GFI System finally rolls out its improved and expanded Solis Ventus replacement for the Specular Tempus

It’s 4 years ago now since I did my mockup of a possible new version of Specular Tempus - based on the Synesthesia format. While GFI has gone even more expansive here and delivered a fully workstation format pedal.

It’s in the same territory as the Source Audio Collider and Wampler Catacombs - but with much more onboard - and in a significantly larger enclosure. Which will suit some, but not all. It’s actually probably more likely completing with the Mooer Ocean Machine and Line 6 DL4 (which are c $300 and $249 respectively).

The Delay side of the pedal is quite a bit more potent than its Reverbs - with nearly twice the number of algorithms. And even though this is a much larger format - it does share several of the same features as the Synesthesia. Here essentially with 4 control knobs per side, and those Triple Footswitches.

The Delay side is particularly strong here, while the Reverb side is not exactly to my preferences or sensibilities. If the Reverbs were overall a little stronger - then this could knock out both Delay and Reverb workstation pedals. As is at this very moment - I have the 42 Algorithms Empress EchoSystem and the 17 Algorithms Strymon BigSky MX (which has several more sub-modes too). Both of those are dual effects too - which means I have a much more potent system of Delays and Reverbs than the Solis Ventus on its own - both of my devices are each far more potent each or both sides of the Solis Ventus.

It’s also about the nature of algorithms. Where I’ve long favoured Reverse, Lo-Fi and Pad Reverbs. I also like a fair degree of sci-fi to my reverbs - which this Solis Ventus doesn’t really deliver.

Don’t get me wrong - it’s a fabulous sounding device and its $499 price tag is far lower than the $679 for the Strymon BigSky MX, and a further $494 for the Ecosystem - so essentially less than half price for that combination. While if it doesn’t deliver the sounds you desire - then it’s to really worth it at any price.

Furthermore the smaller size of the Specular Tempus meant that was far easier to slot into your board - and could more easily be run as a secondary Spatial effect, while the larger format of the new one kind of precludes it from that role.

I personally would have preferred it more in a Synesthesia style format (with full stereo though). Source Audio and Wampler can deliver similar effects in smaller enclosures - and the GFI Synesthesia is incredibly potent with 38 different algorithms as far I recall.

It’s ever the case of horses for course - and for sure this is a much more impressive and rounded device than its predecessor Specular Tempus - it does lose some of its flexibility though by moving to the larger size of enclosure - while it gains versatility in the process.

The Solis Ventus (Solar Wind presumably!) is a great looking and sounding device, really well priced, and with a tonne of smart features onboard. There are legions out there who loved the Specular Tempus, and the Solis is a worthy successor to that. The new one will surely become many people’s favourite too, while it’s not exactly how I wanted / needed it to be. I still like it, but it currently doesn’t make sense for me to acquire it, at least not on the evidence so far.

As always I remain open to persuasion! And if you’re already persuaded - you can pick one up on the GFI System Webstore for $499 - which is eminently reasonable!

Controls - Y SIDE } Param, Time, Algo (Globals / Swap / Save), Mix / Dynamics; X SIDE } Algo (Options / Swap / Save), Time, Param, XOV Crossover, Mix; FOOTSWITCHES } A/Y [Bank Down] B/X [Bank Up] Control / Tap Tempo.

Rear Ports - Left In (Mono), Right In, Left Out (Mono), Right Out, USB-C, AUX/EXP1, 9V DC [-] 400mA, EXP2, MIDI In, MIDI Thru/Clock.

DELAY ALGORITHMS

Analog Delay | Lo-Fi Delay | 3-Heads Delay | Ambiental Delay | Dual: Digital-Pitch | Tape Echo | Modulated Delay | Ping-Pong Delay | Dual: Digital-Digital | Diffuse Delay | Digital Delay | Filter Delay | Android Delay | Dual: Digital-Analog | Reverse Delay

REVERB ALGORITHMS

Aether Reverb | Plate Reverb | Marble Room | Echo Chamber | Spatium Reverb | Modelled Reverb | Spring Reverb | Shimmer Reverb | Tremble Reverb