5. September 2025

TAS

Going Goth with StarskyCarr’s Hologram Chroma Console

Join British YouTuber StarskyCarr as he dives into the dark and moody realm of the Hologram Chroma Console Matte Black Edition. With a knack for layering sound like a master BBQ chef grilling up sonic steaks, Starsky takes us on a journey from simple sawtooth beginnings to eerie, atmospheric soundscapes. Prepare for a cheeky, in-depth exploration of this gothic makeover in synth effects.

From Synthwave Sunshine to Moody Eclipse

StarskyCarr plunges us into the depths of synth wizardry with the Hologram Chroma Console in its Matte Black Edition. Right from the get-go, this gadget turns a simple sawtooth wave into a darkly atmospheric soundscape that’s moodier than a koala in a thunderstorm. By layering effects like drive, pitch modulation, drift, and a touch of reverb, the Chroma transmutes basic tones into something complex and whimsically sinister. As Starsky layers interference like an expert painter adding shadow to a masterpiece, we can’t help but get lost in the gothic allure of its output. This pedal’s makeover might be just a coat of paint—black as a crow’s feather—but it perfectly complements the eerie audio landscapes it crafts.

Lo-Fi Love: Embracing the Imperfections

StarskyCarr reminisces about the charm of old-school recordings, like a surfer fondly recalling gnarly wipeouts. He evokes the cosmic drift between the rough graininess of vintage footage and the pristine clarity of modern tech. Through his playful musings, Starsky makes us realise that it’s the imperfections—the fuzz, the wobble, the fuzz guitar equivalent of BBQ smoke—that give character and flavour to sound. As if smudging the sharp edges of reality in a whimsical, cerebral dance, the Chroma Console takes these imperfect elements and enhances them into a delightful audio experience. Answering why we cherish ‘imperfections’ in sound, Starsky’s demo brings forth the nostalgic warmth that draws listeners deeply in.

Secondary Functions Galore

In a demonstration of pure sonic game-changing prowess, StarskyCarr explores the secondary functions of the Chroma Console. This wild ride, akin to riding a kangaroo through Sydney Harbour, showcases how the pedal’s character channels—movement, diffusion, and texture—are akin to a sound scientist’s toolkit. With red, yellow, green, and blue-lit knobs, each colour channel unleashes a spectrum of sonic possibilities, moving from subtle motions to utter mind-bending cacophony. From arpeggiators synced in time with a mid-genome to immersive delay effects, the Chroma is versatile as it is innovative, proving itself not just another pretty pedal, but a true outback performer. The MIDI control options, from expression pedals to MIDI interfaces, tell us it’s as ready for the stage as a desert reggae band post-summer solstice festival.

Automations and Modulations: Starsky's Labour of Love

StarskyCarr’s journey through the Hologram Chroma Console is akin to witnessing a master builder crafting with Lego blocks of sound. This section is as extensive and detailed as an engineer assembling a festival sound rig in the heart of the outback. He delves deep into the automations, allowing viewers a glimpse into a world of on-the-fly creativity. By recording gestures in harmony with a MIDI clock, these twisting paths create an ever-evolving audio narrative. Starsky demonstrates altering effects like a maestro, digitally twisting nobs to set the landscape ablaze with distortion and reverb melding into a textural wonderland. By reordering the character modules, he’s essentially restructuring sonic DNA, preparing tracks for total manipulation and re-ordering as if remixing a live set at a basement rave. Viewers are entranced, left wondering if anything is off-limits in this mad, beautiful world Starsky has constructed.


Sonic Experiments Complete the Picture

As the video edges towards a crescendo, StarskyCarr demonstrates what the Chroma Console is truly capable of in a live showcase. Like the first spark of an Aussie campfire that ignites into a roaring blaze, he builds towards the titular demos that bring all his previously discussed elements into play. The pedal shifts effortlessly from atmospheric wizardry to ghostly echoes that seem to sing in the heart of the night. Starsky doesn’t hold back, layering effects with the precision of a chef basting a fine cut of beef, and the audience is treated to a sonic banquet. With every twist and modulation, Starsky reveals this pedal’s true potential, as it glides through its paces, leaving viewers in awe of this powerful tool that could very well be the hero of any gearhead’s setup.


Watch on YouTube: