Intellijel Stomp: Bridging Modular and Pedal Realms with Precision

Intellijel’s Stomp module arrives in a tidy 8HP format, aiming to bridge the often awkward divide between Eurorack modular systems and effects pedals. The video opens with a clear statement of intent: Stomp is designed to convert both the level and impedance of modular signals, making them compatible with the world of guitar pedals and, crucially, vice versa. This isn’t just a matter of shifting voltages—Intellijel is targeting the nuanced requirements of both modular synth users and pedal enthusiasts.

The demonstration sets the tone for a practical, patch-oriented approach. Whether you’re a Eurorack devotee looking to inject external effects into your system, or a guitarist curious about modular territory, Stomp is positioned as a versatile interface. The module’s panel is uncluttered, with clear labelling and a focus on hands-on control, reflecting Intellijel’s usual design ethos.

Stomp’s primary function is to convert modular-level signals to either line or instrument level, selectable via a dedicated switch. This flexibility ensures compatibility with a wide range of pedals and outboard gear, not just guitar effects. The video walks through the setup: patching an audio signal from a module into Stomp’s input, selecting the appropriate output level, and routing the signal to a pedal via the send jack.

After processing, the return path is equally considered. The incoming signal passes through a Class A triode emulator, offering the potential for tube-like overdrive at higher gain settings. An attenuator allows users to dial in anything from clean returns to saturated grit, before the audio is sent back to modular level at the mix output. This careful handling of both outgoing and incoming signals highlights Stomp’s role as more than a simple utility—it’s a creative tool for sound design and integration.

A standout feature is the mix control, which lets users blend wet and dry signals at the output. This is particularly useful for send-style effects like reverb, or for parallel processing where you might want to balance clean dynamics against distortion or modulation. The ability to fine-tune this blend opens up a range of sonic possibilities, from subtle enhancement to full-on effect washes.

Signal phase is another consideration when combining wet and dry paths. Stomp includes a phase switch, thoughtfully placed between the control knobs, to address any phase inversion caused by certain pedals. The video notes that while phase issues are rare with fully wet effects, they can crop up when blending. The solution is straightforward: if your mix sounds odd, simply flip the phase. This small but vital feature ensures that your carefully crafted patches remain punchy and coherent.

Stomp isn’t content to just shuttle audio back and forth—it also steps into the realm of modulation by offering expression control for pedals. The expression output emulates a passive expression pedal circuit, allowing modular CV to control pedal parameters. Without any CV patched in, the output is normalled to an internal LFO, with triangle, square, and stepped random shapes available. Rate and level controls provide further shaping, making it easy to dial in rhythmic or evolving modulations.

When you patch in your own modulation source, the attenuator remains active, giving precise control over the signal sent to the pedal. The video demonstrates this with a cycling envelope from Quadrax, showing how unipolar signals (0–5V) can be used directly for expression control. However, many LFOs in Eurorack are bipolar, swinging both positive and negative. Stomp addresses this with a unipolar compression switch, which offsets and scales the incoming voltage, ensuring compatibility with pedal expression inputs.

This attention to detail means Stomp can handle a variety of modulation sources, from envelopes to LFOs, without risking signal clipping or dead zones. For those who like to experiment with complex modulation routings, this opens up a wealth of creative territory, letting you animate pedal parameters from within your modular patch.