Many guitarists expect Brainwaves to function like a dedicated drop-tuning pedal that can detune individual strings independently. However, the device’s processing architecture does not allow separate string manipulation. That said, you can still achieve a global half-step pitch-down effect across the entire signal by correctly configuring the settings in the TonePrint Editor. The article below provides detailed guidance on how to set it up properly for the best results.
Brainwaves Is Not a Dedicated Drop Tune Pedal
Brainwaves is not designed as a dedicated Drop Tune pedal, as it cannot process individual guitar strings separately.
Therefore:
- It cannot drop only the lowest string like dedicated Drop Tune pedals
- The pitch shift is applied to the entire input signal
However, if your goal is to lower the pitch of full chords or the entire guitar signal, Brainwaves performs very effectively when configured correctly.
Using the MASH Switch for Pitch Bending
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If you need temporary pitch up or down control while playing:
- Go to the Tonebend Tone parameter
- Set the value to 100 cents
This setting allows the MASH switch to bend the pitch up or down by exactly a half-step, making it ideal for accents, key transitions, and smooth pitch movement effects.
Creating a Half-Step Drop TonePrint for the Entire Signal
Brainwaves supports pitch shifting in cents, allowing users to create a half-step drop tuning effect across the full signal range.
Step 1: Select Custom Mode for Voice 1 and Voice 2
- Default presets do not include a built-in “half-step” option
- Custom mode allows precise pitch shift control
Step 2: Configure Pitch Shift
- Set both Voice 1 and Voice 2 to 100 cents
- Select Down to drop the entire signal by a half-step
- Select Up if you need to raise the pitch by a half-step
Step 3: Choose the Operating Mode in the Common Section
Depending on your playing style, you can choose:
- Whammy Mode for expression pedal-style pitch sweeps
- Shifter Mode for fixed pitch shifting
- Detune Mode to create a wider, thicker sound
Save the TonePrint and Test in Real Use
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- Save the configured TonePrint to the Brainwaves pedal
- Connect your guitar and test with chords, single notes, and bends
- Fine-tune the cents value if higher pitch accuracy is required
Brainwaves is highly responsive, and even small adjustments can result in clearly noticeable pitch changes.
Conclusion
While it cannot fully replace a dedicated Drop Tune pedal, Brainwaves allows half-step tuning across the entire signal using the TonePrint Editor. With cent-level pitch control, dual independent voices, and multiple operating modes, Brainwaves is a flexible tool for practice, live performance, and recording when properly optimized.