Ringmaster

The Pigtronix Ringmaster is a ring modulator synth designed to create analog harmonizer and tremolo effects that can be made to follow the notes played. It expands on the "Intelligent Ring Mod" found in the original Mothership pedal, adding LFO and Sample + Hold modulation sources, pitch-following tremolo, and wave shaping for both inputs to the analog multiplier circuit at the heart of this uniquely musical ring modulator.

Key Features:
- Tunable Analog Harmonizer
- Pitch-tracking “Follow” function
- Ring Mod and Tremolo modes
- Wide-range LFO
- Sample + Hold modulator
- Modulation CV output (0-5 VDC)
- External Carrier input
- Internal Carrier output
- True bypass

The Ringmaster is capable of tracking both guitar and bass guitar as well as keyboards and vocals. It features real-time pitch-tracking technology to make the carrier signal follow the notes played, producing musical harmonizer effects unlike any other pedal. The Follow function can be switched off to achieve a comprehensive range of atonal, metallic, and bell-like tones found in vintage ring modulators.

The Source control blends between clean instrument signal and a pitch- following square wave feeding the multiplier to increase harmonic content, while the Gain control pushes the carrier signal into saturation, producing aggressive, non-linear slewing effects and brass sounds. The pedal also features independent on-board LFO and Sample + Hold function generators for further warping and manipulation of the carrier signal.

In addition to tonal harmonizer and atonal ring modulator sounds, the Ringmaster features a Trem function, which divides the rate of the carrier oscillator down into the LFO range to create tremolo. The control voltage coming from the pitch-tracking system, as well as the CV signals coming from the LFO and Sample + Hold function generators, can be used to modulate outboard gear via the Ringmaster’s CV output jack.

The Ringmaster is an ideal companion to the Mothership 2, delivering new modulation effects for guitar, bass, and other instruments. It offers a wide array of unique synthesizer tones and can be used to modulate other pedals or synthesizers that allow for external CV control.

For more detailed information, the Pigtronix website provides additional resources and support for the Ringmaster.