The particularity of the Ampero multi-effects processor that we offer is that it is already pre-configured for electric violins. No need to spend time adjusting the effects — we have already adapted them to the frequencies of violins and violas.
Why should a multi-effects pedal’s effect chains be adapted for electric violins?
All effects pedals are designed for guitars, and sometimes for basses, but not for other instruments. Yet a guitar’s frequencies are completely different from those of a violin!
The frequency range of guitars overlaps with that of a violin, but it’s incomplete. It only covers part of the violin’s wide frequency range. And most importantly, it does not include the most characteristic frequencies of the violin — those that make it sound distinct from other instruments.
The frequency range of the electric (or acoustic) violin is vast and complex. This is partly due to the different ways it can be played. You can use the bow, pluck, or even scrape the strings. Bowing adds complexity, introducing sudden frequency changes.
To save you hours of tweaking, we’ve done the work for you. We partnered with Hotone Audio to integrate our custom violin effects directly into their Ampero multi-effects processor.
The Hotone Ampero processor and its electric violin/viola effects
The Hotone Ampero processor available on our website includes 24 effects specifically configured for electric violins. They are easily identifiable with names starting with “3Dv”. They begin at position P01-1.
List of available effect chains
We’ve tried to create the most popular and useful effects for violinists. Here is the complete list of effects:
Irish
The Irish effect chain replicates an acoustic violin sound commonly heard in Irish music. This can be combined with a wah-wah.
Bass
The Bass effect chain replicates the sound of a bass or double bass. It’s great for creating loops with a bass line. The sound quality is excellent, especially on the lower strings! Even more so with C or F strings found on 5 or 6-string electric violins.
Oriental
This effect uses a very long reverb and unique delay to suit violinists from India and the East!
Minor Harmonizer
This chain simulates a harmonizer. It combines the played note with a modified one to create harmony — based on minor chords.
Major Harmonizer
Same as above, but for major chords.
Space Octaver
An octaver that creates a note above and below the one played.
Twirl
Twirl is a psychedelic effect combining phaser and tremolo.
Liquid
The Liquid effect is a dimension expander. It modulates the sound spatially.
Classic IR1 Vln, Classic IR2 Vln, and Classic IR3 Vln
These use Impulse Response files of classical violins to simulate pure acoustic tone.
Classic IR4 Vla
Same as above, but simulating a classical viola’s acoustic resonance.
Auto Wah
An automatic wah-wah for those who don’t want to use the expression pedal. The signal evolves automatically.
Organ
A preset mimicking an organ sound using an octaver and other effects.
Gypsy
A classic overdrive. Softer than the more aggressive distortion effects.
Boost Solo
A distortion to cut through the mix during a concert — perfect for rock solos!
Narita Disto
A heavy distortion with extreme saturation and a very metal tone.
Gentle Disto
A standard distortion with moderate gain.
ZZ’s Garage
The sound of ZZ Top’s “La Grange”!
Fuzzy Bass
A gritty fuzz full of gain and sonic impurities.
Hummin’
A classic ambient tone without IR.
Acoustic
Simulates a classical violin sound with light reverb and delay.
Pure
A clearer, cleaner tone than the previous one.
Myst
An overdrive mixed with delay and heavy reverb for a mystical sound.
The Hotone Ampero units on our website come with 24 effects tailored for electric violins and violas.
How to use the expression pedal?
Some effects are configured to work with the expression pedal to create wah-wah effects. To activate it:
- Select the desired effect,
- Press the CTRL button to activate the pedal. It lights up green when activated,
- Use the pedal to alter the sound in real time.
Adding/modifying effects on the Hotone Ampero
To add or modify effects on the Ampero, you can use the onboard interface or the Ampero Editor software. It’s available for Mac and PC. Download it for free from the Hotone website.
Make sure your processor’s firmware is compatible with the version of the software. You can check the firmware version via the pedal’s menu: Global / About.
If you plan to update the firmware, back up your settings first. Updates may erase your presets. You’ll need to restore them afterward. The manufacturer’s software allows you to handle this easily.
Example setups with the Hotone Ampero
Your electric violin always connects to the INPUT jack. For output, choose between jack or XLR.
To connect your amp, use the OUTPUT L (MONO) jack.
The AUX IN port can be used to play backing tracks. Solo performers often use backtracks for accompaniment.
To connect your electric violin to a mixer:
- Use the pedal’s XLR outputs directly,
- Or go through a DI box via the jack OUTPUT (mono or stereo).
If using a DI box, note that stereo is not required. Mono output is perfectly fine and will be duplicated on both left and right channels.
Finally, you can connect the pedal to a computer to use it as an audio interface or to edit effect chains as explained above (see 2.2). In this case, using headphones (PHONES) is ideal to hear all the subtleties of your effects.
Sources and images: Hotone
