Neunaber Seraphim

The stereo version of this pedal was discontinued at the end of 2020. The mono version is the only version of this pedal still in production.

Neunaber, a boutique gear builder out of Santa Ana, CA, prides itself on using modern tech to make the best tools possible. To that end, their  pedal offers the discerning guitarist a versatile package, with USB and CAT5 connectivity and a range of innovative features, all packaged neatly in a standard-size MXR-style aluminum enclosure with a simple, user-friendly physical interface. Lightweight and agile, this pedal allows for so many options that this short overview cannot possibly cover.

The stompboxe features two separate effects that can be run separately or simultaneously: the reverb section is the same circuit as Neunaber Wet Reverb pedal, while the “shimmer” effect is what makes this pedal unique.

For starters, you can use it as a standard reverb – which is incredibly lush and offers the option to leave a reverb “trail” when the switch is turned off –  or combine it with the shimmer, which consists in a series of overtones that trail along with the decaying reverb, and almost resembles a keyboard pad – Neunaber call this effect “choir of angels”. Holding the stomp switch gives you the option to turn on only the shimmer effect and bypass the reverb, which I can see being very useful in a live setting to both drive feedback and adding to a vocal stack, for instance.

So: Why pick the new Seraphim Stereo Shimmer over the mono version, aside from the obvious? Connectivity and customizing. With the ability to utilize Neunaber’s free Pedal Customizer software, one can install virtual trim pots, modify the reverb trails, and do a whole host of other mods. And as if that wasn’t enough — with the software, you can turn any stereo Neunaber pedal into any other Neunaber stereo pedal, and use the physical pedal as a controller! It’s a fascinating combination of new and old tech – and something also ridiculously useful, in my opinion.

As a guitarist who always uses reverb — and often adds subtle pads to studio recordings — I find the Seraphim’s standard two-in-one option very intriguing, in particular from a creative point of view. But even if the shimmer effect isn’t your cup of tea, the reverb is absolutely incredible. It can replace a whole host of other pedals with the right tweaking and make you sound huge, and – besides – this and all Neunaber pedals are made in the USA – you thought Germany, admit it!

Give it (or any other Neunaber stereo pedal) a shot — and check out the Neunaber website, which has very informative videos and lots of downloadable guides. – Mya Byrne

At the end of 2020, we will say goodbye to the Expanse Series of pedals, which included the Wet Stereo Reverb v2, Seraphim Stereo Shimmer and others. Although the Seraphim version was retired a few years ago, we’re celebrating the series with a “farewell tour” and reissuing the popular Seraphim Stereo Shimmer graphic which helped launch this line.

This is your last chance to get the the Seraphim Stereo Shimmer v2. Bundle this pedal with an ExP Controller for only $249! The discount will be applied automatically after adding both products to your cart.

Seraphim Stereo Shimmer v2 pedals are built-to-order, so please allow a few extra days until shipment.

The Seraphim Stereo Shimmer comes pre-loaded with the original stereo version of the Seraphim Shimmer effect. The Seraphim Stereo is also compatible with Expanse Software, so it can be programmed as one of several different effects, including

  • Reverb (Wet, hall, plate, spring, modulated)
  • Shimmer
  • Echo, with/without reverb
  • Chorus or Detune, with/without reverb
  • Flanging
  • Phasing, Phased Doubling
  • Tremolo

 

Features

  • Stereo or mono input and output
  • Three controls, function depending on effect
  • Access to 4 programmable effects with 2 presets each via the ExP Controller (sold separately)
  • Mix knob goes to 100% effect
  • Selectable true bypass (no trails) or buffered bypass (with trails)
  • Selectable footswitch behavior, independent of effect (see User Guide)
  • Very high input impedance: no “tone suck”
  • Analog dry signal for low noise and zero latency
  • Small footprint
  • Requires standard 9V or 12V pedal power supply (not included)
  • Made in Orange County, California USA

*This item comes pre-programmed as the Wet Reverb.