Empress Effects ZOIA 10K: Special Limited Edition and New Firmware 5.0
A New Limited Edition and a New Firmware 5.0!
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Empress Effects ZOIA 10K: Special Limited Edition and New Firmware 5.0 · Source: Empress Effects
[10 December 2024] Empress Effects’ ZOIA modular multi-effects unit for synthesizers and guitars is now available in the limited special edition ZOIA 10K! But you’ll have to hurry because only 500 units will be produced. The manufacturer is also releasing the new ZOIA 5.0 firmware with new features.
Empress Effects ZOIA 10K
According to Empress Effects, over 10,000 units of the ZOIA have been sold so far. That calls for a celebration! That’s why the ZOIA 10K special edition is now available, limited to 500 units.
While the ‘normal’ pedal is black, the Special Edition comes in beige with a bright blue OLED display. However, the concept and technology of the modular effects unit is identical to that of the regular version.
Over 90 modules can be combined to create ever new effects and even synthesizers. Up to 64 patches can be stored internally, and more can be exported via SD card. The unit can be controlled via MIDI, CV and expression pedals, and has stereo inputs and outputs.
The special edition is now available from Thomann* for $487 / £459 / €549.
The black version is also available from Thomann* for $477 / £444 / 538€ .
Empress Effects releases ZOIA Firmware Update 5.0
To coincide with the release of the ZOIA 10K, Empress Effects has released a firmware update. The new version 5.0 not only contains numerous bug fixes, but also aims to inspire creativity by restructuring the presets. On power-up, you are greeted by a mix of basic effects, favourite presets and brand new effect modules. More importantly, the new version is said to use the processor 14% more efficiently, allowing for even more complex effects and synth patches.
The 5.0 firmware update is available as a free download from the manufacturer’s website.
Empress Effects Zoia 4.0 Update improves the Sampler and Sequencer
[9 October, 2024] With the Empress Effects Zoia 4.0 Update, there are a few improvements to the sampler and sequencer, making these even more fun to use.
Empress Effects Zoia 4.0 Update
Included with the Zoia 4.0 Update, is a new 24-page .pdf guide to help you get comfortable with all the new sequencer and sampler features.
Some of the new sequencer functions now include the ability to program MIDI note sequences with a MIDI Keyboard, as well as using CV Step to step through your sequence, and CV Ramp can now output glissando notes.
In addition, the Zoia’s sampler can now conveniently convert files of different sample rates to 48 kHz and you can store a library of samples in nested folders on the device.
Empress Effects Zoia
[23 January, 2018] Empress Effects’ Zoia is a multi-effects pedal with a difference. Aimed at both guitars and synth players alike, it looks more like a modern-day step sequencer in the vein of Novation Circuit than an effects pedal. New approach? Interesting attitude? Bring it on!
The basic idea here is to offer several FX modules configurable via the pad matrix, with effects and “modulators” such as LFOs, a sequencer, and so on. According to the only video available at the moment, the aim is to provide a whole pedalboard set up in one unit. It also seems that instruments can also be created with them. Then you can save everything on an SD card. This looks like a bit of an oddball unit and as the official demo video really gives nothing away, we will have to wait for them to give us more details at the NAMM Show.
Oddball
At this stage, we know that it includes MIDI I/O, a stereo input and output, CV and clock inputs, a random function, and a fairly free routing architecture that can link different sources and destinations. Sounds like a lot of fun – especially for synthesizers and studio use, but us guitarists may need to assign some foot controllers to make it viable in a live scenario – or you might have to pop it on a stand at a reachable height so you can tweak it!
Pricing and Availability
The Empress Effects Zoia is currently available from Thomann.
- Browse Empress Effects on Thomann
More about the Empress Effects Zoia:
- Official Product Page
- More News from Empress Effects
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