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Astronaut V

Stereo Multiverb Space Unit
$
299
$
The A+ Astronaut V is the newest addition to the Astronaut space reverb family. Based around the ARM ® processor, the Cortex ® technology and the Analog Devices codec, the new pedal is the most advanced and impressive-sounding Astronaut space unit to date!

The Astronaut V offers 22 unique sound-processing algorithms, each with flexible controls. The best algorithms featured in the previous versions have been reworked in order to utilize the new processor to the fullest. The Astronaut V can do anything from traditional reverb sounds to complex soundscapes, effects and arpeggios.

With the fully updated UI, each algorithm now saves user settings into the device's memory. The Astronaut V is a collection of 33 extensively tweakable presets, allowing you to focus on the music!
The dual mono sound processing architecture carefully preserves the incoming signal's stereo scene. The VCA-based cross mix between the dry and wet signals allows for a perfectly smooth transition towards Kill Dry mode. The dry signal doesn't go through any AD/DA conversion, which means there's no latency and no artifacts introduced to it.

The universal CTRL jack allows you to control all effect parameters via MIDI (including PC commands), as well as via analog triggers and expression pedals. The Astronaut V sports a USB Type C port for extra tweakability and firmware updates; we're planning to keep expanding the USB interface functionality further.

The pedal is extremely flexible and can fit pretty much any style of music. Massive soundscapes have never been easier to craft. The Astronaut V is a stereo inspiration machine!

Astronaut V: Key Features

  • 22 unique stereo algorithms: reverbs, delays, microsampling.
  • 33 programs split into 3 banks and enhanced with the Quick Access function.
  • A User Defined bank for 11 user-defined programs.
  • Improved UI which saves all algorithm parameters in the matching program slot.
  • Hold Mode (infinite sustain).
  • Dual mono sound processing architecture and a full stereo signal path allowing for mono signal expansion.
  • Universal external control input which accepts MIDI, passive controllers, expression pedals and analog triggers.
  • VCA-based cross mix between the dry and wet signals.
  • VCA-based output boost.
  • Switchable reverb tails in bypass.
  • Fully analog dry signal path.
  • USB Type C port for firmware updates and fine-tuning.
  • Compact and lightweight aluminium enclosure with top-mounted jacks to save pedalboard space.
  • Universal 9-12VDC power intake and relatively low power consumption (160-200mA).

Connections

LEFT IN
Is a monophonic signal input. In a mono signal chain, use this input exclusively.
RIGHT IN
Is an input for the second signal source. A stereo setup can be achieved by simultaneously connecting two mono signal sources to the LEFT IN and RIGHT IN inputs. The Astronaut V doesn't support TRS connections.
LEFT OUT
Is the left channel output. Connect it to the signal receiver. In a mono signal chain, use this output exclusively.
RIGHT OUT
Is the right channel output. Connect it to the signal receiver. A stereo setup can be achieved by simultaneously connecting the LEFT OUT and RIGHT OUT outputs to two mono inputs. The Astronaut V doesn't support TRS connections. Read more about operation modes in the Connection Options section.
CTRL
Is an input for external control sources. It accepts MIDI type A, single or dual momentary footswitch, expression pedal, or analog triggers (S-trig/V-trig). Read more about the CTRL input in the External Parameter Control section.
POWER IN
Is the power supply input (9-12VDC).
USB Type C
Is a port for connecting the pedal to a computer for servicing, firmware updates, configuration and mode switching.

Controls

The device makes use of dual-function controls: each knob and switch can have different functions depending on the situation. Primary functions with direct access are printed in bold font on the pedal. Secondary functions which can be accessed by holding down the TAP / ALT footswitch are printed in a box on the pedal and are underlined in this document.
The PROGRAM knob
Selects a program/algorithm from a bank.
The X-MIX knob
Controls the cross mix between the dry and wet signals.
The PDL/TIME knob
Controls pre-delay (for the RV bank) or the time interval (for the FX bank). This knob works in conjunction with the BEAT switch. Read more in the Algorithms section.
The DECAY knob
Controls the decay for reverb/delay. Press and hold the ON/HOLD footswitch to go to the fully CW position on this knob.
The CHARACTER knob
Controls an algorithm-dependent parameter. Read more in the Algorithms section.
The BANK switch
Selects the program bank:
  • UP: UD (User Defined) — user-selected algorithms.
  • CENTER: FX (Effects) — various spatial effects.
  • DOWN: RV (Reverberation) — reverb effects.
Read more in the Banks & Programs section.
The BEAT switch
Selects the beat division for the tempo set by the PDL/TIME knob or the TAP footswitch:
  • UP: 1/1 (quarter note).
  • CENTER: 3/4 (dotted 8th).
  • DOWN: 2/3 (quarter note triplets).
The beat divisions can be changed via the config file.
The ON / HOLD footswitch
Has several functions:
  • Press once to turn the effect on or off.
  • Press and hold to enter Hold Mode (gradual ramp-up towards infinite decay).
  • Press twice to switch between the Quick Access program (program 1 in UD bank) and the current program.
  • Press and hold while changing the BEAT switch position to select bypass type. Set the BEAT switch to the UP position for no reverb tails in bypass. Set the BEAT switch to the DOWN position for reverb tails in bypass.
Read more in the Bypass & Indication section.
The TAP / ALT footswitch
Has several functions:
  • Press briefly several times to set the tempo (TAP). The tempo is set after two consecutive taps. When using Force programs, press this footswitch to "freeze" the incoming signal.
  • Press and hold to access secondary functions of other controls (printed in a box on the pedal and underlined in this document).
When you press and hold the TAP / ALT footswitch, the LED above it starts glowing blue. This indicates that secondary functions of the controls are being accessed.

Tweaking secondary control values (while holding down the TAP / ALT footswitch) doesn't affect primary control values, and vice versa. The primary and secondary functions are completely independent, but only the last tweaked value of each control is physically visible.
Secondary functions (accessed by holding down the TAP / ALT footswitch):
The VOLUME knob
Boosts the output up to +10dB. The boost affects both the dry and wet signal. This prevents the sound from getting too "washed out" while using spatial effects.
The HPF knob
Is a high-pass filter which attenuates low frequencies of the wet signal. The higher the value, the less low end in the wet signal.
The LPF knob
Is a low-pass filter which attenuates high frequencies of the wet signal. The lower the value, the less high end in the wet signal.
The STEREO knob
Controls the width of the stereo image.
Read more in the Connection Modes section
The COPY SETTINGS knob
Copies all the current control values into the selected program slot as soon as you release the TAP / ALT footswitch.

Read more in the Program Management section.
BANK switch + TAP / ALT footswitch
Change the BANK switch position while holding down the TAP / ALT footswitch to move the copied settings to a different bank.

Read more in the Program Management section.

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Bypass & Indication


The dry signal doesn't go through any AD/DA conversion and thus has no added latency or artifacts. Due to its active bypass and VCA-based wet/dry signal mixing, the Astronaut V offers two bypass options and doesn't send any clicks down the signal chain when turned on or off.
To switch between the two bypass options, press and hold the ON / HOLD footswitch, then move the BEAT switch to the desired position:
  • UP: Effect tails in bypass. After you've disengaged the pedal via the ON / HOLD footswitch, the remaining effect tails will keep playing out, but no further incoming signal will be processed.
  • DOWN: No effect tails in bypass. The effect is only audible while the pedal is engaged. After you've disengaged the pedal via the ON / HOLD footswitch, the effect tails will stop immediately.
The Kill Dry mode is implemented via the X-MIX knob. If you're using the Astronaut V in setups with external mix control, it's recommended to set the X-MIX knob fully CW.

The currently selected bypass mode is indicated as soon as the pedal powers up or when you switch between bypass modes. The LED over the ON / HOLD footswitch flashes 5 times in one of the following colors:
  • White for reverb tails in bypass.
  • Red for no tails in bypass.
The ON/HOLD LED
has five functions:
  1. It indicates whether the effect is engaged. If it is, the LED lights up.
  2. It indicates the selected bank when the pedal is engaged in the signal chain: blue for RV, red for FX, or purple for UD.
  3. It indicates whether Hold Mode is active. If it is, the LED shifts between multiple colors while you're holding down the ON / HOLD footswitch.
  4. It provides indication for the Quick Access program. When you recall the program in the Quick Access slot, the LED lights up in green. When the pedal is bypassed, the LED flashes briefly to indicate that the Quick Access program will be recalled once you engage the effect. If you alter the Quick Access program without saving, the LED will flash briefly to indicate that the altered preset hasn't been saved.
  5. It indicates the currently selected bypass mode as soon as the pedal powers up or when you switch between bypass modes.
The TAP/ALT LED
has two functions:
  1. It flashes to indicate the current tempo setting.
  2. It lights up in blue when you hold down the TAP / ALT footswitch to indicate that secondary control functions are being accessed.

Connection Modes

MONO Mode
LEFT IN is the main mono input. If you are using the pedal with a mono signal source, use this input exclusively.

Connect the signal source to the LEFT IN input, then connect the LEFT OUT output to the signal receiver. Using RIGHT IN in mono setups is not recommended.
MONO TO STEREO Mode
In order to convert a mono signal to stereo, connect the signal source to LEFT IN, then connect LEFT OUT and RIGHT OUT to the signal receiver.

The dry signal will be placed in the center, while the wet signal will be spread across the stereo image depending on the STEREO knob's setting.
STEREO / DUAL MONO Mode
When both LEFT IN and RIGHT IN are engaged, the pedal goes into dual mono mode and the channels are processed independently.

The dry signal in the left channel goes to LEFT OUT while the dry signal in the right channel goes to RIGHT OUT. In this mode, you can plug either a stereo source or two mono sources into the pedal. The two mono sources will be processed in parallel.
DOUBLE PROCESSING Mode
Aside from standard use cases, independent left & right channel processing allows using the pedal in mono for double signal processing.

Plug a mono signal source into LEFT IN, connect RIGHT OUT to the signal receiver, then connect LEFT OUT to RIGHT IN. The incoming signal will be processed by the pedal twice. Please note that control knob ranges are significantly altered in this mode. The pedal goes into self-oscillation much quicker and overloads may happen at various internal gain stages. However, with a bit of practice you can achieve very peculiar results in this mode. Experiment away!

The STEREO Knob

Dual mono processing implies that the left and right channels are processed independently all along the signal path and are merged into a stereo signal at the output. The width of that stereo signal is controlled via the STEREO knob.
The STEREO knob controls two parameters simultaneously:
  • Micro-delay of the right channel signal before the main processing block to achieve wide stereo (the Haas effect).
  • Channel crosstalk at the output (narrowing the stereo image down).
This way, you can either bring the wet signal to the center or pan it to the sides, leaving the center for the dry signal — all via the same knob. Take a look at the image below to get a better idea of the ranges for different modes.

Channel crosstalk is controlled in the 7:00-12:00 range.
7:00: 100% channel crosstalk, effects are summed to mono regardless of their initial panning.
12:00: 0% channel crosstalk, the left and right channels are processed independently.
The Haas effect delay setting is controlled in the whole range (7:00-17:00).
Splitting the STEREO knob ranges is necessary for independent channel processing while in series or double processing mode.

The PDL/TIME Knob, TAP Footswitch and BEAT Switch

The PDL/TIME knob, TAP footswitch and BEAT switch are all used to set the tempo parameter for various algorithms. For the RV bank, that's reverb pre-delay (1/16th of the tap interval). For the FX bank, that's the time parameter for delays, modulation or arpeggios. The resulting tempo equals TIME*BEAT or TAP*BEAT, where the quarter note tempo is set by TIME or TAP, while the BEAT switch subdivides quarter notes (*1) into dotted 8ths (*0.75) or quarter-note triplets (*0.66666). Additionally, you can alter those subdivisions via the config file. The set tempo is displayed by the TAP LED.

The TAP footswitch sets the tempo after two consecutive presses. The minimum tap interval for this footswitch is 0.2s, while the max interval is 2s.

The TAP footswitch and the TIME knob have the same effect on the tempo parameter. The pedal uses the value of the control used last.

The Astronaut V allows for external tempo control (e.g. via MIDI or analog triggers). Read more in the External Parameter Control section.

The HPF and LPF Knobs

The HPF and LPF knobs control the wet signal's frequencies.

The HPF knob shifts the cutoff point for the low frequencies in the wet signal. When the knob is fully CCW, all low frequencies are present. When the knob is fully CW, most of the low frequencies are filtered out. The filtering is done at the wet signal output, so it doesn't affect the way the sound is processed by the algorithms.

The LPF knob shifts the cutoff point for the high frequencies in the wet signal. When the knob is fully CCW, most of the high frequencies are filtered out. When the knob is fully CW, all high frequencies are present. The filtering is done at the wet signal output, so it doesn't affect the way the sound is processed by most algorithms (aside from Paradox, Reverse and Reverdox, in which the filter is placed in the delay loop and thus affects both the decay and the tone of the repeats).

To get the full frequency range in the wet signal, set the HPF knob fully CCW and the LPF knob fully CW. Optimal cutoff points have been set for each algorithm individually.

Program Management

The terms "algorithm" and "program" are used in the UI of the Astronaut V.
  • An algorithm is one of the 22 spatial processing algorithms in the pedal, which are tied to memory slots 1-22 (PC 0-21). Algorithms reside in the RV and FX banks, and their positions are fixed. Algorithm positions match the values of the PROGRAM knob. Read more in the Algorithms section.
  • A program (also known as patch/preset) is the number and full set of settings for a specific algorithm. Programs are stored in the device's memory. The first 22 programs are linked to the positions of their respective algorithms on the PROGRAM knob. Programs in the UD bank can be freely saved along with their algorithms to any memory slot (PC 22-32).
The pedal boots up in Standard Mode, which scans the device's memory for control values for each program. All saved values are applied. This way, the Astronaut V can be viewed as a collection of saved presets which are available via the PROGRAM knob. Physical controls don't reflect the values stored in the program; however, as soon as you turn a control knob, the UI will save its new value to the program.

The pedal allows you to transfer the current values of all controls to any program slot. This is how you can do that:
  1. Press and hold the TAP / ALT footswitch (the LED above it will light up in blue).
  2. Turn the PROGRAM knob to the desired position, then release the TAP / ALT footswitch.
You can also move a program to a different bank:
  1. Press and hold the TAP / ALT footswitch (the LED above it will light up in blue).
  2. Set the BANK switch to the desired position.
  3. Turn the PROGRAM knob to the desired position, then release the TAP / ALT footswitch.
The program will be moved to the new slot as soon as you release the TAP / ALT footswitch.

If you wish to cancel the transfer, return to the initial bank & program positions without releasing the TAP / ALT footswitch.

The UD (User Defined) bank holds 11 user programs and their respective algorithms.
To save a program to the UD bank, do the following:
  1. Select the algorithm you wish to transfer.
  2. Press and hold the TAP / ALT footswitch (the LED above it will light up in blue).
  3. Set the BANK switch to the UP position.
  4. Turn the PROGRAM knob to the desired position, then release the TAP / ALT footswitch.
The program and algorithm will be saved as soon as you release the TAP / ALT footswitch.

Programs in the UD bank can be edited and/or overwritten.

If you wish to switch programs via the CTRL input, you can use Setup Mode which allows you to change the pedal's settings without connecting it to a computer.

Algorithms

Just like the Astronaut III and Astronaut Modular, the Astronaut V has 22 effect algorithms. All of those have been significantly improved and optimized for the new processor; also, stereo capabilities have been added to each algorithm. Thus, you shouldn't expect the pedal's algorithms to sound exactly like the ones in the previous versions — but chances are they will sound even better!

The algorithms are split into two main banks. The RV bank contains various reverb flavors, while the FX bank offers a selection of delays, complex effects, arpeggiators and microsamplers. The table below lists each algorithm's position and its specific controls. All unlisted controls work the same way with all algorithms.

RV Bank (Reverbs)

In this bank, the PDL/Time knob and the TAP footswitch always set the pre-delay for reverb reflections at a ratio of 1:16 relative to the set tempo (taking the BEAT switch position into account).

The LPF and HPF knobs affect the output in each algorithm featured in the RV bank. All the algorithms in this bank can be split into several subgroups:

FX Bank (Effects)


Banks & Programs

The Astronaut V has 33 program slots, which are split into 3 banks of 11 programs. To select a bank, move the BANK switch to the desired position:
  • UP: UD (User Defined). The LED above the ON footswitch glows purple. This is essentially a "favorites" bank. You can freely add programs and algorithms to this bank. The first program in the UD bank is also the Quick Access program which you can engage by double-tapping the ON footswitch or via external control.
  • CENTER: FX (Effects). The LED above the ON footswitch glows red. This bank contains various effects: delays, arpeggiators, complex effects and microsamplers. The algorithms in this bank have fixed positions.
  • Вниз: RV (Reverberation). The LED above the ON footswitch glows blue. This bank contains various reverb algorithms ranging from traditional to experimental. The algorithms in this bank have fixed positions.
Turn the PROGRAM knob to select a program within the currently selected bank.

Hold Mode (Infinite Sustain)

Press and hold the HOLD footswitch for more than 0.3 seconds to simulate turning the DECAY knob to the max. In this mode, reverbs become infinite or very long (2–5 minutes), delays go into maximum feedback, and the LED starts flashing in various colors. Release the bypass switch to let DECAY go back to the setting of the knob.

The Force Roar and Force OctDn algorithms are already based on infinite sustain, so the HOLD footswitch instead detunes the frozen signal while the PDL/TIME knob determines detune direction.

Quick Access

The Quick Access function allows you to quickly switch from the currently selected program to the first program in the UD bank. We recommend that you save your most frequently used program to the first slot in the UD bank.

To recall or exit the Quick Access program, double-tap the ON footswitch. If the ON LED is glowing green, it means the Quick Access program is active. If the Quick Access program is active but the pedal is bypassed, the ON LED flashes briefly to indicate that the Quick Access program will be recalled once you engage the effect.

When the Quick Access is active, control values aren't updated unless you turn a knob or move a switch. If you alter the Quick Access program without saving, the ON LED will flash briefly to indicate that the altered preset hasn't been saved. If you exit the Quick Access program without saving, the pedal will use the last saved Quick Access settings the next time you recall it. Saving a program to the Quick Access slot is done in the same way as to any other slot (see the Program Management section for instructions).

The Quick Access function can be assigned to the CTRL input in Setup Mode or via the config file. You can also disable the Quick Access function there. Please see the support page for instructions.

External Parameter Control

The CTRL stereo input allows for external control over the pedal's parameters. This input has several operation modes:

  1. Passive controller (normally open momentary switch). Footswitch functions are replicated. TIP corresponds to the TAP/ALT footswitch, RING corresponds to the ON/HOLD footswitch.
  2. Full MIDI control (Type A). This mode is active by default.
  3. S-trigger ("short circuit trigger"). Analog trigger/gate with the same polarity as the pedal's. This is the recommended trigger type. TIP controls the TAP function, RING controls the HOLD function.
  4. V-trigger ("voltage trigger"/"positive trigger"). Analog trigger/gate with polarity opposite to the pedal's. If no external signal is coming into the CTRL input, the LED will light up, and some of the pedal's functions will be inactive. Those functions become active as soon as a control signal is connected. TIP controls the TAP function, RING controls the HOLD function. Use this trigger type if you have no S-trigger source or if you prefer V-triggers for other reasons.
  5. Passive expression pedal. Provides external control over the DECAY knob. Expression pedals with TS (mono) connection are recommended. More expression pedal functions will be implemented later.
  6. Passive controller (normally open momentary switch) or analog S-trigger. TIP controls the Quick Access function, RING controls the TAP function.
Read more about CTRL input settings on the support page.

Specifications

  • LEFT IN / RIGHT IN: 6.3mm, mono, unbalanced, 1MOhm input impedance. LEFT IN is the main mono input.
  • LEFT OUT / RIGHT OUT: 6.3mm, mono, unbalanced, 100Ohm output impedance. LEFT OUT is the main mono output.
  • CTRL: 6.3mm, stereo, normally open momentary button, MIDI Type A, 5V analog trigger (S-trig/V-trig), or passive expression pedal (TS or TRS, 10-25kOhm).
  • Power: 2,1/5,5mm, negative tip.
    • 9V DC 200mA.
    • 12V DC 160mA.
The pedal can't be battery-powered. Use a regulated PSU only.

  • Dimensions (LхWхH): 110х104х56mm (4.3x4.1x2.2").
  • Weight: 350g (0.77lbs).

Links & Downloads

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