Name: Source Audio SA243 Vertigo Tremolo Effect Pedal
Brand: Source Audio SA243 Vertigo Tremolo Effect Pedal

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For a person who is learning guitar or is already proficient with it, a tremolo pedal serves the purpose of adding sheen to the learning process. If you have a music piece and you want to add waves, chops, linear rises, purrs to it, then a tremolo pedal proves to be useful. A decent tremolo pedal would allow you to monitor the velocity, depth, rate, and volume of the effect. However, some of the products available in this category do more than just that, and finding the best one is tricky. If you need the best tremolo pedal for your guitar, you have to do more than just your share of research.

In the review, we have considered all the crucial features such as panel interface with its controls, quality of sound, dimensions, weight, and price, to reveal which product rules the roost. These are the features that govern how the product works at all levels, and hence, paying with attention to them is important.

Top 8 Tremolo Pedals Review 2020

We have analyzed the products mentioned below on the valid parameters. After scrutiny of the manufacturers’ websites and other reputed places, discussion with experts, and reviewing the products themselves, we have generated a point-by-point report on what makes each of these products unique.

Our review comprises a comparison table, detailed reports on every single device from the list, and a buying guide. Read on with us to know the essential features of each of the best tremolo pedals in the market. After such a descriptive analysis, the choice that you have to make should be simplified to quite an extent.

Quick Summary

Editor’s Choice: Source Audio SA243 Vertigo Tremolo Effect Pedal

"The best of a kind tremolo pedal offering 3 distinct tremolo effects and exclusive access to Neuro App that offers an additional set of adjustable parameters."
Budget Pick: Joyo JF-09 Tremolo Guitar Pedal

"A budget-friendly but still one of the best at the same time tremolo pedal from Joyo comes with a battery for direct Plug n’ Play if needed, true bypass construction and realistic trem tones."
Best User-friendly Tremolo Pedal: Fender Tre-Verb Tremolo/Reverb Pedal

"Reliable both tremolo and reverb pedal from Fender with simple design including two separate footswitches for tremolo and reverb and dedicated controls."
Best Warranty: Boss TR-2 Tremolo Pedal

"A great tremolo pedal from BOSS with unbelievable 5-year warranty provides guitarists with high-quality vintage tremolo effects in an easy-to-use compact pedal."
Best Lightweight Tremolo Pedal: Belcat TRM-507 Tremolo Pedal

"Well-built pedal from Belcat producing an extremely clean sound."
Best Design: Danelectro Billionaire BT-1 Filthy Rich Tremolo

"Designed with style tremolo pedal from Danelectro."
Most Convenient Tremolo Pedal: BEHRINGER UT300 Guitar Pedal

"Amazing product from Behringer brand with simple and understandable for user interface."
Most Durable Tremolo Pedal: Biyang TR-8 Tremolo Guitar Pedal

"A tremolo pedal from Biyang with rate,depth, wave controls, solid metal casing and true bypass on/off switch."

Source Audio SA243 Vertigo Tremolo Effect Pedal – Editor’s Choice

Features

Circuit: digital
Interface: depth, speed, shape, level
Dimensions: 7 × 5 × 2.5 inches
Warranty: 2 years

Price on Sweetwater

Price on Amazon

9.5

Being one of the best-looking products in this category, it packs a punch in terms of the features offered at the same time. Vertigo Tremolo Effect Pedal from Source Audio is our Editor’s Choice. There are three types of tremolo offered: Opto Tremolo, Harmonic Tremolo, and Bias Tremolo. Alongside you also get all the conveniences of a mobile app from where you can download extra hybrid modulation algorithms.

The Neuro mobile app also lets you add adjustable parameters like EQ, wet/dry mix, tap tempo, and stereo separation. All the one-series pedals are fully MIDI compatible with the Neuro Hub, and this allows you to save up to 128 presets.

Having an easy-to-grasp layout allows you manipulate with shape, speed, level and depth parameters of and a knob for a wave effect. This wave knob allows fading between sines, square, and sawtooth modulation. As an addition, you get a volume control button as part of the device.

There is no battery included with the product, but you get an adapter to replace it. The device is lightly in the high-price zone, but the benefits match the cost as the product is durable and long-lasting.

What makes it stand out?

Designed with style
Metal body
Neuro mobile app to download extra algorithms
Three types of tremolo
Volume control button provided
Fully MIDI compatible pedals.

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

Very expensive

Joyo JF-09 Tremolo Guitar Pedal – Budget Pick

Features

Circuit: digital
Interface: intensity and rate rotary knobs, LED light, footswitch
Dimensions: 4.65 × 1.5 × 2.52 inches
Warranty: 1 year

Price on Amazon

9.2

With a true bypass construction, the product has separate knobs for intensity and rate. It is also provided with a battery so that you can directly plug and play the product if needed. The casing of this tremolo pedal is made of metal, making it undoubtedly one of the most durable devices in the market.

The tremolo tones generated from the device are very realistic, and the music effect you receive is extraordinary. There is a little LED light given with the product, and it gives you an idea of what the rate is at the moment.

A big advantage that accompanies the product is that it is slightly less expensive than other products on this list. However, despite being the best inexpensive tremolo pedal, the features it offers are not in any manner less than the others.

The operation power supply for the product though needs to be 9V at all times. If it is slightly over the level, the device may burn up and become redundant for you. With a simple design, the usage of the product remains quite easy at all times. You do not have to be an expert to start using the product as the user manual given acts a great help.

What are our favorite features?

The durable metal casing to enhance shelf life
Inexpensive in comparison with other products
Simple design making it easy to use product

What could be better?

It can only be used with 9V power supply. Anything above that would lead to the product getting burnt out

Fender Tre-Verb Tremolo/Reverb Pedal – Best User-friendly Tremolo Pedal

Features

Circuit: analog
Interface: level/rate/depth/blend/dwell/tone controls, tremolo and reverb separate footswitches
Dimensions: 5.1 × 4.8 × 1.75
Warranty: 2-year warranty and free tech support

Price on Sweetwater

Price on Amazon

9.1

This unique product offers you the choice of selecting between standalone tremolo and reverb effects. Three classic sounds Optical, Bias, and Harmonica Vibrato increase the variety of sound effects, you can incorporate.

Alongside the Tre-verb Pedal includes the 63, 65 and plate reverb types are given in all their variations. This feature also includes stereo outputs so you can use it any stereo or mono rig. Made of lightweight anodized aluminum product remains durable yet light enough to be carried comfortably.

Apart from the above, you also receive the Tap Tempo knob that takes care that everything is in sync with the rest of the group. There are LED backlight knobs given so that you can see the controls even when the lighting is minimal.

Operating on a 9V power source, you can easily purchase a chord and get your tremolo pedal working. Understanding its operation methodology is not hard, and once you get the hang of it, you are good to go. This product is considered to be one of the best user-friendly tremolo pedals available. The price of the device is slightly higher than you would expect, however its benefits match up to it.

What are its best features?

Three classical sounds to choose from 63, 65 and plate reverb
Lightweight aluminum build, durable yet lightweight
Tap Tempo knob to perform in harmony with others
User-friendly layout
LED-backlit knobs helping you see in darkness

What could be improved?

Expensive

Boss TR-2 Tremolo Pedal – Best Warranty

Features

Circuit: digital
Interface: 3-knob design, LED light, true bypass footswitch
Dimensions: 9 × 4 × 6 inches
Warranty: 5 years

Price on Sweetwater

Price on Amazon

9.0

With an easy-to-use compact footswitch, the device provides guitarists with high-quality tremolo effects. It comes with dedicated buttons for wave, rate, and depth. You can control and monitor them as per your own need and the effect you want.

Even though the type of circuit is digital, the effects that are generated are more than satisfactory. Having a weight of 2.08 pounds, the product is lightweight and can be carried around with ease.

The rate control button ensures higher speed adjustments than a classic PN-2 device. On the other hand, the wave control of this tremolo pedal takes care that LFO (Low-frequency oscillation) waveform is modified from triangle to square category.

To add some extra benefits to the device, you are given an instrument cable. To keep your pedals chained, you are given a patch cable. Plus, a soft cloth comes with the device so that your instrument remains clean, and hence, operational for long. These accessories make the product a worthy purchase as you get more for the price that you are paying.

The warranty of the BOSS company is unbeatable, and you get a 5-year service warranty with the product. In case you face trouble with the product during this time, you can hope for a replacement.

Why is it special?

Adjustable knobs to influence wave, rate, and depth.
Manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years
Lightweight and easy to operate
Accessories add up to the benefits being offered
Soft cloth to clean the product when required

What are the flaws?

Power adaptor to be bought separately

Belcat TRM-507 Tremolo Pedal – Best Lightweight Tremolo Pedal

Features

Circuit: digital
Interface: rate, wave, depth controls, true bypass on/off switch
Dimensions: 4.3 × 2.4 × 2.1 inches
Warranty: 30-day money back

Price on Amazon

9.0

This product offering from Kmise is a low on cost but high on quality options. In comparison to other products, this one is slightly new and hence is trying to make its mark. Being a lightweight, the device is easy to carry around and even operate. Made of steel, the product is durable and would not breakdown easily in the long run.

The product features a subtle jazz tremolo. Three separate rotary knobs control your rate, wave, and depth, and you can experiment with maximum sound variation possible.

The wave dial provided transitions from fast swells to quick fading. If you wish, you can set it in the middle and achieve a balance point between both the effects. However, the sounds you get are not very powerful though they can be used to subtly enhance the beauty of your performance. Shipping of the product happens from China, which means that it may take some time before you receive the product in your hand.

With a decent price band, the device offers you value for money. You can think of it as a choice if your budget is limited and expectations are more.

What makes it stand out?

Inexpensive
Highly durable
Wave control dial for best effect

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

Shipping from China, delaying the delivery time

Danelectro Billionaire BT-1 Filthy Rich Tremolo – Best Design

Features

Circuit: analog
Interface: retro interface, speed and depth knobs, soft/hard oscillation toggle switch
Dimensions: 5.27 × 2.28 × 2.95 inches
Warranty: 30-day money back

Price on Amazon

9.0

This product from Danelectro has separate knobs for speed, depth, and hard/soft effect. Offering true bypass switching, the effect generated out of the device is pleasing to the ears.

Most importantly, the classic car finish makes the product an extremely good-looking one. The finish also grants strength to the build, and you can hope for the product to stay in working condition for quite some time.

Since the product does not come with a battery inside, you can connect it anytime to a 9V power source and get it working. You could also use the battery Billionaire supply to get the same job done.

A major point that works in favor is the simplistic design that the product has been provided with. Using the device is easy, and even a novice can understand how it works. The price range is pretty decent, and you get a cheap tremolo pedal that gives you all the features as well.

Lastly, the effects of sound that can be created using this tremolo pedal are also worth mentioning. Known for creating the 60’s effect, this is the best tremolo pedal for country music, and you can trust it with the same.

What makes it stand out?

Simple and easy-to-use design
Reasonable price
Car finish making it durable for use
Creates effects of the ’60s
Separate knobs for speed, depth, and hard/soft effect

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

Slow to respond
May create a loud noise while in use

BEHRINGER UT300 Guitar Pedal – Most Convenient Tremolo Pedal

Features

Circuit: Digital
Interface: rate, depth, wave controls
Dimensions: 4.8 × 2.1 × 2.75 inches
Warranty: 3 years

Price on Sweetwater

Price on Amazon

8.7

This sleek-looking product has dedicated buttons for rate, wave, and depth controls. Using them, you can control the pointers as per the need of your music piece. Along with an LED light keeps you aware of whether the effect is on or off and the status of the battery.

You can easily operate the device using a 9V battery or use the Behringer power supply to do the same. Using the product, you can comfortably create the warm tremolo effects of 60’s amps.

An on/off switch maintains the integrity of the signal in its bypass mode. Available at a reasonable price, the device does not burn a hole in your pocket.

The overall design of the product is very stylish, and it will match your musical instrument. Moreover, the controls are very easy to understand and adjust; thus using it seems like a no-brainer.

Box of the device is made of plastic which may make it look slightly flimsy. However, its base is made of steel and that kind of gives a certain weight to the product. Knobs are firm in place, and turning them is not tough at all.

What makes it special?

Wide range of good quality sounds
Ease of usage
Not very expensive
LED light tells you about the battery status and effect indication

What cons did we find?

Plastic cover may seem flimsy

Biyang TR-8 Tremolo Guitar Pedal – Most Durable Tremolo Pedal

Features

Circuit: digital
Interface: rate, depth, wave controls with true bypass on/off switch
Dimensions: 5 × 3.7 × 2.4 inches
Warranty: 30-day money-back guarantee

Price on Amazon

8.5

Having German WIMA capacitors, the product from Biyang is a powerful piece to have. Three separate knobs each for depth, rate, and wave the device is easy to operate and control.

The body of this tremolo pedal is made of strong metal, and you can expect it to work even after rough use. The metal pots are sealed and dustproof, and any kind of defect in their working is out of the question.

Its True bypass feature also ensures that the effects that are created are enjoyable. An on and off switch to take care that this feature can be controlled as you want.

Along with there are interchangeable chips given that you can access through an easy to open back panel. At a moderate price, the device gives you the advantage of reverb sounds. You also get the benefit of many other useful parameters like subtle and lush, that can be experimented upon.

The usability and performance of the product is the main advantage of the product.

What makes it stand out?

Strong performance and easy to operate
Separate knobs to control the wave, depth, and rate
Dustproof metal body

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

May appear loud to few listeners

Things to Consider

Buying a tremolo pedal requires a significant amount of research. Even after research, you may make a mistake in your choice. The above products are considered to be the best tremolo pedal for guitar. However, even before you finalize, one must go through the factors that should influence your decision. In any situation, the most important aspect of any tremolo pedal remains the effects that you can create out of it. Some products provide similar kinds of effects, whilst others go a way beyond and offer unimaginable effects. You would want something extra out of the product that you wish to buy for this purpose.
There can be various factors that hold the key to your choice. Since you would be using the product for quite some time, do not hasten your decision. Moreover, the product is slightly different from the rest, and you cannot decide which one to purchase on an impulse. Read below the features that you must consider while choosing the best mini tremolo pedal for yourself.

Features to consider while choosing a tremolo pedal

Circuit type

The circuit of a tremolo pedal can be either analog or digital. Analog designs remain quite close to the model which started it all. They are still being purchased because they are easy to use which adds up to their positives.

Analog or Digital

However, with an analog pedal, you would get fewer features in comparison to a digital model, the latter one will not provide you with such an authentic tremolo sound. That is one of the main reasons why analog circuit pedals are much more expensive than others. So, it is understandable why people still prefer analog over digital circuit types to the effects offered.

Sound quality

If the quality of sound is not up to the mark, it is highly unlikely that anything else would be able to match up. You are buying a Tremolo pedal for their sound effects and therefore this is supposed to be the most important factor amongst all. This is primarily the reason why the manufacturers post videos of their products online so that you can get a fair idea. If you are looking for the best guitar tremolo pedal you must first listen to the same. You can also view videos created by actual users to know the kind of effects that are going to be created. This would let you know what to expect before you make a choice. You already know what you want and your choice becomes quite easy to make.

Interface

No one would want a product that is just too difficult to operate around. The interface of most of the products in this category has at least two knobs for rate and depth and in some cases one for speed as well. Apart from that, you would also find a few of the products like Source Audio SA243 Vertigo Tremolo Effect Pedal having a variety of effects to choose from and for that separate knobs have been given alongside. It is truly up to you whether you want a plain normal Tremolo Pedal or an extensive one.

Dimensions and Weight

Mostly all of the products mentioned above have fairly decent dimensions and weight. Their build is such that you would not have trouble carrying them along. Some of them are made of lightweight material and also remain durable to not breakdown with time. You can choose a product basis this factor if it is crucial to you.

Warranty

Except for the BOSS tremolo pedals, all other pedals come with a one or two-year warranty at its maximum. And the BOSS company will provide you with a warranty of 5 years, and many people prefer the brand for this feature itself. If the warranty is a major concern for you as well, then the BOSS tremolo pedal is a worthy purchase. However, the other tremolo pedals are also good options and offer a decent warranty. The chances of a tremolo pedal breaking down are pretty less, and it is totally up to you how much importance you want to assign to this parameter.

Price

Most of the time, the price of a tremolo pedal can remain till $100 or less. You can go through the list and find the best tremolo pedal under 100. However, some products are above this price range and if you think you are willing to spend as much, then go ahead with purchasing them. Price in most cases should be an important consideration for purchase if you are tight on the budget and your expectations from the tremolo pedal are not quite high.

While choosing the best tremolo pedal for bass, you must keep the above pointers in your mind. Apart from that, if budget and quality are what you want then the Joyo JF-09 Tremolo Guitar Pedal is a perfect balance of the two. It offers you both the benefits simultaneously, and you can opt for it if this is what you are looking for. However, on the flip side if performance is what you are looking for, then you must consider the Biyang TR-8 Tremolo Guitar Pedal, as it is performance-oriented.

Apart from that, sleek and gorgeous tremolo pedals are quite a rage these days and pedals like Source Audio SA243 Vertigo Tremolo Effect Pedal and BEHRINGER UT300 Guitar Pedal are two very great options that can be given a thought. Also, the Fender Tre-Verb Tremolo/Reverb Pedal is the perfect choice when you are looking for a pedal with extraordinary sound effects of various kinds.

FAQ

What is the difference between tremolo and a vibrato pedal?

Vibrato and tremolo modulation affect the signals in a similar kind of rhythm and therefore it is very confusing to find out the difference amongst them. However, while Tremolo means a steady increase and decrease in the volume, whereas the Vibrato means a steady increase and decrease in the pitch. Therefore if you want an underwater type of sound that is undulating, you should buy a vibrato pedal. On the other hand for a stutter, staccato pulse a Tremolo Pedal is the best bet.

What is the technical idea of tremolo? How does it work?

Tremolo is a modulation effect, which can modify your signal’s volume. To do that, they use LFO’s, which in turn create waveforms that adjust the signal volume. The manner in which this becomes a musical effect is by controlling these adjustments. At the face of any tremolo pedal, you see two knobs which are ‘rate’ and ‘depth.’ Rate is the control that allows you to change the tempo of the waveform to match that of the existing music piece. On the other hand, the depth knob controls the amount of volume loss seen with any such change.

What is the tremolo effect usually used for?

The tremolo effect is more than just a simple volume modification. It offers a rhythmic complexity and dramatic tension that is going to elevate the sound effects of your music rendition. Therefore it can be a great tool if you need to set a particular mood or emotion for your song piece. If used subtly you can create a variety of effects like stutter, ambient soundscape, distortion, rousing immediacy, and compression or reverb as per our need of the moment.

Our Verdict

Do not think of buying this type of guitar devices as a hard choice to make. As per our rating and analysis, Joyo JF-09 Tremolo Guitar Pedal is a budget-friendly and remains very high on the quality parameters too. This makes it a great choice for people who want all the tremolo effects but are unable to invest much money in the same. On the other hand, the Source Audio SA243 Vertigo Tremolo Effect Pedal is a high performance and power-packed device, and our editor’s choice. Lastly, the Fender Tre-Verb Tremolo/Reverb Pedal is very responsive to user. If you are looking for the best tremolo pedal, then the reviews mentioned above along with the comparison table and rankings should give you a fair idea of which ones to look for. Most importantly you must first know what you want from your tremolo pedal, the choice of which product to choose would automatically become easy then.