What is the Electro-Harmonix Superego+?

It is a synth engine pedal that creates sustained tones, layers, and glissando effects based on your instrument's input. It expands on the original Superego by adding more modes and 11 built-in effects.

How many built-in effects does the Superego+ have?

The unit features 11 built-in effects, including modulation, delays, octaves, pitch shifting, filters, and flanges. These are designed to further shape the synthetic textures generated by the engine.

What are the primary control parameters?

The device offers nine controllable parameters. These allow the user to fine-tune the attack, decay, and specific characteristics of the synth and effects engines.

How many operating modes are available?

There are five different modes available on the Superego+. These modes determine how the pedal captures audio and how the footswitches behave during performance.

Can I use an expression pedal with the Superego+?

Yes, the Plus version includes a dedicated input for an expression pedal. This allows for real-time remote control over various parameters for more expressive performances.

Is there support for external footswitches?

Yes, it features an input for an external footswitch. This enables the player to control switches remotely, which is useful for complex stage setups.

How does the 'Gliss' function work?

The glissando function controls the speed at which one captured note slides into the next. This creates the characteristic 'slide' effect found on many classic synthesizers.

Can the Superego+ create layered sounds?

Yes, one of its primary features is the ability to layer sounds. Players can freeze a note or chord and then play over it or stack additional frozen layers on top.

Is this a standalone synth like a Behringer Neutron?

No, unlike the Behringer Neutron which is a semi-modular synth, the Superego+ is a synth engine that requires an input signal, such as a guitar, to generate sound.

What is the typical price for this unit?

The typical price range for the Electro-Harmonix Superego+ is approximately £269. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

Who is the Superego+ best suited for?

It is ideal for experimental guitarists, ambient musicians, and sound designers. It suits anyone looking to transform their instrument into a polyphonic synthesizer for textures and pads.

How does it differ from the EHX Mono Synth?

The Mono Synth focuses on lead synthesizer emulations for single notes, while the Superego+ focuses on polyphonic freezing, layering, and ambient soundscapes.

Gear article

Electro-Harmonix Superego+ Super Synth Engine

The Electro-Harmonix Superego+ is a multi-functional synthesizer engine and effects processor designed for guitarists and instrumentalists. It builds upon the original Superego platform to offer advanced sound layering, glissando, and sustain capabilities alongside 11 integrated digital effects.

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Overview and Background

The Electro-Harmonix Superego+ Super Synth Engine represents an evolution of the brand's award-winning 'synth engine' technology. While the original Superego focused on freezing and sustaining notes to create pads, the Plus version expands this functionality into a comprehensive sound-design tool. It is housed in a sleek, modern chassis and is designed to bridge the gap between traditional string instruments and electronic synthesis.

Core Functionality and Features

The device operates by capturing and stretching audio fragments to create continuous tones. It offers five different operation modes and nine controllable parameters, allowing for precise manipulation of the attack and decay of the synth sounds. A significant addition to the Plus model is the inclusion of two dedicated inputs for an external footswitch and an expression pedal, granting players remote control over internal parameters and switching during live performances.

Integrated Effects Engine

Beyond its primary synthesis capabilities, the Superego+ includes 11 built-in effects designed to enhance soundscapes. These effects include:

Modulation (Chorus, Tremolo, Flange)
Delays and Echoes
Octave and Pitch Shifting
Filters

These effects can be used to treat the frozen synth signal or can sometimes be used independently, depending on the routing configuration.

Sound Character and Creative Use

The character of the Superego+ is defined by its ability to create smooth glissandos and rich, layered textures. By adjusting the glissando control, users can achieve seamless transitions between notes, mimicking the behaviour of a traditional synthesizer. It is particularly effective for creating ambient pads, drones, and orchestral-style swells that sit underneath a player's direct signal.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Electro-Harmonix ecosystem, the Superego+ offers more control and onboard processing than the simpler Mono Synth Guitar Synthesizer. When compared to dedicated workstation synths like the Yamaha MX49 II or analog modules like the Behringer Neutron, the Superego+ is unique because it is an effect-based engine that requires an external audio input rather than being a standalone sound generator with a keyboard or MIDI sequencer.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Electro-Harmonix Superego+?: It is a synth engine pedal that creates sustained tones, layers, and glissando effects based on your instrument's input. It expands on the original Superego by adding more modes and 11 built-in effects.
How many built-in effects does the Superego+ have?: The unit features 11 built-in effects, including modulation, delays, octaves, pitch shifting, filters, and flanges. These are designed to further shape the synthetic textures generated by the engine.
What are the primary control parameters?: The device offers nine controllable parameters. These allow the user to fine-tune the attack, decay, and specific characteristics of the synth and effects engines.
How many operating modes are available?: There are five different modes available on the Superego+. These modes determine how the pedal captures audio and how the footswitches behave during performance.
Can I use an expression pedal with the Superego+?: Yes, the Plus version includes a dedicated input for an expression pedal. This allows for real-time remote control over various parameters for more expressive performances.
Is there support for external footswitches?: Yes, it features an input for an external footswitch. This enables the player to control switches remotely, which is useful for complex stage setups.
How does the 'Gliss' function work?: The glissando function controls the speed at which one captured note slides into the next. This creates the characteristic 'slide' effect found on many classic synthesizers.
Can the Superego+ create layered sounds?: Yes, one of its primary features is the ability to layer sounds. Players can freeze a note or chord and then play over it or stack additional frozen layers on top.
Is this a standalone synth like a Behringer Neutron?: No, unlike the Behringer Neutron which is a semi-modular synth, the Superego+ is a synth engine that requires an input signal, such as a guitar, to generate sound.
What is the typical price for this unit?: The typical price range for the Electro-Harmonix Superego+ is approximately £269. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
Who is the Superego+ best suited for?: It is ideal for experimental guitarists, ambient musicians, and sound designers. It suits anyone looking to transform their instrument into a polyphonic synthesizer for textures and pads.
How does it differ from the EHX Mono Synth?: The Mono Synth focuses on lead synthesizer emulations for single notes, while the Superego+ focuses on polyphonic freezing, layering, and ambient soundscapes.