What are your thoughts on it after getting it? Im debating if I should go Zoia or Digitakt. I want something since I can justify a cool present since its my birthday coming up lol.
@@MayenMusic oh man, those two are so different, if it was me I’d go Digitakt, I like the Zoia a lot, though if you gotta pick between the two, I personally would Digitakt it. Zoia is the best FX pedal to me, I could replace all my dedicated pedals and be fairly happy 😊
Lucky enough to be an Empress Endorser for about 5 years now and it can not be overstated how great of team they are and how incredible their pedals really are.
looks like pedal, works like a synth, feels like MIDI-controller. I suppose Empress team should consider joining their efforts with Polyend and make some new breed of [e]mpressive products.
Now that we're well into 2021 are you still using this and loving it Ricky? I like what I see in the video but to me it still looks complicated and intimidating with all that it's got going on.
Thanks for another excellent video. I’ve been watching this channel (and subbed) for about six months and ever-so slowly realized that over that period of time, I have come to really look forward to each and every upload. Your relaxed and easy going personality, coupled with your excellent knowledge of the tech, makes for a great and informative watch. An absolutely brilliant channel.
It's definitely 'THE' guitar pedal for fans of grooveboxes, modulars, samplers, and I guess for guitar players as well. It has some bugs and they definitely put it out early (prob'ly because people seemed to think it was taking too long) but Empress seems to be addressing it, 4 updates in as many months. Creating a MIDI enabled, virtual modular platform in a stompbox format has to be the among the most aspirational feats of magic in recent history. Benn and Gear's video on the Zoia sold me on it... I think he fell into a Zoia hole he hasn't posted any new videos since the"Diving into the Zoia" [ua-cam.com/video/FMPDP64YO7E/v-deo.html] 3 months ago.
So funny story. I was at my music store of choice last night picking up my first Elektron (Digitakt... it's all your fault Ricky) and saw some Empress pedals in the case behind the counter. I noticed it said "Made in Canada" and I mentioned this to the sales guy. He said "local even". Jaw dropped. I had no idea this company was in my hometown! Pretty proud of learning that. Hope you're enjoying it!
Zoia it's my number one piece of gear right now!! I can explore different types of synthesis (sustractive,FM and even Granular) and play with All quite of FX... Love the reverbs on it also.... Super happy with it. And has always your video it's a 10 of 10! Thanks for your work and time !!
@@janbonne if you meant with the computer my answer it's ...... No. It's a effects unit and a sequencer and a midi controller and a synth and it sends CV to control external gear but it's not a audio interface.
I'm a bass player and own the Zoia. This thing is super dope. Takes a little time to get acquainted but definitely intuitive and easy to use once you get it figured out.
I'm a synth player and sound sculptor. Can the zoia provide a PLAYABLE interface with real time modulations, or us it geared more to guitar type use, where options are selected to be used As-Is?
Thanks to this review, I bought the Zoia pedal about a year ago. At first I used it to sequence my modular setup with basic delay, reverb, granular effects. After purchasing a Digitakt (thanks again Ricky), my sequencing got a bit more flexible, but with the Zoia, I transitioned to building chord patches with its internal oscillators and filters. After awhile, I started making custom 2-channel looper patches that could be midi controlled with the Digitakt encoders. This is an amazing way to discover and sample new melodies. One trick that I absolutely love is to use the looper alongside the Digitakt, record a pattern in time, mangle the hell out of it, fade out the Digitakt, change pattern, then fade back in to something new leaving that mangled Zoia loop pattern behind.. rinse and repeat.. loads of DJ fun to be had there. Ricky, I challenge you to do a compact creations with just the Digi and the Zoia! Side note, with the Subharmonicon having just been released, I was feeling like I could not resist the temptation. But then someone on patch storage created a patch the functions in a very similar way. Point is, the Zoia will keep reinventing itself and will quickly become your little side car for all types of functions. Now when I get the urge to buy new hardware, I often wonder if I can make something similar with the Zoia and that process often leads to something new and rewarding. The Zoia is totally inspiring and very worth the time/ money investment. I could not be happier with all the little discoveries made with this pedal.
Yo I’ve always put off buying some nice hardware fx/stomp boxes, but I’ve been eyeing this bc it seems like a solid piece to buy. Can you do a sample and hold phaser?
Great video Ricky. I'm just getting back into small-physical-object-driven-synths (boxes!!) and this is one I missed. Trust your views, so I'm buying one.
Disclaimer aside...it’s hard to imagine when gear is shipped free to a person that it doesn’t make the review subjective. Not saying it’s not a well put together vid, but presumably if you hated it there’s just be no review.
Hey, I super appreciate this comment and the view! With the Zoia there's not a lot I don't like. I've mention a bunch of cons for other gear videos and in some cases an entire video about not liking something at all. I totally see the point in this comment though, and I'd address if the video was/had to be made for the company with only positive things. (I'd never agree to a video like but ifnibhad to you'd know)
Also, since people will send you stuff to get good reviews, and you live from those tools (free gear for someone who do gig all year around is a massive thing) and from the videos you make, there is a huge bias towards making good reviews.
@@Maxime-ho9iv Except if he gives genuine reviews it gives more impact to his good reviews and companies confident in their products will keep sending things even if he is crítical sometimes.
Just found a used ZOIA for a super fare price, been wanting one for a very long time. This machine does it all, so amazing Thanks Ricky for another great vid
Hey Ricky, cool vid. I dig your approach to making videos- even if I dont have the exact gear you are using, you talk about your process and that's the most interesting part to me. Good on ya.
I had looked at the Zoia when it first came out but it seemed so complicated. I like devices that allow me to get into making music pretty quickly. But this video changed my mind. Now I’m very interested! I like how you said it can be “as simple or as complicated” as you want. Thanks, Ricky.
All the Hype on the Roland 404 MKII and here’s me going NAH My Blackbox Studio and Force and MPC’s got that covered but maybe a Zoia Empress with MyVolts cable and second Powerbank to use with my Blackbox Studio could be wild. So have you done any videos showing off the Zoia Empress with the Blackbox Studio? Thanks man
I'm thinking that 500 $(us) is a bargain for this. Looking forward to diving down the Zoia rabbit hole! Using it to make tones to use in the chain. Yowza! It's the top dog in effects, and if anything better has come around, I haven't heard of it. Definitely a big step to curing the GAS syndrome...
Im looking for a companion multi FX to go after my OTO biscuit, I have been using an H9, however I hate that I need a computer/phone/tablet, to change what kind of pedal it is, this keeps poping up and im curious about it... how would you compare the quality of effects on this to the eventide products? Part of me just wants t o go Biscuit- Timefactor- space, but thats a bit of space for what I feel can be utilized better
I so covet a ZOIA. I think it would be a really good tool for integrating the saxophone with the more processed sounds of other gear. If you ever get bored with it Mr T. give me a shout eh? 😼
Great video! Can’t wait for the euroburo now... What about the synth modules of the zoia? do they sound good enough to be used along other modules or do you use it mainly for effects?
Hello, I have bought a Zoia, and watching your video , how when assigning two fx patches in different octatrack patterns, they change automatically. I have a Digitakt, but when I change the patern it stays in the previous patch, but if I touch the "program" knob of the midi page a bit, it goes to patch +1 or -1. I am doing something wrong? Thank you.
Hi there, Was looking for a modulation pedal (chorus phaser etc) and my YT coughed up this video! Can you use it as a dual mono multi FX (Delay on DFAM and reverb on M32) in mono obviously but simultaniously? I can pan my bleeps in the mixer and the hi-hats as well.
Great video! How would you compare the Empress Zoia vs the Mod Duo X ? This looks really fun but the mod duo x seems even more powerful. Which one would you recommend?:)
I'm looking to buy my very first FX unit for my synths, I'm still a beginner and in need most of a reverb, delay, flanger and perhaps distortion. This product looks really good, but the price is a little too high for my beginner setup. I was actually considering getting a Korg NTS1 to use as an affordable effects unit, as they're fairly cheap and from what I've heard pack some descent soounding effects. Any thoughts on this? Cheers.
Steve Bragg is a really cool dude...did some digging and working for him looks real fun..I did a presentation mentioning a few geniui around and sent him the presentation lol..he's a start! Brilliant device...had ordered but spent dosh errr on synth😂🙌
Thanks for your videos. I’m learning all I can and yours are a important part. Any videos on what advice you can give to starting out producers of house music?
Can it update firmware from a mobile device is it iOS native ? Does it recognize a mobile daw over audio buss with midi and audio over one cable? Peace Christo 👽🐕🎶🛸☮️
So I assume you can have two mono sources going into the Zoia through the two inputs, but with the octatrack can you cue out one source through one cue output and cue another source out the other? That could really be a game changer for me as I'm considering this device for use with my Octatrack but I'm fairly new to the OT.
You simultaneously make me want to buy more gear and sell everything
We feel similar, universally definitely.
I guess I can live on macaroni and cheese straight out of the box.
No water. That costs extra
Mac n cheese sounds like it should be a patch name
pyur whaaaa
Mac and cheese is a luxury. Ramen noodles my friend.
Oh I have those. I sell the flavor packs for patch cables.
OHHHH MAN, I’m gonna get one in the mail this week. I think it’s finally time to do that collab neighbor!
Super down, let’s link up when you get it!
Hey fellas I’d love to see more collabs. Big fan of both of you.
Sub'd
What are your thoughts on it after getting it? Im debating if I should go Zoia or Digitakt. I want something since I can justify a cool present since its my birthday coming up lol.
@@MayenMusic oh man, those two are so different, if it was me I’d go Digitakt, I like the Zoia a lot, though if you gotta pick between the two, I personally would Digitakt it. Zoia is the best FX pedal to me, I could replace all my dedicated pedals and be fairly happy 😊
Lucky enough to be an Empress Endorser for about 5 years now and it can not be overstated how great of team they are and how incredible their pedals really are.
looks like pedal, works like a synth, feels like MIDI-controller. I suppose Empress team should consider joining their efforts with Polyend and make some new breed of [e]mpressive products.
Now that we're well into 2021 are you still using this and loving it Ricky? I like what I see in the video but to me it still looks complicated and intimidating with all that it's got going on.
Thanks for another excellent video. I’ve been watching this channel (and subbed) for about six months and ever-so slowly realized that over that period of time, I have come to really look forward to each and every upload. Your relaxed and easy going personality, coupled with your excellent knowledge of the tech, makes for a great and informative watch. An absolutely brilliant channel.
Wow.. Simon! My man! I really appreciate that, Thanks a ton for the inspiration. 🙏
Two years later and the Zoia is still king for me. What an absolute beast of a unit.
It's definitely 'THE' guitar pedal for fans of grooveboxes, modulars, samplers, and I guess for guitar players as well. It has some bugs and they definitely put it out early (prob'ly because people seemed to think it was taking too long) but Empress seems to be addressing it, 4 updates in as many months. Creating a MIDI enabled, virtual modular platform in a stompbox format has to be the among the most aspirational feats of magic in recent history. Benn and Gear's video on the Zoia sold me on it... I think he fell into a Zoia hole he hasn't posted any new videos since the"Diving into the Zoia" [ua-cam.com/video/FMPDP64YO7E/v-deo.html] 3 months ago.
Yeah. Exactly.
Hi fellow mirror cube dude 😂
So funny story. I was at my music store of choice last night picking up my first Elektron (Digitakt... it's all your fault Ricky) and saw some Empress pedals in the case behind the counter. I noticed it said "Made in Canada" and I mentioned this to the sales guy. He said "local even". Jaw dropped. I had no idea this company was in my hometown! Pretty proud of learning that. Hope you're enjoying it!
Haha that’s hilarious! Tell your wallet I said soory :)
i don't care about analog equipment, i watch your videos for the background music
Zoia it's my number one piece of gear right now!! I can explore different types of synthesis (sustractive,FM and even Granular) and play with All quite of FX... Love the reverbs on it also.... Super happy with it. And has always your video it's a 10 of 10! Thanks for your work and time !!
steve fernandez question to u... would you be able to use this as an audio interface?
@@janbonne if you meant with the computer my answer it's ...... No. It's a effects unit and a sequencer and a midi controller and a synth and it sends CV to control external gear but it's not a audio interface.
I'm a bass player and own the Zoia. This thing is super dope. Takes a little time to get acquainted but definitely intuitive and easy to use once you get it figured out.
I'm a synth player and sound sculptor. Can the zoia provide a PLAYABLE interface with real time modulations, or us it geared more to guitar type use, where options are selected to be used As-Is?
@@alyeska4226 the pads are playable like a keyboard - filter tweaks might be feasible via midi
Thanks to this review, I bought the Zoia pedal about a year ago. At first I used it to sequence my modular setup with basic delay, reverb, granular effects. After purchasing a Digitakt (thanks again Ricky), my sequencing got a bit more flexible, but with the Zoia, I transitioned to building chord patches with its internal oscillators and filters. After awhile, I started making custom 2-channel looper patches that could be midi controlled with the Digitakt encoders. This is an amazing way to discover and sample new melodies. One trick that I absolutely love is to use the looper alongside the Digitakt, record a pattern in time, mangle the hell out of it, fade out the Digitakt, change pattern, then fade back in to something new leaving that mangled Zoia loop pattern behind.. rinse and repeat.. loads of DJ fun to be had there. Ricky, I challenge you to do a compact creations with just the Digi and the Zoia! Side note, with the Subharmonicon having just been released, I was feeling like I could not resist the temptation. But then someone on patch storage created a patch the functions in a very similar way. Point is, the Zoia will keep reinventing itself and will quickly become your little side car for all types of functions. Now when I get the urge to buy new hardware, I often wonder if I can make something similar with the Zoia and that process often leads to something new and rewarding. The Zoia is totally inspiring and very worth the time/ money investment. I could not be happier with all the little discoveries made with this pedal.
Yo I’ve always put off buying some nice hardware fx/stomp boxes, but I’ve been eyeing this bc it seems like a solid piece to buy.
Can you do a sample and hold phaser?
Price point's a bit out of my budget range, but this thing's obviously worth it. I'd like to have a go with one.
We need a full track of 2:33 !! Thanks Enrique!
Great video Ricky. I'm just getting back into small-physical-object-driven-synths (boxes!!) and this is one I missed. Trust your views, so I'm buying one.
I got a zoia and an octatrack mkii the same day, and I don’t know how to use either, what gives???!!!!! 🤷🏽♂️
lmao two things that require a good bit of learning, you've got your work cut out for you
Read the manuals
Styles Munson ikr ima keep them tho, not returning anything 🤣🤣🤣
hey thanks for making such a soothing vid
Thanks for tuning in!
Dope shit!!
Thanx for the video and the great info/function breakdown!
I wonder with this thing, is the guitar even necessary? Really though
Would you still recommend this over the Microcosm?
Great video. Concise and I learned a lot. Feel the same about program changes. Why is it often implemented so badly?
Dammit. Now I want one of these.
Great video!
Looks cool. Should do a vid making a beat with it
you got that mk2!!
Disclaimer aside...it’s hard to imagine when gear is shipped free to a person that it doesn’t make the review subjective. Not saying it’s not a well put together vid, but presumably if you hated it there’s just be no review.
Hey, I super appreciate this comment and the view! With the Zoia there's not a lot I don't like.
I've mention a bunch of cons for other gear videos and in some cases an entire video about not liking something at all. I totally see the point in this comment though, and I'd address if the video was/had to be made for the company with only positive things. (I'd never agree to a video like but ifnibhad to you'd know)
Also, since people will send you stuff to get good reviews, and you live from those tools (free gear for someone who do gig all year around is a massive thing) and from the videos you make, there is a huge bias towards making good reviews.
@@Maxime-ho9iv Except if he gives genuine reviews it gives more impact to his good reviews and companies confident in their products will keep sending things even if he is crítical sometimes.
Can’t wait for the Eurorack version. Also: that is an awesome hat.
I think a really cool setup would be 6 Zoia pedals connected to an A&H Xone92
So the "ZOIA" and the "BlackBox" and that's it?
Regards, Rick
Love that expression: Drinking from the firehose
ua-cam.com/video/OXc5ltzKq3Y/v-deo.html
Looks cool, thanks for the introduction to the Zoia. Looks powerful.
Unfortunately, fairly expensive at $500.
See you later oscillator...
Zoia vs Microcosm which one for Digitakt companion?
Awesome. Definitely on my list. Just need to focus on the sl mk3 for a couple months 🤓
Honestly considering replacing 80% of my board with the zoia
I wish I could just drop this in an Ableton track and it would do the routing automatically all with just a usb hook-up
Just found a used ZOIA for a super fare price, been wanting one for a very long time. This machine does it all, so amazing
Thanks Ricky for another great vid
Hey Ricky, cool vid.
I dig your approach to making videos- even if I dont have the exact gear you are using, you talk about your process and that's the most interesting part to me. Good on ya.
In terms of effects, do you think this replaces multiple kaoss pads?
Absolutely S tier channel. Always fantastic material.
Love your videos. Curious since I just got one, will you/have you tried the Microfreak?
I had looked at the Zoia when it first came out but it seemed so complicated. I like devices that allow me to get into making music pretty quickly. But this video changed my mind. Now I’m very interested! I like how you said it can be “as simple or as complicated” as you want. Thanks, Ricky.
This is probably the first review that has some info about randomizer. Thanks!
80 modules, 20 effects, what are the remaining 60?
great video and what a great pedal. I love mine!
you should do the euroburo
they should release it first lol
Still no clue what this does after watching this video.
Just got mine this week. Love it. It's a lot more intuitive than I expected.
watching this video like damn maybe i should buy that audio interface
Its just a uber-hipster multi efx pedal…
I need a fx pedal or maschine for the povketoperator or korg volca bass synthesizer
All the Hype on the Roland 404 MKII and here’s me going NAH My Blackbox Studio and Force and MPC’s got that covered but maybe a Zoia Empress with MyVolts cable and second Powerbank to use with my Blackbox Studio could be wild.
So have you done any videos showing off the Zoia Empress with the Blackbox Studio? Thanks man
I like your “song” 😁
I wanna get either this one or the New one. Bt idk which is esier. Not into modular norteamericano guitar player
3:00 what genre is this?
I don't use synths, but dang if I don't want to run every mic on my acoustic drum kit through dat pedal
Bailey Watts that would be super dope
It does look really impressive... have you tried it with guitar? Thanks!
I'm thinking that 500 $(us) is a bargain for this. Looking forward to diving down the Zoia rabbit hole! Using it to make tones to use in the chain. Yowza! It's the top dog in effects, and if anything better has come around, I haven't heard of it. Definitely a big step to curing the GAS syndrome...
I have two, that’s how good they are.
Im looking for a companion multi FX to go after my OTO biscuit, I have been using an H9, however I hate that I need a computer/phone/tablet, to change what kind of pedal it is, this keeps poping up and im curious about it... how would you compare the quality of effects on this to the eventide products? Part of me just wants t o go Biscuit- Timefactor- space, but thats a bit of space for what I feel can be utilized better
Cool, how mu- cheese us! 500 hundred. WELL, what about Octatrack? Ooooh, yeah I can't afford these nice of toys
what would you say about using this thing as a live effects processor? like a send into a mixer and ableton running through it.
That would work also. That’s essentially what I’m trying to do with it except using it with the Octatrack. Should be about the same
I so covet a ZOIA. I think it would be a really good tool for integrating the saxophone with the more processed sounds of other gear.
If you ever get bored with it Mr T. give me a shout eh? 😼
Great video! Can’t wait for the euroburo now... What about the synth modules of the zoia? do they sound good enough to be used along other modules or do you use it mainly for effects?
I may pull trigger but just got a bunch of SOMA stuff and my corona budget is shot
Hello, I have bought a Zoia, and watching your video , how when assigning two fx patches in different octatrack patterns, they change automatically. I have a Digitakt, but when I change the patern it stays in the previous patch, but if I touch the "program" knob of the midi page a bit, it goes to patch +1 or -1. I am doing something wrong? Thank you.
using it as an effects unit, how would you map parameters to use them with an expression pedal? what expression pedal would work with the zoia?
Hi, where did you get the SID samples from on the octatrack? Thanks. Cool video.
Hi there,
Was looking for a modulation pedal (chorus phaser etc) and my YT coughed up this video!
Can you use it as a dual mono multi FX (Delay on DFAM and reverb on M32) in mono obviously but simultaniously?
I can pan my bleeps in the mixer and the hi-hats as well.
so, Poly Beepo or Zoia ?????
I wanna get my hands on the eurorack version
So from a perspective of someone who is very new to the synth world are you saying this thing is a piece of hardware that controls modular software?
Great video! How would you compare the Empress Zoia vs the Mod Duo X ?
This looks really fun but the mod duo x seems even more powerful. Which one would you recommend?:)
Sold.
Make an ambient record
"A full blown digital modular synthesizer". $500. A good demo, which proves that I have no need (or money) for one. Thank you!
How many modules can be stacked, and or routed? And are the fx chained. Sequenced or independent?
sickass channel keep goin
Can this pedal do what the blooper does by chase bliss? If so I would rather buy this.
I wonder about getting this vs a semi modular box like the mother 32 or lifeforms sv-1
I'm looking to buy my very first FX unit for my synths, I'm still a beginner and in need most of a reverb, delay, flanger and perhaps distortion. This product looks really good, but the price is a little too high for my beginner setup.
I was actually considering getting a Korg NTS1 to use as an affordable effects unit, as they're fairly cheap and from what I've heard pack some descent soounding effects.
Any thoughts on this?
Cheers.
Steve Bragg is a really cool dude...did some digging and working for him looks real fun..I did a presentation mentioning a few geniui around and sent him the presentation lol..he's a start! Brilliant device...had ordered but spent dosh errr on synth😂🙌
reasons enough, was looking for fx pedal, found it, sorry couldnt use your link does not ship to uk, got it from ebay Same price
Thanks for your videos. I’m learning all I can and yours are a important part. Any videos on what advice you can give to starting out producers of house music?
Sale pitch "this is for you" ;)
Hello sir how are you liking this pedal after a few months?
Can it update firmware from a mobile device is it iOS native ? Does it recognize a mobile daw over audio buss with midi and audio over one cable? Peace Christo 👽🐕🎶🛸☮️
so you did get the octatrack mk2 lol
I keep asking that same question 😂
I laughed out loud at that hat
And you just showed that it's for sale 5 seconds after I posted this
I want the 5 panel but typically my fucking head is too big for them
excellent video, these empress guys seems like they deserve my money!
I loved my mpc 4000.
I love this comment
I would love to spend some time with you for your vast knowledge. Do You teach synthesizers and sequences?
Way more than just an effect pedal imo. Great vid :)
Thank you!
Man, I have been wondering whether I should get this or not... let’s see!!
I'd like to know if this little unit is useable for DJs
Best pedal if you like menu-divey pedals
So I assume you can have two mono sources going into the Zoia through the two inputs, but with the octatrack can you cue out one source through one cue output and cue another source out the other? That could really be a game changer for me as I'm considering this device for use with my Octatrack but I'm fairly new to the OT.
It would be nice to compare this to the MOD DUO.
ricky can plezz make a video with deluge and the zoia if you have one