ZVEX Sonar

^# 43

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$219.00 to $249.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (14)

3 Reviews

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Best Tremolo Pedals: Awesome Amplitude Adjustments

15 wishlisted

38 saved

Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated June 29, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

3.9 (3)

$249.00

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5.0 (5)

$219.00 19 available New

$140.00 8 available Used

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Average Price: $203

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

Price Tier

In the Tremolo Effects Pedals category, ZVEX Sonar is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Dive into the rhythmic depths of your music with the ZVEX Sonar, a tremolo pedal that shines in the spotlight, especially when paired with high-gain amplifiers. Its innovative design ensures your tremolo effect cuts through the mix, without the hum or buzz that often accompanies higher gain settings. With the flexibility of choosing between a tap tempo feature with three distinct time divisions or a Speed control for on-the-fly adjustments, the Sonar offers unparalleled control over your sound’s pulsation. Whether you’re looking to add a subtle rhythmic shimmer or a pronounced pulsating effect to your guitar’s tone, the ZVEX Sonar stands ready to deliver, all while maintaining the integrity of your original signal with its silent bypass technology.

Key Features:

Designed specifically for use with high-gain amplifiers
Silent bypass technology eliminates noise
Tap tempo with three selectable time divisions
Speed control for manual adjustment of the effect’s pace
Ideal for adding both subtle rhythmic textures and pronounced pulsations

Product specs

Brand	Zvex
Model	Vexter Series Sonar Tremolo with Tap Tempo
Finish	Silver with Graphic
Year	2010s
Made In	Taiwan
Categories	Tremolo Pedals

FAQs

What is the primary function of the ZVEX Sonar pedal?: The ZVEX Sonar is a tremolo effects pedal designed to create dynamic volume modulation with tap tempo control, allowing for precise rhythmic effects in your guitar signal.
Does the ZVEX Sonar work well with bass guitars?: Yes, the ZVEX Sonar is compatible with bass guitars and can add unique rhythmic tremolo effects to bass lines, enhancing your sound with its versatile modulation capabilities.
What power supply does the ZVEX Sonar require?: The ZVEX Sonar requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is typical for most guitar pedals, ensuring easy integration into your existing pedalboard setup.
How does the tap tempo feature on the ZVEX Sonar enhance its functionality?: The tap tempo feature allows you to sync the tremolo speed with the tempo of your music, providing greater rhythmic precision and versatility during live performances or recording sessions.
Can the ZVEX Sonar produce both subtle and intense tremolo effects?: Yes, the ZVEX Sonar can produce a wide range of tremolo effects, from subtle, gentle modulation to intense, choppy patterns, making it suitable for various musical styles and preferences.

Videos

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Z VEX

ZVEX Sonar Official Demo

Z VEX

Z.VEX Effects Sonar Tremolo

Prymaxe

ZVex Sonar Review - BestGuitarEffects.com

Best Guitar Effects

Z.VEX Sonar | Vexter Series | tap tremolo with built in Z.VEX Machine fuzz

JJ of the T

The ZVEX Sonar: An Exploration (HALLOWEEN SPECIAL)

Z VEX

Zvex Sonar (hidden controls)

hiwattbob

SONAR TREMOLO by Z.VEX : 30 Pedals in 30 Days 2012 : Day 8

The Tone King

ZVEX pedals: Fat Fuzz Factory & Sonar tremolo

Pedals Fusion

ZVEX Effects Sonar Vexter Tremolo

Pedal of the Day

Reviews

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PROS

Tap tempo and "secret" settings offer huge flexibility
Wave shaping and duty control for precise sound tweaking
Delta function allows for smooth speed transitions
Compact design with a multitude of features
Machine circuit offers distortion with tremolo effect
Long battery life, reducing the need for constant replacements
Can recreate iconic tremolo sounds from notable albums
Hidden controls unlock additional functionalities

CONS

Steep learning curve due to hidden features
Higher price point compared to some competitors

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The ZVEX Sonar offers a delta setting that allows the trem frequency/speed to accelerate or decelerate, enhancing rhythmic versatility.
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The Sonar's waveform can be fully customized to achieve various pulse and chop effects, offering versatility in tremolo styles.
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While not achieving the creamy vibe of traditional tremolos, the Sonar provides ample control for adjusting its pulse and chop characteristics effectively.
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User experience

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Owners mention the ZVEX Sonar's secondary function tweaks can be overwhelming, affecting workflow and usability for some users.
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Owners find the Sonar particularly effective when paired with high-gain amps, such as the Soldano Hot 100, for cutting through the mix with aggressive tremolo.
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Owners confirm the Sonar's aggressive chop matches demo expectations, making it ideal for those seeking pronounced tremolo effects.
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Use cases and applications

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It’s been highlighted as an excellent rhythmic tool, especially for aggressive chop tremolo, and is also used for reamping vocals and other instruments.
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The Sonar is highlighted for its aggressive tremolo, which some users had difficulty finding in other models, making it ideal for specific tonal needs.
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The Sonar's aggressive cutting capability pairs well with high-gain setups for distinctive, hard-edged soundscapes.
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Comparisons

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The Dawner Prince Starla is preferred by some for its simplicity and direct control options without requiring menus or alternate functions.
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It's noted as a "really nice under the radar trem," suggesting it might be less known but highly valued among niche enthusiasts.
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The Sonar's ability to cut to silence with tremolo is favored over the Caroline Parabola, which lacks a tap tempo feature.
Source

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 14 Ratings

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miro_van_dijk

184

almost 8 years ago

Having fun!

It's a great pedal! It took some time to get used to it, but now I know how to use it I'm really enjoying the Sonar! The hidden features are nice and the delta knob is fun to mess around with. The pedal is a bit expensive but I think it is worth it! Great Zvex pedal!