Electro-Harmonix Pico Atomic Cluster Spectral Decomposer

I’m stoked to finally be collaborating with the fine folks at Electro-Harmonix on some demos, and we’re starting with one of their new, smaller pedal releases from the Pico Series. A truly unique pedal the likes of which I have not encountered, the Pico Atomic Cluster Spectral Decomposer makes weird, strange, fantastic and creative sounds, really letting you stretch out your thoughts and be creative. It may be little in size, but it’s huge in soundscape and auditory embellishment…

The Atomic Cluster Spectral Decomposer is unlike any effect Electro-Harmonix has made before, a compact glitch and synth pedal that breaks down your signal and interpolates it into a variety of musical and whimsical sounds. Using a unique algorithm to reduce the frequency resolution of your instrument, it creates a wide range of unique effects from rhythmic lo-fi glitch and auto-arpeggio tones to ambient synth pads and more. Two different modes, SHARP and SMOOTH, let you choose the oscillation transition envelope shape, opening up more ideas and exploration.

This is most definitely a pedal for sonic experimenters and knob-turners, as around each new corner is some other wild musical discovery. The range of speed here really lets you dial in and control how the effect will integrate with your rig. Slower settings can mimic the sound of a rhythmic step filter while, faster settings create a more chaotic random feeling effect. Plus, you can press and release the footswitch to seemlessly enter into Tap Tempo mode, for more hands-free operation.

Building synth-like sounds and atmospheres with ease, the Pico Atomic Cluster Spectral Decomposer lets you deconstruct your tone to an atomic level. It always amazes me how effects builders can cram so much into such a small enclosure, and Electro-Harmonix is one of the best at it. We’re got more pedals from them coming soon, so stay tuned, and visit their website to check out their entire lineup in the meantime. You can grab an Atomic Cluster from Sweetwater here as well, and don’t forget to visit our YouTube channel to see the demo – cheers!!