Expression Pedals

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About Expression Pedals

Expression pedals are commonly used to control reverb and delay effects in real time, leading to dynamic, interesting tonal qualities that can really elevate a performance. They are popular among ambient musicians for controlling reverb and delay pedals in real time. This allows them to fade between low-key settings and a cavernous, infinite wash by adjusting ‘mix’ and ‘feedback’ parameters.

Expression Pedals are useful pedals that allow players to utilise their other pedals, completely hands-free. Similar in appearance to a wah pedal, expression pedals take the form of a footswitch that allows for precise and quick control.

Expression pedals connect directly to the pedal or pedals you wish to control, they are connected by a cable known as a TRS cable. Expression pedals connect to pedals using a cable called a TRS cable - also known as a balanced jack. Although these look similar to normal guitar cables, they are not the same thing.

Expression Pedals allow you to control other pedals hands-free. This allows for a creative, interactive experience where pedals can be subtly - or radically - adjusted in tandem with your guitar playing.

Why Should I Choose an Expression Pedal?

  • Allows for hands-free control of other pedals
  • An expression pedal guitar controls other pedals
  • Creative, interactive experience
  • Gradual, fluid change between settings
  • Variety of different brands and models
  • Cost effective

Frequently Asked Questions about Expression Pedals

Question: What does an expression pedal do?
An expression pedal is a controller of sorts. Connecting an expression pedals allows you to control other pedals in your rig, usually reverb and delay pedals.
Question: What are the different types of expression pedals?
Expression pedals are commonly designed to be compatible with a wide range of pedals, however there are specific brands such as Mission Engineering that make expression pedals designed for specific pedals like the Tonemaster Pro and Line 6 Helix.
Question: What type of guitar player needs an expression pedal?
Expression pedals control other pedals - often reverb and delay pedals. They are used to creatively and organically move between settings hands-free. They are popular among ambient musicians.
Question: Where should the expression pedal go in my effects chain?
Audio doesn’t pass through expression pedals, they send information to other pedals. This means you can place expression pedals wherever is most convenient as long as they have a cable long enough to connect to whichever pedal you’d like to control.
Question: Are expression pedals universal?
Most expression pedals are universal. However some of the more sophisticated modelling units - such as the Kemper Profiler - require specific expression pedals.