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Average Price: $422
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$150
$601+
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Description
Introducing the Hologram Electronics Microcosm, a marvel in the realm of guitar pedals and effects. This is no ordinary multi-effect device, but a playground for sonic exploration that elevates your performance to the next level. It's a master sampler and delay all in one, capable of slicing your signal into granular fragments, morphing them into extraordinary microloops, and constructing sequences and textures that are truly one-of-a-kind. A perpetual favorite amongst musicians, the Microcosm is an experience that you need to try for yourself to truly appreciate.
Key Features:
- Advanced sampling and delay multi-effect
- Granular signal processing
- Microloop creation capability
- Unique sequence and texture building
- Highly favored and popular within the musician community.
Product specs
| Brand | Hologram Electronics |
| Model | Microcosm |
| Finish | Black, White |
| Year | 2020 - 2025 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Loop Pedals and Samplers |
| Pedal Format | Standard |
FAQs
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What types of effects does the Hologram Electronics Microcosm offer?
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The Microcosm provides a range of effects including granular synthesis, pitch-shifting, delay, and looping, allowing for complex sound manipulation and creative expression.
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Is the Hologram Electronics Microcosm suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Microcosm is designed for both studio and live use, offering intuitive controls and a robust build that can handle performance environments.
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Can the Hologram Electronics Microcosm be used with instruments other than guitar?
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Absolutely, the Microcosm works well with a variety of instruments, including keyboards and synthesizers, expanding its versatility beyond just guitar applications.
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What power supply does the Hologram Electronics Microcosm require?
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The Microcosm requires a 9V power supply, ensuring compatibility with standard pedalboard power setups.
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Does the Hologram Electronics Microcosm have presets for different effects?
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Yes, the Microcosm includes a range of presets, allowing users to quickly access and experiment with different soundscapes and effects settings.
Videos
David Hilowitz Music
Hologram Microcosm: Make anything sound cinematic
Reviews
PROS
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Consolidates the capabilities of multiple pedals into one
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Offers sixteen diverse presets for sound generation
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Can produce beautiful ambient pads and glitches with strong, dry signals
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Capable of delivering cinematic sounds, ideal for soundscapes
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Complements other pedals well, enhancing overall sound
CONS
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Output volume is notably quiet, affecting performance
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Underwhelming stereo output, lacking noticeable difference
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Not suited for subtle signal processing, struggles with low or slow attacks
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Poor performance as a looper with limited recording and overdubbing capabilities
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Presets sound too similar, limiting sound variety
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Limited tweakability of sounds, with specific changes per activity
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Wet/dry mix is unbalanced, with wet mix much quieter
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Uncontrollable effects, making precise sound crafting challenging
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hologram Electronics Microcosm.
Software and compatibility
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MIDI sync issues have been reported, with the effect sometimes lagging and losing groove, especially noticeable at slower tempos.
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Use cases and applications
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The looper is highlighted for its ability to layer effects creatively; users often place the looper post-effects initially, then switch to pre-effects for ambient textures.
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The Microcosm's looper is highlighted as a standalone tool for creating inspiring sessions, particularly appreciated by guitar players.
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The Microcosm is noted to be more suited for studio experimentation than live performance due to its unpredictability.
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Setup and maintenance
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Some users find the single TRS stereo input inconvenient, necessitating adapters that can clutter pedalboards, despite the increasing trend towards compact designs.
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Passive re-amp boxes may be needed for optimal gain staging in certain setups, though the pedal includes a line/instrument level switch.
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Users report a high noise floor, especially noticeable in delicate ambient passages compared to quieter pedals like the Empress Zoia.
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User experience
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Owners report that the pedal's sounds are "otherworldly" and can transform basic inputs into musically useful outputs, showcasing its unique ability to reinterpret audio.
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Owners note the pedal's distinct sound can overshadow individual playing style, consistently imparting a "Microcosm" signature on most outputs.
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Users report inconsistent effect triggering and volume, with some effects not triggering unless input levels are high.
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Comparisons
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The Chase Bliss MOOD and Microcosm are noted as quite different, with the Microcosm being stereo and more straightforward, while MOOD requires random knob adjustments for good results.
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Users find the Microcosm excels in granular effects, outperforming the Red Panda Particle in terms of repeat fidelity and intuitive pitch options.
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Reverb quality criticized, notably compared unfavorably to cheaper options like the TC Electronic Hall of Fame.
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Features and functionality
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The pedal's ARP, glitch, and blocks settings excel in creating tight, choppy effects. The time knob in the glitch section is crucial for achieving desired "choppage."
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The pedal's internal reverb cannot be applied to the dry signal, requiring an external reverb for a consistent soundscape.
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The Microcosm requires careful gain staging when used as an effects send in DAWs like Ableton to prevent signal distortion.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings
1798
I think I might have to sell all my pedals....
This is one of those limited run of pedals that, in this economy (2020), will cost you an arm and a leg. However, if you got the cash and you love creating soundscapes or just getting weird with your guitar and pedals than this is the pedal for you. What would've taken three or five pedals to make the sounds in this thing you can do with one of sixteen presets. I've only played it three times since I've gotten it, but it is amazing and I'm so happy with the sounds I can generate from it. I own a Infinite Jets and have played it in parallel with the microcosm and it only makes since that these two siblings would play well together. I won't get into to much detail or go over every preset and I know not everyone likes menu diving pedals, but if I could describe this pedal: It's like the bait you take fishing with you to catch ideas and you will always get a bite.
Artist usage
Add artist
In this TPS YouTube interview with Noel at approximately 1hr34min he discusses creating the riff for Black Star Dancing and constructing the song around it when he was experimenting with the Hologram Microcosm. Also referenced in this article recapping the TPS interview: https://www.musicradar.com/news/noel-gallagher-talks-guitar-amps-and-pedals-i-love-presets-and-i-love-nicking-other-peoples-settings-including-pete-townshends
Ed O'Brien uses the Hologram Electronics Microcosm on his 2025 Radiohead Tour Pedal Board, as confirmed by TheGigRig in their YouTube video titled "Radioheads New Touring Pedalboards Design, Build and Gig for Ed O'Brien and Colin Greenwood."
At the 0:32 mark of the Apple Music interview by Zane Lowe with Billie Eilish and FINNEAS, the Hologram Electronics Microcosm can be seen on FINNEAS's desk behind him.
In the YouTube video titled "Coming Soon - St. Vincent: The Process | Studio Tour" by Reverb, the Hologram Electronics Microcosm is briefly visible in St. Vincent's studio.
Rabea mentions having bought the Microcosm, and gives details on how the pedal fits into his ambient board.
Album Usage
The Hologram Electronics Microcosm has been featured on the following albums:
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 Hologram Electronics Microcosm, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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