Why stick with one pedalboard when you can have infinite combinations with ZOIA 10k from Empress Effects, an innovative modular effects system in pedal form. ZOIA sports a growing list of over 90 modules, which can be internally routed and combined in any way you want, from custom FX paths to from-scratch effects, synths, and controllers.
ZOIA comes loaded with over 20 ready-made effect modules to make things easy before you're ready to build your own. You can save up to 64 unique patches for instant recall and switching between your own instruments, FX chains, individual effects, or external audio setup. With the universal control port and 3.5mm MIDI jacks, you can connect almost any external control device—including expression pedals, footswitches, and synthesizers—to communicate via MIDI, CV, and traditional expression/footswitch signals, allowing you to control your modules and experiment endlessly. The ZOIA 10k includes a microSD card for storing and loading your patches and two 3.5mm to MIDI 5-pin DIN adapter plugs.
- Interface modules (I/O and control),
- Analysis modules (followers and detectors)
- Audio modules (filters, oscillators, amps, mixers, loopers, etc.)
- CV modules (LFO, ADSR, sequencer, CV processing, quantizer, etc.)
- Effect modules (EQ, delay, modulation, dynamics, reverb, etc.)
- MIDI: The control port can receive MIDI messages on the tip of a 1/4" TRS connector and send MIDI messages via the ring of said 1/4" TRS connector.
- Expression Pedal: The ZOIA is compatible with expression pedals that output signal on the tip, allowing you to control audio FX parameters, oscillator frequencies, VCAs, and much more.
- Control Voltage: With CV control, the ZOIA responds to CV signals from 0 to 5 volts, and can both receive (tip) and send (ring) CV signals. With CV, you can interface your external synth modules with the internal ZOIA modules, offering huge avenues for experimentation.
- External Switch: The ZOIA can be used with either a normally open or normally closed momentary or latching external switch. You can route the external switch to numerous modules, including tap temp inputs, sequencers, gain stages, and more.