Old Blood Noise Endeavors Unveils “Parting”: A Glitch-Ambient Powerhouse Designed with Emily Hopkins

Old Blood Noise Endeavors (OBNE) has officially announced the release of Parting, a sophisticated glitch-delay and reverb pedal developed in collaboration with renowned harpist and sound designer Emily Hopkins.

Designed to transform standard instrumentation into unpredictable, lo-fi soundscapes, Parting combines chance-based processing with deep modulation to offer what the brand calls a “box of pleasant surprises.”

A Synergy of Glitch and Grace

The collaboration between OBNE and Hopkins has resulted in a device that balances chaotic digital degradation with ethereal ambient textures. While many glitch pedals focus on harsh staccato effects, Parting is built as an ambient texturizer. It utilizes a randomized clock system and chance-based triggers to ensure that no two performances sound exactly the same.

The Power of “Dissolve”

At the center of the pedal’s interface is the Dissolve control, a dual-function knob that defines the unit’s character.

• Below Noon: Acts as a sample-rate reducer, introducing “digital rubble” and gritty aliasing.

• Above Noon: Triggers a reverse delay that becomes increasingly degraded and “stretched out” as the knob is turned, perfect for haunting, backward textures.

Randomization and “Chance”

The pedal’s Chance and Glitch controls allow players to surrender control to the machine. The Chance knob determines how often the signal enters the delay/reverb buffer, while the Glitch control introduces random clock subdivisions, causing the pitch and timing to jump between octaves and half-speeds spontaneously.

Technical Specifications & Connectivity

Parting is designed to integrate into the most complex modern rigs, offering full stereo functionality and comprehensive external control.

Advanced “Modified Mix” Mode

Unique to Parting is a Modified Mix switch. When engaged, the “dry” signal is also processed by the pedal’s filters, modulation, and Sample Rate Reduction. This allows for a completely cohesive, lo-fi output where the original guitar or synth signal blends seamlessly into the effected texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes Parting different from a standard delay pedal?

Unlike a traditional delay that repeats your notes exactly, Parting uses chance-based logic. It randomly decides when to capture your audio and how to “glitch” the clock speed, resulting in shifting rhythms and octave jumps that feel organic rather than programmed.

Can I use Parting with instruments other than guitar?

Absolutely. The pedal is designed to handle various signal sources, including harps (as evidenced by Emily Hopkins’ involvement), synthesizers, and studio re-amping.

Does it support Tap Tempo?

Yes. The Aux switch can be configured for Tap Tempo, allowing you to sync the modulation rate and delay times manually. It also supports MIDI Clock for perfect synchronization with a DAW or sequencer.

How many presets can I save?

Parting features three onboard presets accessible via the hardware switches. However, via MIDI, users can access up to 127 preset slots.