Ambient EffectsDigital ReverbReverbReverse ReverbSpacey ReverbWalrus Audio+-
This is an interesting one for sure – as this was initially billed as a totally limited one-off release – back in September of last year – with a commitment that only a total of 600 units would be produced. But now the self same circuit is back on general release – in 2 new colourway edition.
This essentially re-uses the Slötvå format – but takes in algorithms form the Fable Granular Generator, and Lore Reverse Reverb. Think of it as a best off those 3 essentially. The format and structure is exactly per the Slötvå – with those Presets onboard – a little bit new money for old rope – but a decent mono textural reverb. It would have been cooler if they had enabled those ports for TRS Action – and we could have had full stereo. So an interesting Textural Reverb for sure – and perfect for mono rigs.
I covered this so well the last time around – that I’m just going to ’borrow’ my own words from that time – with possibly just a few edit!
As I mentioned – Enclosure / Topology-wise – this is essentially a rebooted and updated version of the 3-Presets Walrus Audio Slotvå pedal – just with slightly different parameters and algorithms onboard!
Controls – Decay, Filter, Mix, X (Variable), MODE : I. Grain Cloud / II. Grain Verb / III. Forward Reverse Verb, Ramp / Glide Time : I. 10ms / II. 1000ms / III. 5000ms, Stretch, Bypass Footswitch, Momentary Footswitch, Press Both Together to scroll through 3 onboard Presets.
It channels elements of its Fable, Lore, and Slö / Slötvå Reverb / Ambient pedals – and delivers a Mono TS In-Out experience.
There are 3 Modes / Algorithms onboard :
Mode I – Grain Cloud : A grain cloud with dual granular taps reading from a feedback delay line. X knob controls the grain size, or how frequently you’ll hear the “glitches” happen. Experiment stacking with other modulated or wet effects on your board to create all-new sounds.
Mode II – Grain Verb : A grain verb with dual granular taps reading from the delay memory of a reverb algorithm tank, which sounds like the grains took a bath in reverb. X knob controls the grain size, or how frequently you’ll hear the “glitches” happen. Tip – Lüm is a treat to put before high-gain pedals in mode two.
Mode III – Forward Reverse Verb : A forward reverb algorithm running into a reverse reverb algorithm. You’ll hear a playful rhythmic interaction between the forward and reverse reverbs. Use the stretch knob to change how fast or slow this interaction is. X knob controls the reverse reverb decay.
And the Ramp Modes are simply variable Glide Times for those Modes – 10ms, 1000ms, and 5000ms.
I own the Slötvå, which tends to get minimal use as most of the spatial effects on my board are full stereo – in fact circa the last 1/3rd of the board. This means it can be tricky to fit in mono effects – particularly ones that are principally intended for end-of-chain placement!
I’m not sure how the owners of the original 600 will feel here – especially since the ‘Guava’ Edition is prettier than the original, and the Minimal Black Edition is more elegant.
Pricing has remained the same – at $279, which seems to render as £259 in the UK – funny how with the Strymon Timeline MX the price is £20 above the dollar mark! Not sure what that is about.
You can read up more about the Lüm on the Walrus Audio Website.
In any case the Lüm is a pretty decent pedal – particularly if you’re already into the Slö / Slötvå, Fable and Lore whence this device gets its algorithms.
A little bit of an odd exercise by my way of thinking! But worthwhile indeed if there is still demand for these!
