Empress ZOIA compared to 3 product types: Boutique pedals, MultiFX and Modular // Review, tutorial

Рет қаралды 191,666

Күн бұрын

To explore more modular patching ideas, check out my ever expanding book on Patreon:
► Patreon: / loopop
Some links that might help you and the channel (affiliate...):
► ZOIA on Amazon: amzn.to/2ZqZDCh
Check out used prices on Reverb
► reverb.grsm.io/zoia
VIDEO NOTES:
Please note the maximum looping time is 16 seconds and not 12 as I mention in the video (though Empress should still make it longer!)
For more ZOIA tutorials:
► empresseffects.com/products/zoia
Other places I hang out:
► Instagram: / loopopmusic
► Facebook: / loopopmusic
► Twitter: / loopopmusic
► Web: loopopmusic.com
My music:
► Bandcamp: loopop.bandcamp.com
► Spotify: bit.ly/LoopopOnSpotify
► Apple Music:bit.ly/LoopopOnAppleMusic
TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:10 Overview
4:00 vs. Pedals
4:15 Patch demos
7:35 Pedal pros/cons
8:45 MIDI mapping
10:25 Patch desc
11:50 vs. MultiFX
12:15 Building chains
15:15 MultiFX pros/cons
16:40 vs. Modular
17:10 Module overview
18:15 Audio & CV
18:40 Building a patch
22:30 Modular pros/cons
24:30 Summary
Want to email me personally?
► Ziv (at) loopopmusic.com
NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.

Пікірлер: 303

@Utkarsh_A 5 жыл бұрын

Ah it's good to see you adopting the Volca unit of measurement

@loopop 5 жыл бұрын

adopting? I dare say I invented it! until proven wrong of course

@Utkarsh_A 5 жыл бұрын

@@loopop Oh I know you invented it, by adopt I meant that you are adhering to it, reading back on it I can see that I worded it incorrectly

@loopop 5 жыл бұрын

@@Utkarsh_A ha thanks!

@DannyTaurus 4 жыл бұрын

@@loopop It's the natural successor to the universal unit of measure known as the 'VHS tape' which, of course, falls mostly on deaf ears these days.

@joaquincareca9254 2 жыл бұрын

@@loopop can you use This together with neural dsp quad cortex into Eventide h9 ? Great content, Keep it up

@jvf6257 5 жыл бұрын

Without not doubt you are the best reviewer out there thx

@jackjackdaw5065 5 жыл бұрын

This is the synth for everyone who really loved programming their VCR.

@jefdamen2977 4 жыл бұрын

Cool it has showview? :p

@billodonnell4322 3 жыл бұрын

betamax or VHS?

@JeffCfreeradiorevolution 5 жыл бұрын

I’m empressed!

@homeslice1479 4 жыл бұрын

I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE

@Piplodocus 3 жыл бұрын

🥁

@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup 4 жыл бұрын

Took me 2 months before I could finally build my own patches! Could not wrap my head around its logic for the longest time! Now it's fun!

@greenmornings165 5 жыл бұрын

I have been waiting for this vid since the ZOIA came out. Thank you for your comprehensive and unbiased approach to talking about gear. It is very very helpful.

@howardanderson3061 4 жыл бұрын

The Zoia has been on my “must get” list since it became available, your review has been super helpful....thanks I’m gettin’ one

@ImSquished 5 жыл бұрын

I've been watching your content for about a year. Absolutely my favorite channel on KZfaq. Top notch.

@loopop 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to write :)

@offsetb 4 жыл бұрын

Every vlogger on KZfaq needs to take notes on this. What a thorough and well prepared review!

@NicholasGreenwood 5 жыл бұрын

I could definitely see myself getting into the Zoia. It looked intimidating at first but is actually very thoughtfully laid out. And I love that you can make "custom" effects. Thank you for the great demo.

@NoirEtBlancVie 4 жыл бұрын

No one tell Loopop I use his videos to learn things........shhhhh lol ;)

@loopop 4 жыл бұрын

Totally an honor

@dr.feelicks2051 5 жыл бұрын

The angle of engagement you chose is perfect. I feel very informed on this device following your presentation. You have managed to move me from "I think I want" to " I want "

@hickscorp 5 жыл бұрын

My finger is hovering the buy button too...

@JavaoftheLava 3 жыл бұрын

I saw this a while back and it just looked so different that I kept it in the back of my head since then. Watched this and decided to get one. It's almost perfect for my needs/wants, and the downsides that exist don't bother me enough to dissuade me. Great review man :)

@hickscorp 5 жыл бұрын

As always, top quality review with unbiased pros and cons. Thanks!

@chambre466 Жыл бұрын

You are simply the best. BTW, your video is the only one I could find that explains midi mapping. Even the dedicated video doesn't t explain the issue that easily understandable. Thanks a lot

@morganwebster6636 2 жыл бұрын

And again! Great demo/ instruction. I went to the local boutique music shop I found here in my neck of the woods and picked up ZOIA yesterday. Man oh man, this thing is so fun. More importantly, useful for me. Thanks for doing what you do. You are 4 of 4 video to me going out and purchasing gear ratio. Woooo hoooo. 🥳⚡️⚡️⚡️🎛🎚

@MinPlanck 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent piece of kit. I get lost in mine for ages. Great vid, cheers!

@BrockDavisson 5 жыл бұрын

I love my ZOIA... can't be without it now!

@brianrio3607 5 жыл бұрын

Great review. 3 things did it for me: 1. A chance to test boutique sounds and see if you actually want the boutique pedal (lets not pretend that this is an either/or). As well as build your own versions and tweak existing boutique sounds. 2. Hadn’t seen anyone else demo that midi learn. Fantastic. 3. Demo after demo I’ve wondered why people aren’t putting their input top left and output top right. Its the little things.

@MrMarcLaflamme 5 жыл бұрын

21:57 - changing the offset is such a helpful feature! Glad to see it implemented.

@tubeMonger 4 жыл бұрын

Zoooyyaa the Destrooyyyaa.

@billodonnell4322 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent overview. I'm convinced. I've considered lots of alternatives: Poly Effects Beebo, Organelle M, Eventide H9 Max. The Zoia hits the sweet spot for me.

@naumchomsky8840 5 жыл бұрын

Life's been good to Zoia so far.

@pthomas36 4 жыл бұрын

My brain almost exploded waiting for the Joe Walsh guitar to come back in over that initial riff...

@CaidicusProductions 5 жыл бұрын

This thing is truly hard to wrap your head around. I am kind of cautiously interested in it, though I also worry it's complicated to use. :)) Thanks for the quality review and presentation, Loopop.

@rocky_racoon3183 2 жыл бұрын

I am currently undergoing radio therapy treatment and have time to explore your channel, you really are the 'Mr Data' of sound world. This device is on my hit list as well, thanks

@loopop 2 жыл бұрын

Be well!

@Gibson1976uk 8 ай бұрын

Had my zioa for a bit and must say it’s probably the most interesting pedal! you tell it what to do!! and basic effects sound real nice! Wonderful for making ambience scapes

@subradial 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic review and mind blowing piece of gear! looking forward to combine it with Magneto to create endless constantly evolving soundscapes!

@SpaceDisco1 5 жыл бұрын

I finally understand what this thing is. :< Good job!

@jackfisher9833 3 жыл бұрын

This is the coolest toy ever built. All that in one pedal. So much fun, so many features.

@MusicDiscoveryLab 4 жыл бұрын

"Life's been good to me so far!"

@tahiche. 4 жыл бұрын

Probably not buying any of any of it, I just like watching your reviews. Extremely excellent reviewer you are, sir.

@nelio123 2 күн бұрын

This video is very helpful and thought through. Thank you!

@shatteredsquare 4 жыл бұрын

22:38, I think it makes it kinda fun, all you get is lights, but you get to hear the immediate result. Got to bust out the pen and paper and keep notes and what does what, this little thing is inspiring

@RickySweum 4 жыл бұрын

Well done tutorial. This is a great bit of kit.

@LloydRobinson 5 жыл бұрын

I'm sold and will pre ordered. It reminds me the Organelle for how patchable it is. I'm buying the New one of those too.

@atzebumbazze5612 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your reviews,always enjoy them a lot,but costly to watch....now I must get a Zoia!

@thechronicnoizeco.6675 4 жыл бұрын

I love the colours.

@RonCavagnaro 5 жыл бұрын

Zoia is great! As usual great content loopop

@loopop 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Ron!

@Individual_two 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent review! Sadly, Zoia reminds me of '90's-era digital synths where you are basically "building a patch in a bottle". Another warning light came on for me when I heard the "this Lite Reverb saves CPU", which means that the complexity of programs might be limited by the CPU used in Zoia. But kudos to the cats at Empress for coming up with a fresh take on all-in-one DSP effects pedal.

@thirdsmusic 5 жыл бұрын

Any open architecture platform will run into CPU limitations depending how far the user pushes the unit. I have been an ER-301 user for a few years now and Zoia seems to use the same approach. These types of units are not for everyone for sure but it is nice that they exist!

@DannoHung 5 жыл бұрын

Nice Joe Walsh riff in the intro

@adrianschinoff2896 Жыл бұрын

Congrats for your videos! you are the best..

@rdean150 5 жыл бұрын

Oooh can't wait to see the review of that Befaco MIDI controller. As for the Zoia - I'm intrigued but some of the caveats you mention may ultimately be the limitations that land the device on a shelf more often than in my rig. Things like simply having names or labels on fx and parameters. That's...kind of a big deal...

@stevebragg7914 5 жыл бұрын

Ryan Dean you can now change the name of a module, we have more usability features coming!

@Krantz984 4 жыл бұрын

"Warmolo" it's an awesome name for a patch

@chriskincaid403 5 жыл бұрын

You're killin me with that Joe Walsh synth arp! I can't hear what you're saying cause I'm laughing so much.

@exitritual 5 жыл бұрын

Haha, I just had the same reaction.

@Roboprogs 5 жыл бұрын

Yep, 30 seconds in and I keep expecting the Life’s Been Good riff to kick in any moment 🤪

@continuousminer 4 жыл бұрын

what a treat

@facelessmule 5 жыл бұрын

Very informative review (as always) as far as the functionality goes, but what you only mention briefly is the *quality* of the effects provided. One would assume, as it's Empress, that these are going to be top-notch and for me that is one of the most important factors when differentiating it from other products that may offer similar functionality but lack the weight of Empress's DSP know-how. All digital delays, filters, distortions etc are not created equal by a long shot. Empress (to my mind) are known more for time-based effects such as reverb and delay - I wonder how the filters and distortion fx compare? I sold my Echolution Ultra-Pro to get this but haven't quite pulled the plug yet : )

@loopop 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yep comparing filters and distortions is way out of the scope of this video. Maybe someone else could do that :/

@johnnymidnight2982 5 жыл бұрын

I don't know about you, but life's been good to me so far.

@dr.feelicks2051 5 жыл бұрын

JW! Good one!!!

@ianeye68 5 жыл бұрын

you beat me to it.

@edjwise 2 жыл бұрын

Howdy. A few years have passed. Zoia has received constant updates and has few or little bugs that I know of. A sampler module is on the way soon. Fantastic unit that is easier to program than it looks.

@deanivan3951 Жыл бұрын

I am so glad I bought it. I was going to buy mood but got Zoia last minute.This thing is incredible!

@claudiostano 4 жыл бұрын

best reviewer !

@ProckGnosis 5 жыл бұрын

Hey Loo(p)...great job as always. I've been pretty fascinated by the ZOIA, and given the price, I'll VERY likely splurge on one in the next few months. Also love the community mentality of creating and sharing patches. Hopefully someone else can create a software editor to help with the more complicated patches, but even without it, it's pretty cool.

@RicketyBread 5 жыл бұрын

Empress said they are keen to get sampling to work with zoias SD card in the future in a Facebook interview event they just want people to vote for it.

@planzed463 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome review man, thank you! When using this with guitar or bass what’s the tracking like?

@ChromeGhost 4 жыл бұрын

Hey! ZOIA just demoed the same pedal in Eurorack format. I think it could make an interesting episode if you followed up on that new version.

@edenmeden 4 жыл бұрын

wtf dude this is like the last thing in the world that I needed to hear right now. I already can't afford this, let alone another for the rack hahahaha.

@riloh58 4 жыл бұрын

Too Future - That is awesome. What a time to be alive. Having briefly looked at what the Zoia EuroBuro has I can see a space for both of these, depending on your use case. And in my case I could see me using both. I will start with one (pedal) and see what happens.

@Soundwrecker 4 жыл бұрын

Bluetooth and a nice app seems like it would make this a lot more fun to program.

@jberry5515 2 жыл бұрын

Lovin the Joe Walsh patch

@ELACEBAL 3 жыл бұрын

Im thinking about buying a Zoia or an Organelle. Since they are able to do similar things I know that the concept of both machines are totally different. So what Im looking for most of all is granular (synthesis/sampling) and get inspired with some different sound beyond delays reverbs and modulationsnin my studio (not for live performing necessarily). It seems that the sound quality of Zoia is quite better than the Organelle but what I really miss in Zoia is some knobs for real time manipulating audio. So could you please help me to make a right decision? What would you recommend me? Thanks a lot for all!!

@holocaustxlx2819 3 жыл бұрын

Yes I want one 🤘

@Algoritmarte 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! You should review th Poly Effects Beebo and compare it to the Zoia ...

@joeyfloress1131 3 жыл бұрын

Have you attempted controlling external synthesizers with Zoia’s internal midi sequencer?

@aki_gong6271 9 ай бұрын

Great review. You just forgot naming the different modules on your patches ;)

4 жыл бұрын

Nice video! Great pedal that now exists in Eurorack format. I agree with the “cons”. In other hand, what about VCMC? Is it worth? could you please make some comparative about midi controllers? thanks

@stagnatic 4 жыл бұрын

Not sure if anyone has mentioned it already in the comments, but how might one compare contrast with the Critter & Guitari Organelle?

@LimGiong 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks.

@carlosjroldan1953 3 жыл бұрын

u should have a billion subs ☆☆☆☆☆

@EntireHistory Жыл бұрын

What about an update video showing all the new community patches and features! 🔥🧑‍🚒

@deepseadiver8191 3 жыл бұрын

Will go bankrupt watching your videos. It's a great video!

@wajobu 5 жыл бұрын

“Life’s been good to me, so far...”

@kacychavez5827 4 жыл бұрын

Damn it. I want this.

@RobinParmar 5 жыл бұрын

Another excellent video from you, Mr. Loop! Very clearly explained. It's a real shame that this incredible unit was shoved into a footpedal format, when it is much more likely to be used on the desktop. Instead of the stomp switches, a slightly larger form factor would have allowed for four (Organelle) or six (Octatrack, MicroMonsta, etc.) encoders. Then each one could immediately control a parameter for the given patch. (Of course with expression inputs, even such a "desktop" unit could be adapted for the foot.)

@FlyingBeerman 5 жыл бұрын

It's designed to compete with the Eventide H9 which is a very popular unit for touring musicians. The Eventide H9 is also a pain to program, but is also designed to take up very little space and a performer can just click through his/her presets as they go through their set list. That's why it's in a smaller form factor and with foot controls, so it's easier to tour with.

@RobinParmar 5 жыл бұрын

@@FlyingBeerman Except that the H9 is used mostly for the presets by guitarists who aren't going to program it. If the ZOIA is going for the same market, it's got about 40 buttons too many. :-)

@peterjessop1878 5 жыл бұрын

I bought the Zoia specifically because it is in a pedal format. As a guitarist it allows me to design fx and play synths and control them with my my feet. If I need extra knobs for manipulation on the fly I use a small midi controller. You can do the same thing using it on a desktop so sorry I don’t see the problem.

@RobinParmar 5 жыл бұрын

@@peterjessop1878 The problem is that extra controller, and the fact that the MIDI implementation is clunky as Mr. Loop pointed out.

@peterjessop1878 5 жыл бұрын

@@RobinParmar Actually midi implementation is really easy now especially with the midi learn facility, but I accept the box is not for everyone and they may make a bigger version in the future of course.

@jukeboxwillburn 3 жыл бұрын

Hi! Your review it's awesome! I'm thinking of getting one of these but I have a question. Can I use the Zoia as a multifx for a guitar and as a synth with a MIDI controller? I can't find the answer anywhere. Hope you can help me! Thanks for the video and for this amazing channel!

@loopop 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks - sure - if you program such a preset

@JansKanaal 3 жыл бұрын

Really impressed (empressed?) by the Zoia. But puzzled on which 'design your own' fx unit to buy. Any chance you're reviewing the Poly Digit/Beebo soon?

@loopop 3 жыл бұрын

I'm part of the beta and gave my feedback but unfortunately there are so many things going on I won't currently have time for a proper review (and frankly it's changing so fast it would be old by the time it's out!)

@kisho2679 3 жыл бұрын

would be helpful seeing a comparing video with the "mod duo dwarft"

@thechronicnoizeco.6675 4 жыл бұрын

Would be awesome if it had USB midi and some sort of wifi/bluetooth control for an app or software.

@DavidZisa 5 жыл бұрын

Great review, probably not the device for me. But can we get a closer look at that Befaco CV to MIDI module!?!?!

@loopop 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes - I’ll use VCMC a bit more in a few weeks - the firmware is still being worked on and this hardware isn’t the final version.

@howardanderson3061 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for another amazing and super informative Review. The Zoia has about the same amount of moves than other multi effects unit. Do you have any midi controller suggestions?

@loopop 3 жыл бұрын

Howard Anderson I like controllers that show parameter names on screen like the EC4

@howardanderson3061 3 жыл бұрын

@@loopop Thank you so much! I will check it out!

@shatteredsquare 4 жыл бұрын

What's the minimum resolution on that delay line block, can it do sample delay??

@hmosc 4 жыл бұрын

What is the Befaco module you are using for faders? I don’t recognize it. As always, great and very instructive video. Thanks...

@loopop 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It's VCMC - it's coming out soon (this is a beta version for testing)

@hmosc 4 жыл бұрын

loopop I can guess -- Voltage Controlled MIDI Control

@philsznyck3576 3 жыл бұрын

What I didn't get: are both the inputs stereo, so you have 4 ins or are the inputs mono and you've got stereo in a sum?

@jonbenge2418 5 жыл бұрын

Am I the only one that heard Joe Walsh's Life's Been Good talk box riff at 0:26 ?

@iNuchalHead 4 жыл бұрын

My Mazerati does 185....

@billodonnell4322 3 жыл бұрын

YES! Except that wasn't a talkbox. It was an arpeggiated synth.

@acinit5437 5 жыл бұрын

Nice intro :)

@Cidr0n 5 жыл бұрын

Does anyone by chance know how to create that acid-like sound of the Franken Synth preset, as shown at 5:16?

@wimeik 5 жыл бұрын

Hey, I love your videos! I recently bought an H9 after watching you review it, but now I kind of want to sell it & buy the ZOIA. Can you recommend which one you prefer?

@loopop 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! That’s a very tough one! H9 is amazing - what I prefer doesn’t matter much - it’s what you like better. Personally I‘m not planning on parting with either.

@peterjessop1878 5 жыл бұрын

I have both. They compliment each other well

@mooseinbeesocks2700 4 жыл бұрын

Yooo that NIN Cover sounded cash

@daniws1972 4 жыл бұрын

Great review, thanks. Software filter?

@loopop 4 жыл бұрын

All software

@Stadsjaap 5 жыл бұрын

Wait... a Space Invader at 5:24? Just take my money already...

@emilianoibarra3537 Жыл бұрын

how can i add a tap tempo function to use zoia as an effects unit? audio in ---> tap tempo ---> effect ---> audio out?

@caseyking8394 4 жыл бұрын

Do you have any recommendations for inexpensive midi controllers to use as pedal knob add ons like you did in the video?

@loopop 4 жыл бұрын

Check out launchcontrol xl

@mickeyjames1525 2 жыл бұрын

Anyone know if have they updated the patch description feature yet??

@AdamsBrew78 4 жыл бұрын

How do the Zoia reverbs compare to Empress?

@rainybus7646 4 жыл бұрын

I feel like if they had just managed to fit a couple regular, assignable knobs/sliders/buttons to the box it would be immediately more playable, but still an incredible device

@fumarolas 2 жыл бұрын

Does anyone know if they fixed the 'issue' where you need to redo the external controller Midi mapping?

@TheAtheistworld 10 ай бұрын

Guys, what looper pedal allows to record a sound ONLY while momentary switch is being pressed down?? And then replay that sound with many various smooth cross fading options available. Also reverse replay and other cool tricks would be a bonus. Can this zoia do all that?? Any suggestions?? Big thanks!!

@SonicCircuitry 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video! Looks like Zoia is an amazing FX processor with tons of possibilities. However, I don't think it can replace Eurorack modular. The fun of quick patching and trying out ideas seems to be something the Zoia can't do, even though I think you could create great patches with it.

@wes2819 2 жыл бұрын

Can it do sidechain compression / ducking? like the "The Pill" pedal

@effebidi9677 Жыл бұрын

As I see that one layout can load 64 patches at time and there is midi IN/OUT , can Zoia effect different tracks from a groovebox if we give to it one patch per channel? So, is it possible to effect , because of Midi, let's say 16 tracks contemporary even if the audio stereo-IN is just one ?