Basics #
Let’s start with the basics. Ground Central can operate in standalone mode, acting as the brain of your audio signal chain, no computer required.
Whether you decide to add it to your pedalboard or synth output, the Ground Central will provide input and output gain control and a bypass function.
Constellation comes with a selection of built-in Audio FX, fully controlled by your Satellites.
Ground Central can load one Audio FX at a time, which may be controlled by one or up to four Satellites simultaneously.
Each Audio FX has its primary parameters, displayed at the bottom of the Audio FX screen, directly controllable via the Satellites.
For example, the Tremolo FX includes Enable, Rate, and Depth.
In addition, every Audio FX shares a set of common internal parameters:
- Sensitivity – Adjusts how responsive the Satellite is to the assigned parameter.
- Invert Toggle – Reverses the Satellite’s control direction.
- Attack – Controls how quickly the effect responds when movement begins.
- Decay – Controls how quickly the effect fades when movement stops.
See the following video for a quick example:
Audio FX list #
WahWah #
A classic WahWah effect with a modern twist. The filter frequency ranges from 60 Hz to 5000 Hz, with a Q factor adjustable from 0.25 to 5, plus an on/off switch.
The Q factor is key to shaping the character of the effect: at lower values it delivers a smooth, vintage tone, while at higher values it becomes sharper and more synthetic. Experiment to discover your own sound.
All parameters can be fully controlled via Satellites.
Quick tip: Try using a Satellite to control the filter frequency with Roll or Acceleration, while leaving the Q factor fixed around 0.5. For more variation, experiment with opening the Q factor using a different input control such as Up/Right.
Parametric EQ #
A fully customizable equalizer. Choose from filter types such as band-pass, low-pass, high-pass, notch, or peak. You can adjust the filter’s gain, frequency band (if mapped to a control input), or cut-off frequency (if fixed), along with the quality factor.
Quick tip: If you’re a DJ, this Audio FX is perfect for adding energy and personality to your build-up sections.
Swell #
Perfect if you’re looking for a volume pedal effect. With a simple setup, you can control volume using any input control (e.g., Up/Down). The level range is fixed between 0 and 1:
- Set the minimum to 0 for full silence.
- Or set it above 0 to reduce the volume without muting the audio.
Stereo Panner #
Pans your audio signal from left to right (or vice versa) based on your input control.
This effect requires a stereo 2.0 compatible system for proper use:
- Connect two unbalanced or balanced cables from the L/R outputs of Ground Central to a two-channel audio interface, device, or mixer.
- Or monitor the stereo output directly through the headphones output.
Kill Switch #
Instantly mute your audio signal using Roll or any of the available input controls. This Audio FX includes both low-pass (LP) and high-pass (HP) filters to define the frequency range affected.
Use it to create a stutter effect or to mute specific gaps where silence is needed.
Tremolo #
This effect rhythmically modulates the volume (amplitude) of the audio signal over time.
You can assign different input controls to adjust:
- Rate (Speed): Controls how fast the volume oscillates.
- Depth (Intensity): Determines the strength of the modulation — from a subtle shimmer to a full on/off chopping effect.
Quick tip: Try controlling the Tremolo Rate with the Roll input and a fixed Depth above 0.5. It’s a great way to add dynamic expression and movement to your chords.
Theremin #
An Audio FX inspired by the classic Theremin. It generates a musical signal based on a selected root note and scale. You can adjust the pitch, apply delay to smooth the signal, and use a low-pass filter for volume shaping.
The Theremin Audio FX is blended into your signal chain, allowing you to connect a microphone and perform with the Theremin simultaneously.
Digital Delay #
The Digital Delay captures the incoming audio and replays it after a set time, producing echoes. This Audio FX offers the following parameters, fully controllable via Satellites:
- Delay Len: sets the time between the original sound and its repeat.
- Delay Feedback: determines how much of the delayed signal is fed back into the input, controlling the number of repeats.
- Dry Level: adjusts the volume of the original, unaffected signal.
- Wet Level: adjusts the volume of the delayed (echoed) signal.
Quick tip: Set the Delay Length to 700 ms, assign Delay Feedback to the Up/Down control, and keep the Dry Level around 0.5 for a balanced effect.
Freeze #
The Freeze Audio FX captures a short slice of incoming audio and holds it as a continuous sound texture, creating a sustained, drone-like effect. It includes the following parameters:
- Freeze Level: sets the volume of the frozen sound.
- Dry Level: sets the volume of the original, unaffected signal.
To freeze audio, think of it as a two-step process. Using Roll as the control input example:
- The first time you roll and cross the threshold, the effect begins recording.
- The second time you roll and cross the threshold, recording stops and the captured sample begins looping.
Quick tip: keep the Freeze Level low so your Dry signal remains more prominent.
Digital Reverb #
A classic Hall reverb type that can be controlled by your Satellites. It comes with a Reverberation time, Wet and Dry level parameters.
Quick tip: use Left/Right to control the reverberation time when singing to create more space in chorus sections.