What is the electro-Harmonix Pico Atomic Cluster?
Electro-Harmonix has long been a pioneer in the realm of unconventional guitar pedals, and the company continues to innovate with its latest offering.
Part of the compact and pedalboard-friendly Pico series, the Atomic Cluster Spectral decomposer is touted by Electro-Harmonix as a groundbreaking effect that sets itself apart from previous models.
Specifications
- PRICE: $129 | £129 | €119
- ORIGIN: USA
- TYPE: Spectral Decomposer pedal
- FEATURES: Buffered Bypass, Tap tempo
- CONTROLS: Volume, Speed, Blend, Atoms, Sharp/Smooth Mode button, bypass footswitch
- CONNECTIONS: Standard input, standard output
- POWER: 9V DC adaptor (included) 100mA
- DIMENSIONS: 50 (w) x 91 (d) x 47mm (h)
- CONTACT: Electro-Harmonix
Build Quality, Usability, and Sound
Falling into the expansive category of synth and glitch pedals, the Atomic Cluster “disassembles your signal and transforms it into a range of musical and whimsical sounds,” according to EHX.
This transformation is primarily controlled by the Atoms knob,which alters the frequency resolution of your guitar,creating resonant oscillations that diminish as the knob is turned counterclockwise.this effect is particularly pronounced in Sharp mode, where you experience an immediate shift in oscillations for a rhythmic impact.
Switching to Smooth mode yields a more blended effect, allowing for a gentle transition between oscillations.The Speed knob determines the refresh rate of these oscillations.You can mix any sound you create with your dry signal using the Blend knob, which can go up to 100% wet.
at maximum Atoms setting, the effect is bright and metallic, accompanied by a chaotic undercurrent of glitchy bubbling. As you decrease the setting, the brightness diminishes, and the bubbling becomes more coherent, resembling synth-style arpeggiation with distinct notes in Sharp mode.
This effect can be synchronized using the footswitch tap tempo rather of the Speed knob, adding a bubbly texture behind rapid strumming. In Smooth mode, the distinct notes blend into one another, creating a more fluid sound that responds well to guitar dynamics.
When playing chords, you can achieve a sustained ambient pad sound, while single notes produce an altered envelope reminiscent of a reverse effect, especially effective with a bit of distortion. Balancing the Speed and Atoms knobs offers a plethora of variations for subtle integration with your dry guitar sound or a more pronounced presence.
Final Thoughts
Rating: ★★★★☆
Guitar World Review: The Atomic Cluster is a unique effect that may not resonate with traditionalists. Though,for those who appreciate the unconventional and eccentric,this pedal is ready to disrupt your guitar tone in exciting ways.
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