The Z-Resonator 2 is a partial reproduction of the Jomox T-Resonator, a wonderful dual analog filter feedback pedal. Of course, translating the T-Resonator’s architecture to the ZOIA means that the Z-Resonator is completely digital. However, it retains its namesake’s propensity for screaming filter chaos and wild sound transformation.

In essence, the Z-Resonator is built around two pairs of independently controllable delays and low-pass filters (one delay and filter for each stereo channel).

The basic audio path for each channel is: Input –> Delay Line –> LPF –> Compressor –> Output

However, audio output from one filter can be fed back into itself, the other channel’s filter, or either of the two delay lines at user-defined amounts, revealing endless configurations of feedback goodness.

There are envelope followers on each of the two filter outputs which can modulate the opposing filter’s cutoff. You also get a tweakable LFO which works in tandem with the envelope followers to generate dynamic frequency changes based on your incoming audio, plus a reverb lite to add some space to your sound if you want.

For a relatively thorough walkthrough, watch the demo video.

The first two pages are your control pages. Page 0 has a circular button layout, with left-channel parameters located on the left side of the page, and right-channel parameters mirrored on the right. Here, you control the filter cutoff frequency (light blue), filter modulation amount (peach), self-to-self feedback amount and polarity (magenta), and self-to-opposite feedback amount and polarity (dark blue).

The second page contains controls for the FX, including delay (L+R time, L+R feedback, and mix), reverb (decay and mix), LFO (depth and rate), and envelope follower (attack and decay).

There is a brickwall compressor at the end of the audio chain which acts to suppress the loudness of your delicious feedback. DESPITE THIS, PLEASE USE CAUTION WHEN MAKING PARAMETER CHANGES. YOU CAN SERIOUSLY DAMAGE YOUR HEARING AND/OR YOUR AUDIO EQUIPMENT WITH HIGH AMOUNTS OF FEEDBACK.

Similarities to the Jomox T-Resonator:
– Very transformative effect options
– Can make drums sound wet, bubbly, skittery, and ALIVE
– Can self-oscillate if feedback settings are maxed out with no audio input
– Can generate insane-sounding filter screams

Notable differences from the Jomox T-Resonator:
– IT’S NOT ANALOG. It can’t be, in this format. Therefore, it does sound different from the original. The inspiration is in the FX routing, and some similar sounds can be achieved.
– No selectable “modes” as in the T-Resonator. Here, there is always a dual delay and LFO mapped to filter cutoff.