Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $308

High-end/Boutique

$100

$276+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "GFI System Specular Tempus". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

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Description

Unleash a world of sonic possibilities with the GFI System Specular Tempus, a versatile powerhouse that seamlessly combines studio-quality reverbs and delays into one compact pedal. Designed for musicians who crave both quality and flexibility, this pedal offers a treasure trove of features that can transform your soundscapes.

The Specular Tempus boasts an impressive array of 32 presets and 32 algorithms, allowing you to explore a vast range of ambient textures and rhythmic echoes. Whether you're dialing in a shimmering reverb or a tight slapback delay, this pedal provides intuitive control with knobs for blend, decay/time, param, and intensity/repeats. The tap-tempo function, complete with four subdivisions, ensures your effects stay in perfect sync with your performance.

Connectivity is a breeze with stereo inputs and outputs, alongside versatile MIDI and Aux In/Out options. The pedal's large and bright LCD display makes navigating its features straightforward, even on the darkest stages. For those who love diving deep into their gear, the SpecLab software offers an extended set of parameters for comprehensive algorithm editing.

Designed with the gigging musician in mind, the Specular Tempus includes a kill-dry function, ensuring your dry signal remains untouched when needed. With analog dry-thru, your original tone stays pristine, while effect bypass and preset selection are just a footswitch away.

Key Features:

  • Studio-quality reverbs and delays in one pedal
  • 32 Presets and 32 Algorithms
  • Stereo input and outputs
  • Tap-tempo with 4 subdivisions
  • Aux In/Out and MIDI capabilities
  • Kill-Dry function and analog dry-thru
  • Large and bright LCD display
  • SpecLab software for extended editing options
  • Power: 9 V DC (power supply not included)

Product specs

Brand GFI System
Model Specular Tempus
Finish Blacked Out, White
Year 2010 - 2020
Categories Delay Pedals, Reverb Pedals

FAQs

What are the main effects offered by the GFI System Specular Tempus?

The GFI System Specular Tempus combines high-quality reverb and delay effects in a single pedal, offering a versatile range of ambient sounds for guitarists.

Does the Specular Tempus support stereo operation?

Yes, the Specular Tempus features stereo in/out functionality, allowing for rich, immersive soundscapes in stereo setups.

Can the GFI System Specular Tempus be powered with a standard pedalboard power supply?

The Specular Tempus requires a 9V DC power supply with a negative-center plug, drawing 100mA, which is compatible with most standard pedalboard power supplies.

Is the Specular Tempus compatible with external MIDI controllers?

Yes, the Specular Tempus can be controlled via MIDI, allowing for integration with external MIDI controllers for expanded functionality.

How does the Specular Tempus handle tap tempo?

The Specular Tempus includes tap tempo functionality, enabling users to sync delay times to the tempo of their performance easily.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Amazing Ambient Tones - GFI System Specular Tempus Reverb & Delay Pedal

Video thumbnail for Amazing Ambient Tones - GFI System Specular Tempus Reverb & Delay Pedal by Andertons Music Co

Amazing Ambient Tones - GFI System Specular Tempus Reverb & Delay Pedal

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for The Specular Tempus: Almost Too Good To Be True by Benn Jordan

The Specular Tempus: Almost Too Good To Be True

Benn Jordan

Benn Jordan

Video thumbnail for GFI System Specular Tempus Review and Demo | Secret Weapons by Mark Johnston

GFI System Specular Tempus Review and Demo | Secret Weapons

Mark Johnston

Mark Johnston

Video thumbnail for GFI System Specular Tempus = Heavenly Reverbs + Delays! by Chords Of Orion

GFI System Specular Tempus = Heavenly Reverbs + Delays!

Chords Of Orion

Chords Of Orion

Video thumbnail for GFI System Specular Tempus Delay & Reverb (Stereo) by Do Noise

GFI System Specular Tempus Delay & Reverb (Stereo)

Do Noise

Do Noise

Video thumbnail for GFI System: Specular Tempus Reverb/Delay by Brett Kingman

GFI System: Specular Tempus Reverb/Delay

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Top 10 Sounds | GFI System Specular Tempus by R.J. Ronquillo

Top 10 Sounds | GFI System Specular Tempus

R.J. Ronquillo

R.J. Ronquillo

Video thumbnail for GFI System Specular Tempus (Using 1 Algorithm For P&W Reverb & Delay) by Guitar Emerge

GFI System Specular Tempus (Using 1 Algorithm For P&W Reverb & Delay)

Guitar Emerge

Guitar Emerge

Video thumbnail for Amazing Reverb AND Delay - Specular Tempus by GFI System by marbinmusic

Amazing Reverb AND Delay - Specular Tempus by GFI System

marbinmusic

marbinmusic

Reviews

PROS

  • Reverb and delay algorithms offer high-quality, out-of-this-world sounds

  • Compact size with a multitude of tonal options

  • Robust metallic casing ensures durability

  • Stereo spread and plate reverbs are especially praised

  • Useful for both studio recording and live performances

  • Compatible with SpecLab software for deeper sound customization

  • Offers unique sounds like Spatium, Anti-Shimmer, and freeze reverb

  • Can be easily integrated into existing pedalboards without requiring much space

  • Low current draw compared to similar pedals

  • Excellent value for the quality of tones

CONS

  • Swapping banks and accessing certain functions can be cumbersome

  • Interface and navigation can be tricky, especially for beginners

  • Kill dry function buried in submenus, lacking practicality

  • Limited onboard controls due to compact size

  • Learning curve to fully explore secondary features

  • Needs external footswitch for more intuitive live use

  • Cannot stack certain effects within the pedal itself

  • Limited preset slots compared to available algorithms

  • Some users find the reverb and delay tones to be sterile

  • Trails can end abruptly if not managed carefully

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about GFI System Specular Tempus.

Features and functionality

  • Some users note the removal of certain algorithms like the Infinity and anti-shimmer, which will be added in future firmware updates.

    Source
  • It's noted that the Specular Tempus can operate in either one stereo or two mono algorithms, although this feature is not clearly detailed in the manual.

    Source
  • The Specular Tempus requires a USB B cable for software access to features like tap tempo, FX loop, and aux in/out, which are not accessible out of the box.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Mentioned as comparable to Empress' Echosystem, particularly praised for its dual-engine delay capabilities in a compact form.

    Source
  • The Tempus is compared to the Source Audio Collider, with the latter favored for its ability to run delay and reverb simultaneously, offering greater algorithm flexibility.

    Source
  • An owner with extensive experience in big-box pedals found the Tempus less compelling due to its algorithm limitations, favoring the Collider for broader tonal applications.

    Source
  • The Specular Tempus' delays are noted to lack sufficient repeats compared to other models, but its reverb algorithms are highly regarded.

    Source
  • Compared to the Strymon NightSky, the Tempus offers less algorithm flexibility, but its shimmer effect is a standout feature for many users.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the compact size of the Specular Tempus, making it pedalboard-friendly while offering ambient delays, reverbs, and looping features.

    Source
  • Some owners appreciate the Tempus aesthetically but feel limited by its inability to pair algorithms freely, prompting comparisons to other versatile options like the Synesthesia.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • It's noted that the anti-shimmer effect is integrated into the shimmer algorithm as an octave down parameter, though some wish for more algorithm options.

    Source
  • The device's editing software is essential for unlocking its full potential, although some users find the necessity of additional hardware and software cumbersome.

    Source

Build quality

  • The FX loop uses 1/8 inch jacks, which may require bulky adapters or hard-to-find right-angle cables, impacting ease of integration on pedalboards.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users appreciate the Spatium algorithm for its lush reverb, and the adjustable shimmer effect is praised for integrating well into mixes without overpowering.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • In Europe, the Specular Tempus is priced close to competitors like the Strymon Big Sky, affecting its perceived value relative to other regions.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
the_last_factory

The best reverb & delay combo that I've ever owned.

This pedal is what I have been looking for in a reverb pedal. It's got the best plate reverb I've ever heard in my life. It has an all encompassing algorithm called Spatium that can be any big reverb you want it to be (which I have no idea how to pronounce that word). It's got amazing atmospheric reverbs like Vortex which I think is amazing for drums, bass, synths and my glitchtar. It's also got this deep algo called Anti-Shimmer that yields itself to becoming a beautiful pad for Dark Ambient soundscapes which I use constantly. The reverb delay and diffuse delays are to die for. The delay algorithms are just as amazing and I love the sounds that I can generate from the Ambiental algo (shimmer reverb-esque delay), the Transposer algo is an amazing pitch-shifted delay that adds more color to my palette with chromatic echoes! I'm only scratching the surface in here describing the pedal, but if you are looking for a high-quality reverb for live sets and studio use this in my humble opinion one of the best.

anyrandomhole

One of the best pedals ever made.

In terms of pure sound, the Tempus can wrestle with the giants. Spatium, Anti-Shimmer, and that freeze reverb are already worth the price. All that power on a small footprint and even smaller current draw means we have come a long way since the Big Sky, Space, and Reverb.

arthur_dutson

Best Guitar Pedal

This pedal cannot get enough starts. I can't believe the reverb/delay you get from just this pedal. There are 32 algorithms that are preset on this pedal, and they all sound fantastic. Strymon is great, but if you want to save lots of money and still get tones just as good (if not better) get this!

Roles:
Genres:
C

can't go wrong with this

with no more than aux switch, it's actually quite easy to operate. all its algorithms are on point – classic and ambient sounds alike

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tycho uses GFI System Specular Tempus

Tycho

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tycho

...
Verified via Facebook

can be seen in this post from August 3, 2022

See how BT uses GFI System Specular Tempus

BT

Music Producer

All Hail The Silence

...
Verified via Facebook

mentions at 2:40 in this post from February 10, 2021

See how Rhett Shull uses GFI System Specular Tempus

Rhett Shull

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 4:44 in this video, Rhett intros his tempest that he put on a flight rig pedalboard

See how Ariel Posen uses GFI System Specular Tempus

Ariel Posen

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

A GFI Specular Tempus can be seen on Ariel's pedalboard in this video from his Instagram.

See how Ángel Parra uses GFI System Specular Tempus

Ángel Parra

Guitarist, Composer

Los Tres

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo from the soundcheck at the REC festival in Concepción on March 14, 2025, Jorge Rocha, the personal technician of Ángel Parra, is seen with a pedalboard. Among the equipment visible is the GFI System Specular Tempus pedal. This image serves as proof of the pedal's use by Ángel Parra.

See how The Flashbulb (Benn Jordan) uses GFI System Specular Tempus

The Flashbulb (Benn Jordan)

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

He use it to add effects to his Polyend/Dreadbox's Medusa video review on his Youtube channel called 'Benn and Gear'.

S

Sean Caskey

Singer, Guitarist

Last Dinosaurs

...
Verified via Photo

Sean Caskey uses the GFI System Specular Tempus, as seen near the top of the pedalboard in a post by ryusuke_effects on Instagram.

See how Aziz Ibrahim uses GFI System Specular Tempus

Aziz Ibrahim

Guitarist

Simply Red

...
Verified via Photo

@gfisystem #speculartempus into @fairfieldcircuitry #ShallowWaterK-FieldModulator Absolutely love these two! Fav setting running #reverb into #modulator FCSW adds modulation and a warped vinyl effect to the reverb. The gate cuts off the lush reverb tails. Leaves a real spooky sound

See how Merkaba uses GFI System Specular Tempus

Merkaba

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Merkaba/Kalya Scintilla recently posted a new walktrough of his rig.

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 GFI System Specular Tempus, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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Community setups

Show yours
jibe_be

jibe_be

Gear IQ 310

C

carminlosanto

Gear IQ 813

N

norbert_baltavari

Gear IQ 79

1 alternative for GFI System Specular Tempus, curated by the Equipboard community.

Source Audio Collider

$339.00 - $379.00

high-end alternative

similar concept, but its dual engine allows more options to combine reverb and delay

More GFI Reverb Effects Pedals

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    juddy
    juddy

    Gear IQ 200