Let’s get ramping (ramp mode explored).

The tap/ramp mini-series continues.

We’re continuing our informative series where we explore the tap and ramp features of NativeAudio pedals. The tap and ramp modes have become foundational features to NativeAudio pedals, so we think it’s important to equip you with the knowledge to operate your tap/ramp pedal. By the end of this series, you’ll have a better understanding of how to use your NativeAudio pedals with the tap and ramp capabilities.

It's all ramp talk from here.

Today’s blog will focus on ramp mode and we’re going to learn what it is, how to use it, the benefits, and what a ramp tremolo sounds like in action.

What is ramp mode?

Ramp mode takes the adjustable-rate concept from a rotary speaker cabinet and applies it to various effect types such tremolo, phaser, and delay. Ramp mode works by taking two selectable rates, slow and fast, and alternating between them, further expanding the tonal capabilities for each product in the NativeAudio line.

The original concept of ramp mode was inspired by my personal rotary cabinet. There was a certain magic that would happen when you transitioned from one rate to another, and so I had to bring this magic to a pedal. Well, after successfully creating the rotary-like function, I didn’t stop there and added additional parameters. The parameters included individual controls for each rate, slow and fast, and a control called ramp time which determines how fast you alternate between the two rates.

How to use ramp mode.

All ramp pedals in the NativeAudio line come with the following controls:

• Control. The switch used to transition the effect between slow and fast rate.

• Slow/Fast. Individually controls the slow and fast rates.

• R.Time. Controls the amount of time to alternate between the slow and fast rate.

• On(hold). Hold this switch to access the fast rate.

Ramp mode will always start on the slow rate and when the control switch is pressed, the effect will start to ramp and speed up towards the fast rate. The ramping will stop when it finally reaches the fast rate, and it maintains this rate until the control switch is released. When the control switch is released, the pedal will begin to ramp down and reduce its speed towards the slow rate. Note that the ramp control switch is completely flexible and can be tailored to your situation, so you can either press or release the switch in the middle ramping and the pedal will adjust its ramping direction accordingly. 

Now to the juicy part. Each rate, slow and fast, can be individually set! It’s best to begin with dialing in your fast rate, then slow rate. The fast rate can be set by holding down the on(hold) switch and adjusting the slow/fast control to your taste. Once the fast rate is set, release the on(hold) switch then the pedal will be ready to set the slow rate. Boom! The rates are set.

Finally, there’s ramp time. Ramp time simulates the physics of a rotary speaker cabinet. The rotary cabinet’s rates are set by a motor that rotates a speaker either fast or slow. Since the speaker is a little hefty, the motor has to build up momentum in order to fully transition between the two rates, and this is the ramp time. Although there is no adjustment of ramp time in the original rotary speaker cabinet design due to physical limitations of the motor, we’ve brought this concept into the world by offering a selectable range of ramp times. The ramp times range from almost immediate up to three seconds of ramp time so no matter the circumstance, you have some room to play with.

The benefits.

Now that we’ve explained what ramp mode is and how we operate it, what are the benefits of using a pedal that features ramp? Well, ramp mode is perfect if you find yourself going between two different rates using your foot to turn the knob or if you’re looking to expand your boundaries of creativity.

Look, I know we’ve all been there once or twice. The song is going and you’re wanting to get jazzy. Your pedal is on the slow rate but it’s time to go to the next level! You could use your foot to speed the rate up or… if you have ramp mode on your pedal, you could simply hold the control and have the rate increase. And just like that, you didn’t mess your performance up and the crowd is going wild – good job!

What if you don’t usually play footsie with your pedals? It’s okay, we totally understand and there’s soooooo many more uses for ramp mode. If you’ve been needing a fresh breath of inspiration, ramp mode is the perfect addition to your board. Between the multiple rates and ramp time, ramp mode opens the doors and allows you to fully express your inner creativity.

Ramp mode in action.

For our rig, we’re using a Fender Duo Sonic through a Fender Deluxe. We’ll start off with the Rising Sun in ramp mode. We’ll adjust our fast rate, slow rate, then our r.time (ramp time). Finally we use the control switch to alternate between the slow and fast rate, demonstrating how quickly you can get on your journey in ramp mode. Enjoy!

Let’s make some noise!

Now that we’ve explored the possible, let’s go and create the impossible. Visit here for Rising Sun.