James Demeter’s first Tremulator pedal was built at the request of Ry Cooder 25 years ago, and the little box quickly became a hit in the burgeoning boutique pedal world. The STRM-1 Stereo Tremulator is the logical evolution of this groundbreaking trem, as it’s basically the same proven unit, except in stereo. Sporting separate Depth controls for each output, the STRM-1 also offers a Sync control that allows the trem’s pulse to undulate in mono (in sync), or bounce between the two amplifiers in a stereo setup (out of sync). You also get a Phase switch, as well as two recessed trimpots that fine tune the amount of depth the effect offers. The STRM-1 is preset with a classic triangle wave shape—the same as Cooder’s Fender Twin Reverb.

Sonically, the Demeter is outstanding. All of your guitar’s character comes through, and the pedal delivers a slight +3dB boost to put the effect up in the mix. Although it works fine as a mono trem pedal, a stereo setup is the only way to really behold its wonders. The separate Depth functions allowed me to go as crazy or as subtle as I wanted. For instance, set the Sync switch to Out with the Depth controls cranked, and the pulse bounces between the amps with a hammer-like ferocity. Dial back the Depth—or offset them a bit—and the trem ripples back and forth with a wonderful three-dimensional shimmer. In fact, with the Phase and Sync switches set to Out, I conjured a drippy, liquid-like effect that bordered on psychedelic. There are a lot of sounds to be found in this bad boy, and the more you get into it, the more you will discover.

Picture of Demeter Stereo Tremulator