VTR Effects | LOKI | Modulation Pedal | English Manual

1. First Steps with Loki Modulation
2. Power
3. Loki Modulation Connections
   1. Mono and Stereo Connections
   2. Pedal Operating Levels
   3. USB-Micro B Port
   4. MIDI Input and Output
4. Loki Modulation Controls
   1. Diamond
   2. Clubs
   3. Rhythmic Figure
   4. Spade
   5. Mode
   6. Level
   7. Bypass LED
   8. Bypass Switch
   9. Tap LED
   10. Tap/Preset Switch
5. Operation Mode
   1. Tap Tempo Mode
   2. Preset Mode
   3. Switching Between Modes
6. Global Menu
   1. Time
   2. MIDI Channel
   3. Presets Queue
   4. Ramp
   5. Presets Value
   6. Firmware Update
   7. Clear Presets
   8. Calibration
7. Understanding the Ramp
8. Understanding Presets
   1. Preset Queue (preset line)
   2. Queue Limiter
   3. Saving a preset
   4. Navigating between presets
   5. Presets Loop
   6. StartMode
9. MIDI
   1. Accessing Presets via #PC
   2. Controlling Parameters via #CC

Power

Note: Power supply sold separately.

The Loki Modulation requires an isolated 9-volt DC power supply, Centre negative, with a 2.1 x 5.5 mm barrel connector (same as standard Boss connectors), which can provide 300 mA (milliamperes) of current. The Loki must be connected to a separate power supply or connected to an isolated power output from a multi-output power supply. Connect the power supply to the 9VDC connector on the rear panel of the pedal.

Important power notes:

• The Loki Modulation requires 300 mA of current. Make sure your power supply can provide at least 300mA to the pedal for proper operation and performance.
• An isolated power supply provides power and grounding that is electrically separated, typically by means of a transformer for each connector. Some low-cost power supplies may have separate connectors but may not provide real ground and power isolation, causing noise and ground loop noise.
• If the power supply has multiple outputs, verify if each output provides true isolation or if you should connect the pedal to its own power supply.
• There is no problem connecting a power supply that can provide more than 300 mA. The pedal only draws the current it needs and will not be damaged if the supply is 9VDC.
• If the power supply is not isolated, you may hear additional humming in the pedal signals. If the supply cannot provide 300 mA of current, the pedal may not function properly, even if the LEDs and switches appear to be working.

Loki Modulation Connections

All audio connections of VTR Effects pedals accept TS (Tip-Sleeve) 1/4" instrument cables (6.35 mm or known as P10). Although TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) cables can be used, they offer no benefit compared to TS cables.

Mono and Stereo Connections

To use Loki in Mono mode, simply connect the instrument to the Input-L (indicated in the overview section) and the amplifier, interface, or next pedal to the Output-L. When only Input-L is connected, the same signal will be applied to Input-R, thus transforming your signal into stereo from the Loki Modulation.

To use Loki in Stereo mode, simply connect the inputs and outputs to the respective L and R of the equipment before and after Narciso in the signal chain.

Pedal Operating Levels

The Loki was designed with sufficient headroom to easily accommodate instrument levels. Pedals are designed for instrument levels, so you may need to reduce the output level of the previous equipment you are connecting to the pedal to avoid DSP clipping.

Maximum Input Level: 2.73 dBu = 1.06 V RMS = 3.0 V p-p Maximum Output Level: 2.73 dBu = 1.06 V RMS = 3.0 V p-p

USB-Micro B Port

The USB port on your Loki is used for firmware updates. USB MIDI and preset transfer system will be implemented soon through the USB port.

MIDI Input and Output

The new MIDI system of the Gold Series line is compatible with the universal standard established by the MIDI protocol, now using optocouplers. The MIDI connection is made through P2 connectors located on the back of the pedal. If your controller doesn't have P2 output, you'll need to make a cable to convert the DIN 5 Pin connection to P2, following the polarity shown below.

MIDI DIN 5 Pin 5 = P2 Ring MIDI DIN 5 Pin 4 = P2 Tip

[MIDI connector diagram remains as in original]

The MIDI Out connector must maintain the same polarity.

Controls of Loki Modulation

The following controls are available on Loki:

Diamond

The Diamond knob has a specific function in each modulation mode; you will see on the display the function that the knob will be performing in the selected modulation mode.

Clubs

The Clubs knob controls the speed of modulations.

Rhythmic Figure

Loki has 4 available rhythmic figures: sixteenth note, dotted eighth note, eighth note, and triplet. To change the figures, you must press the mode knob and turn (left or right). The figures apply only to the time defined via Tap Tempo; for time defined via Knob time, the figures will not be considered.

Spade

The Spade knob has a specific function in each modulation mode; you will see on the display the function that the knob will be performing in the selected modulation mode.

Mode

The Mode knob is a rotary encoder, meaning it has infinite rotation and can also be clicked. It's through this that you will change algorithms, access the parameter menu, global menu, name presets, etc.

Level

The Level knob will control the pedal's final volume.

Bypass LED

This LED indicates whether the pedal is activated or not.

Bypass Switch

Through the Bypass FootSwitch, it's possible to activate/deactivate the effect and control the ramp feature.

Tap LED

Will flash according to the time selected on the pedal, and its color will indicate the operation mode: Blue: Tap Tempo Mode Red: Preset Mode

Tap/Preset Switch

Through the Tap/Preset FootSwitch, it's possible to define the modulation time and navigate through the pedal's preset system.

Operation Mode

The Loki Modulation has 2 operation modes, which are: Tap Tempo Mode and Preset Mode.

Tap Tempo Mode

In tap tempo mode, the tap/preset foot switch behaves only as a common tap tempo, requiring 3 taps to define a time.

Preset Mode

In preset mode, the tap/preset foot switch behaves like a conventional preset foot switch, which will advance and go back through the presets.

Switching Between Modes

To switch between operation modes, simply press both footswitches at the same time, and the change will be made. The pedal's display will show the operation mode, and the tap tempo light will flash according to the operation mode.

Global Menu

In the global menu, you will find various pedal adjustments. Some of these adjustments are interpreted globally by the pedal, while others are associated with the presets.

Time

Choose whether the pedal time will be global or preset. When in global mode, and a preset is recovered, the time will be the last defined on the pedal and the rhythmic figure that was saved on the pedal.

MIDI Channel

The Loki accepts MIDI messages on all 16 channels. Here you can configure which channel you want it to respond to in the MIDI signal chain. When configuring MIDI, exit the global menu when testing communication on the selected channel, as the pedal does not respond to MIDI commands when in the global menu.

Presets Queue

The Loki can save 99 presets, but we know it's not practical to navigate between 99 presets with just one preset footswitch. Therefore, we created the preset queue. With the queue, you can fill 10 preset positions with any of the 99 pedal presets, and you can even repeat presets in the queue.

Ramp

The Loki has a ramp feature to simulate an expression pedal. You can apply this function to the Diamonds, Clubs, Spade knobs. It's also possible to adjust the ramp increment speed, ranging from 50ms to 250ms.

Presets Value

Here, you will see all parameters saved within a preset. However, to access this function, you must select the desired preset. Otherwise, the pedal will return an 'empty' message.

Firmware Update

To update your Loki's firmware, you must access our update app.

Clear Presets

This function will erase all presets from the pedal. Be very careful when using this function as it is irreversible.

Here's the continuation of the translation:

Calibration

This function is essential and needs to be done right after updating the pedal, as it will calibrate the knob readings in the Loki processor. Below are the instructions on how to use this function:

1. Turn all knobs to the left. Note that when doing this, the preset LED will turn green.
2. Click on the Mode knob to advance. If the knobs aren't all turned to the left, the display will show an error, and the process needs to be redone.
3. Turn all knobs to the right. Note that when doing this, the preset LED will turn green.
4. Click on the Mode knob and the calibration will be completed.

When entering the calibration menu, it's necessary that the process is done correctly, otherwise the pedal may not function properly and the procedure will need to be performed again.

Understanding the Ramp

The ramp is a feature to simulate an expression pedal, in one of the 3 knobs of Loki: the Diamonds, Clubs, and Spade. It's not possible to add this feature to other parameters, as they are adjusted in the hardware differently from the 3 mentioned knobs.

To activate the ramp, it's very simple: just keep the bypass footswitch pressed when the effect is activated (indicated by the bypass LED). When the ramp begins, it zeros the parameter value and increases by 10% to 10%. When releasing the footswitch, the pedal will return to the value that the parameter was before the ramp was activated, but will decrease smoothly.

Understanding Presets

With the ability to save 99 presets, the Loki Modulation will make your playing much easier, as there will be no shortage of space to save your favorite modulation timbres. Now let's understand how presets work in practice in Narciso, how to save them and how to access them.

Preset Queue (preset line)

The preset queue consists of a list of 10 positions that can be configured by the user in the pedal's global menu. After configured, the queue allows the user to easily access specific presets, either advancing or going back in the list.

When starting the pedal, it is configured for "live" mode, which is position 0 in the queue. When executing the command to advance in the preset list, the pedal moves to position 1 in the queue, allowing the user to access the next configured preset. On the other hand, if the user executes the command to go back in the preset list, the pedal will return to the last position in the queue, allowing the user to access the previous preset.

It's important to note that when the pedal is in position 10 of the queue and the user executes the command to advance, the pedal automatically returns to "live" mode in position 0 of the queue, creating a circular queue. This means that after accessing the last configured preset in position 10, the user can easily return to "live" mode without needing to go back through the preset queue.

Continuing with the translation:

Queue Limiter (Queue Limiter)

With this feature, you can define how many presets in the queue your pedal will access. It's possible to define a minimum of 2 presets and a maximum of 10 presets.

Saving a preset

[Image of Saving Preset interface remains as in original]

To save a preset in Loki, you need to press and hold the preset footswitch for approximately 2 seconds. After this period, the pedal will enter the preset saving menu. The first step is to choose the location where the preset will be saved, which ranges from 1 to 99 positions.

If the chosen position already contains a saved preset, the existing preset name will be retrieved to alert the user that the position is occupied. If the user wishes to proceed and save the new preset in the same position, the previous preset will be overwritten and cannot be recovered later.

It's important to remember that the saving process is irreversible, therefore, it's necessary to be certain that the desired preset is being saved in the correct position. If there is any doubt or hesitation, it's recommended to cancel the saving process to avoid the loss of important data.

After choosing the position where you want to save the preset, you can name it with up to 7 characters before finalizing the saving process. Simply insert the desired name using the mode knob and then click on "save" to complete the operation.

It's important to note that all manipulation in the preset saving menu is done exclusively through the mode knob, ensuring a quick and intuitive saving process.

Navigating between presets

To navigate between presets, Loki needs to be in preset mode; consult the operation modes guide to identify the mode your pedal is in, and also to switch between modes.

Navigation between presets is done through the tap/preset footswitch. When pressing the footswitch once, the user advances to the next position in the preset queue. When pressing the footswitch twice in succession, the user returns to the previous position in the preset queue. This footswitch navigation system is simple and intuitive, allowing for quick changes between presets during a song or performance.

Some relevant information about navigation between presets should be highlighted:

When switching between presets, there might be a small delay of about 200ms. This delay is necessary for the microcontroller to understand whether a single tap or a double tap occurred on the footswitch.

Another important issue to be mentioned is that switching between presets will always zero the audio. This behavior cannot be modified in future pedal updates, as it is directly linked to how the DSP works with algorithms and parameter menu adjustments. Even if presets share the same algorithm, the sound will zero and start again. It's important to be aware of this behavior to ensure a smooth transition between presets during the execution of a song or performance.

Presets Loop

In this function, you can choose if the pedal, upon reaching the last preset, will return to "scene" mode or automatically return to the first preset in the sequence. Similarly, when using the preset down function, if the pedal is on the first preset, it will go directly to the last preset in the queue if this function is activated.

StartMode

In this function, you can choose if the pedal will start in "scene" mode or on the first preset in the preset queue.

MIDI

With a MIDI controller, you can get even more out of your Loki Modulation by sending #PC and #CC type messages. Check below which messages you should send to the pedal.

Accessing Presets via #PC

To access a Preset via MIDI, you should send a #PC (Program Change) message on the channel that the pedal is configured to, with the number of the Preset you wish to access.

Example: #PC value 1 to access Preset 1; #PC value 99 to access Preset 99;

Controlling Parameters via #CC

To control a parameter via MIDI, you should send a #CC (Continuous Controller) message on the channel that the pedal is configured to, following the table below. One detail to highlight is that in the current firmware version, when commanding a knob parameter, the display will not update the parameter bar with the value received via MIDI; this is a function that will still be implemented.

Parameter	MIDI CC #	MIDI CC Value
Bypass	1	127 ON | 0 OFF
Programa	2	Chorus: 1, HarmChor: 2, Flanger: 3, Phaser: 4, Tremolo: 5, HarmWave: 6.
Clubs	3	0-127
Diamond	4	0-127
Spade	5	0-127
Level	6	0-127
Tap Tempo	7	127 (A cada valor 127 enviado é como se a foot tap tivesse sido pressionada)

We are working on more MIDI implementations for future updates; if you have any suggestions, we are open to hearing them.

Technical Specifications

• Burgundy red electrostatic paint finish
• Dimensions: 12 cm x 8 cm x 6.2 cm (height includes knobs)
• Weight: 500 grams
• Superior finish through UV (Ultra Violet) printing
• Relay-based true bypass
• DSP Processor 24-bit 32KHz A/D & D/A converters
• ARM 32Bits processor at 240Mhz
• Input Impedance: 500KΩ
• Output Impedance: 200Ω
• Fully analog dry signal
• Fully digital wet signal with 20Hz-15KHz frequency response
• Operating voltage: 9V DC (BOSS Polarity)
• Current consumption: 300mA
• Industrial quality PCB

Changelog

V1.0.1

• New algorithms: Vibrato, Octave and Envelope
• Creation of Presets Settings menu
• Presets Loop function
• StartMode function
• Optimization of footswitch reading

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