VTR Effects | NARCISO | Delay Pedal | English Manual

Getting Started with the Narciso Delay

Power

Note: Power supply sold separately.

The Narciso Delay requires an isolated 9V DC power supply, centre-negative, with a 2.1 x 5.5 mm barrel connector (standard Boss type), capable of supplying 300 mA of current. Connect it either to its own dedicated power supply or an isolated output from a multi-output power supply. Plug the power supply into the 9VDC jack on the back panel.

Important Power Notes:

• The Narciso Delay requires 300mA of current. Ensure your power supply can provide at least that for proper performance.

• An isolated power source provides electrically separate power and grounding (usually via a transformer). Some cheaper supplies may appear isolated but aren’t, causing noise or ground loop hum.

• When using a multi-output power supply, make sure each output is truly isolated.

• It’s safe to use a supply capable of more than 300mA; the pedal will only draw what it needs.

• A non-isolated power source may cause additional hum, and insufficient current may cause malfunction even if the LEDs and switches appear to work.

Connections

All VTR Effects pedals use ¼” (6.35 mm) TS instrument cables. TRS cables can be used but provide no advantage.

Mono and Stereo

• Mono mode: Connect your instrument (or previous pedal) to Input-L, and connect Output-L to your amp or next pedal. When only Input-L is used, its signal is sent to both outputs, creating a stereo signal from the Narciso Delay.

• Stereo mode: Connect both left and right inputs and outputs to the respective L and R jacks in your signal chain.

Operating Levels

Designed for instrument-level signals. You may need to reduce the output level of the preceding device to avoid DSP clipping.

• Max Input Level: 2.73 dBu (1.06V RMS / 3.0V p-p)

• Max Output Level: 2.73 dBu (1.06V RMS / 3.0V p-p)

USB-Micro B Port

Used for firmware updates. USB-MIDI and preset transfer functionality will be implemented in future updates.

MIDI In and Out

The Narciso Gold Series uses optocoupled MIDI compatible with the standard MIDI protocol. MIDI is connected via P2 connectors at the back of the pedal. If your controller uses a 5-pin DIN connection, a custom cable must be made following this polarity:

• MIDI DIN pin 5 → P2 Ring

• MIDI DIN pin 4 → P2 Tip

  MIDI Out follows the same polarity.

Controls

• Charm: Function varies per delay mode (shown on display).

• Time: Sets the delay time.

• Rhythmic Division: Four note divisions (quarter, dotted eighth, eighth, triplet). Change by pressing and turning the Mode knob. Divisions apply only to Tap Tempo.

• Repeat: Controls delay feedback.

• Mode: Rotary encoder with infinite rotation and push-function – used to select algorithms, enter menus, rename presets, etc.

• Mix: Adjusts delay level (0 dB to -30 dB), without affecting dry signal.

• Bypass LED: Indicates effect on/off.

• Bypass Footswitch: Activates/deactivates effect and controls Ramp.

• Tap LED: Blinks with tempo; blue = Tap Mode, red = Preset Mode.

• Tap/Preset Footswitch: Sets delay tempo or navigates presets.

Operation Modes

• Tap Tempo Mode: Tap switch functions as standard tap tempo (three taps to set).

• Preset Mode: Tap switch cycles through stored presets.

Switching modes: Hold both footswitches together. The display will show the new mode, and the Tap LED colour indicates it.

Global Menu

• Bypass Mode: Choose True Bypass (relay switching, tails cut off) or Tails Bypass (buffered, tails continue).

• Tempo: Choose Global (same across presets) or per-Preset.

• Kill Dry: Removes dry signal completely (set separately for L and R channels).

• Stereo: Define L output behaviour (L only or L+R mix).

• MIDI Channel: Select from 16 MIDI channels (pedal must exit global menu to receive commands).

• Presets Queue: Up to 99 total presets; 10 active queue slots for quick access.

• Ramp: Simulates an expression pedal, assignable to Charm, Time, or Repeat knobs (adjustable rise time 50–250ms).

• Presets Value: Shows stored parameters for the selected preset.

• Presets Fade Audio: Adds smooth crossfade between presets (Fade In/Out: 300ms–2s, global setting).

Firmware Update

Note: As of firmware v1.0.9, updates are handled exclusively through https://app.vtreffects.com.br.

Clear Presets

Deletes all presets – irreversible.

Calibration

Performed after firmware updates to ensure accurate knob readings:

1. Turn all knobs fully left (Preset LED turns green).

2. Press Mode knob. If any knob isn’t left, an error appears.

3. Turn all knobs fully right (LED turns green).

4. Press Mode knob again to finish calibration.

Ramp Function

Simulates an expression pedal on Charm, Time, or Repeat. Hold the Bypass footswitch while the effect is active. The parameter value rises gradually; releasing the switch returns it smoothly to its previous value.

Presets

Store up to 99 presets.

Preset Queue

A 10-slot list (positions 0–9) for quick preset access. The pedal starts in “Live” mode (slot 0). Advancing from the last preset loops back to slot 0.

Queue Limiter: Added in v1.0.5 – limits active queue slots (2–10).

Saving a Preset

Hold the Preset footswitch for ~2s to enter Save mode. Choose slot (1–99). If occupied, existing preset name appears. Confirm to overwrite. Name the preset (max 7 characters) using the Mode knob, then select “Save”.

Navigating Presets

Ensure Preset Mode is active.

• Single tap = next preset.

• Double tap = previous preset.

  Note: Preset switching includes ~400ms delay and resets audio (DSP reload).

MIDI Integration

• Access Presets (#PC messages):

  • #PC 1 → Preset 1

  • #PC 99 → Preset 99

   

• Control Parameters (#CC messages):

Future updates will expand MIDI functionality.

Technical Specifications

• White electrostatic paint finish

• Dimensions: 12 × 8 × 6.2 cm (including knobs)

• Weight: 500 g

• UV-printed top graphics

• True bypass via relay

• 24-bit DSP (32 kHz A/D & D/A)

• ARM 32-bit processor @ 240 MHz

• Input impedance: 500 kΩ

• Output impedance: 200 Ω

• Fully analogue dry signal

• Digital wet signal (20 Hz – 15 kHz)

• Operating voltage: 9V DC (Boss polarity)

• Current draw: 300 mA

• Industrial-grade PCB

Changelog

v1.0.1

• Presets erased after update (back up before).

• Added preset deletion and knob calibration.

• Global/Preset tempo option.

• Fixed ramp and rhythmic division bugs.

v1.0.2

• Adds new algorithm: D-Space.

• Adds Preset Fade Audio function.

• General bug fixes.

v1.0.3

• Adds new algorithm: Resonant.

• Improved BPM calculation.

v1.0.4

• Fixed rhythmic division bug.

v1.0.5

• Added preset queue limiter.

v1.0.6

• Added USB features (preset transfer coming soon).

v1.0.8

• Added Dual Delay algorithm.

• Bug fixes and app integration with https://app.vtreffects.com.br for preset transfer and updates.

v1.0.9

• Added Reverse and Tap3 algorithms.

• Removed firmware-update function (updates now only via app).