf Alice

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Premier Guitar, Oddie has the Empress Tremolo 2 pedal.

See how David Bryant uses Empress Tremolo2

David Bryant

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Godspeed You! Black Emperor

...
Verified via effettidiclara

The orange pedal on the left side of his pedalboard

See how Nick Steinhardt uses Empress Tremolo2

Nick Steinhardt

Guitarist

Touché Amoré

...
Verified via Photo

A pedal seen on his board while recording demos for what would end up being "Stage Four".

See how Bob Lanzetti uses Empress Tremolo2

Bob Lanzetti

Guitarist

Snarky Puppy

...
Verified via GuitarPlayer.com

In this interview, Bob say's that he uses an Empress Tremolo.

See how Matt Webb uses Empress Tremolo2

Matt Webb

Singer, Guitarist

Marianas Trench

...
Verified via YouTube

Gear Masters (revisited) episode 38, at 4:40, Matt says he's "a huge fan of Empress brand [pedals]" and points to a compressor, tremolo, and tape delay pedal.

See how Vadim Taver uses Empress Tremolo2

Vadim Taver

Guitarist

Poison the Well

...
Verified via YouTube

At 14:51, Vadim is seen with an Empress Effects Tremolo2 Pedal during a live performance as part of Vadim's pedalboard.

D

Dave Nugent

Sam Roberts Band

...
Verified via Empress Effects Inc.

Dave Nugent is confirmed to use the Empress Tremolo2, as listed on the Empress Effects artist page.

See how Ron Hawkins uses Empress Tremolo2

Ron Hawkins

Singer, Guitarist

The Lowest of the Low

...
Verified via Twitter

A shot of Ron's pedal board from Twitter shows an Ibanez TS-9, an Empress Tremolo, a Subdecay Spring Theory, an Ibanez Echo Shifter, a ZVex Box of Rock, an MXR M109 6-band EQ, an Xotic EP Booster, a Malekko Omicron Compressor, and a TC Polytune Mini

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 Tremolo2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
danham

danham

Gear IQ 919

1 alternative for Empress Tremolo2, curated by the Equipboard community.

Empress 10th Anniversary Tremolo

 

Vintage or Discontinued limited edition

Released in 2016 to celebrate the original Empress Tremolo’s decennial.

The Empress Tremolo is 10 Years old! We’re celebrating with a limited edition, 10th anniversary tremolo pedal. Only 250 of these pedals will be made, each with its serial number engraved on the front of the pedal.

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Gear Guides

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