The main advantage of using a power supply with your volume pedal is that you can mount it to your pedalboard and not have to go through the rigmarole of setting up the individual power supplies to each effects pedal. You can simply leave the pedals plugged into their respective outputs so that your pedalboard is ready to operate right away. Other than that, they’re just a volume potentiometer with foot control. However, there are a few things to bear in mind. Yes, but not to the same effect. Using the guitar volume can cause problems. It reduces the level of the signal, hence the sound at its source. Some pedals rely on that signal, a distortion pedal, as an example. Feed a less powerful signal in, and you will get a weaker signal out. Not what you want. The quality is lost, and it becomes weak and ineffective. Volume pedals control the audio signal's dynamics and fit in well with other dynamics pedals at the beginning of the signal chain. However, if the pedalboard happens to have several noisy pedals, a volume control pedal may be better near or at the end of the pedal chain. Then we have two inputs and two outputs, making this a fully stereo device. But aside from that, it comes with a few other unusual yet useful features. For instance, its design allows it to be fixed in place, be it on a pedalboard or any other surface.

The inclusion of two distinctive settings instantly raises the EX-1 above many of its competitors. It’s ideal for situations where you may be using multiple high-gain pedals, and need to keep the sharp increases in volume to a minimum. Using a volume pedal with bass works in the same way as it does with a guitar. It’s less common for bassists to use volume pedals though, perhaps because generally the low-end needs to be consistent, whereas a guitar is usually used with more variation in that respect. Volume pedals are invaluable tools for playing live, but they also offer numerous benefits in the recording process. Other effects pedals indeed have a more transformative impact on your tone, but volume pedals provide you with maximum control over your dynamics when recording. This makes it easier for you to be intentional with the volume of your instrument without having to rely on mixing. Who is this best suited for: Guitarists who are looking for the best possible way to control the volume of their instrument should strongly consider the MVP by Ernie Ball. It’s a highly versatile pedal that works with all types of electronics. My experience using the EX-P led me to the summary that it’s the best MIDI-focused volume/expression device on the market. It stands out due to its compatibility with keyboards, synths, drum machines, and other MIDI-based instruments or controllers.

Volume expression pedals are treadle lever-type foot pedals the control the output amplitude of a guitar (or another instrument) signal. Volume pedals often get grouped together with expression pedals. Simply put, an expression pedal is a variable pedal manipulated with the foot that changes some aspect of a guitar’s sound. This includes wah and volume pedals in addition to auxiliary pedals used in conjunction with an effects unit like a delay, vibrato, or a multi-effects unit like the Zoom G5n. Just keep in mind that when someone says “expression pedal” they will generally mean the latter type that is used with a pedal or multi-effects unit, as both volume and wah pedals are generally referred to as a volume pedal or a wah pedal for clarity’s sake. So what's the best pedal for you? If you're looking for volume and expression pedal control, the Dunlop DVP4 Volume (X) Mini Pedal is fantastic. Plus, it's a nice, compact size. Not only will this save you space, but it could say you money as well. Passive and active. Passive pedals don't need a power source and active pedals require a power source, but offer more flexibility with the volume level. So which one should you get? Passive pedals are typically cheaper, but active pedals are known for maintaining the integrity of the original signal. How Do I Use a Volume Pedal? My Review: I can safely say that the EX-1 by Line 6 is a multi-faceted pedal. It includes two presets, which I found to be very useful when the pedal is being used for expression or to control other external effects on my pedalboard. These include pitch control, which is great as it acts like a whammy pedal, and custom wah are ideal for creating filter effects.

My Review: I was initially excited to try this Lehle device, and it didn’t disappoint. With a precise magnetic sensor, inner components of the highest quality, and a sleek design, it soon became clear to me that the Mono Volume by Lehle is one of the finest pedals for controlling dynamics. It can operate in a noise-free, reliable way due largely to the meticulous design of its circuitry. I learned that when designing the pedal, Lehle chose to utilize a method known as the Hall effect to get the most accurate results. Who is this best suited for: If you require the maximum control over the volume of your instrument, then I’d highly recommend the Lehle Mono Volume Pedal. It has been designed using sophisticated inner mechanisms that combine to create a perfect blend of smooth operation, precise control, and noise elimination. Who is this best suited for: Thanks to its durable built and miniature sizing, the Boss FV30H is the perfect choice for guitarists who have a small setup of pedals. As you’d expect with a Boss pedal, it boasts exemplary robustness and the ability to withstand heavy usage. There is also a tuner output, allowing us to drop the volume and tune silently while also removing the tuner from the main signal chain. You will also notice that the pedal requires power, external or battery. However, this is only for its LED light, located under the treadle. There’s also a switch on the side, allowing you to turn it on and off. This feature can come in handy for some live stage settings. Conclusion

Why Should I Choose a Volume Pedal?

Who is this best suited for: Like all Boss pedals, the FV-500H is built to stand the test of time. Its heavy-duty aluminum dies cast chassis, combined with a non-slip rubber pedal, make it a great choice for guitarists who are likely to use their volume pedal very often.

As the name suggests, volume pedals are tools for controlling the level of an instrument’s output. They are often employed by musicians to allow them to have complete dominion over their dynamics, and ensure that it remains consistent. The fact is that lots of guitarists never realize how essential a volume pedal is to their setup until they try it (it can be a guitar rig game changer, much like a compressor pedal can be). Active volume pedals are seen as the better option, particularly for musicians who require a good level of control over their dynamics. Although they are generally more expensive than passive offerings, this is reflected in their quality.As a lover of vintage-style technology, one thing that I was particularly excited about was the fact that this pedal is completely analog and doubles up as a Wah pedal. I enjoyed the lightweight of the housing and found it to be also robust. Right off the bat, I could tell that the useful active volume control minimizes the risk of impedance issues caused by dynamic inconsistencies. There’s also an additional screw that allows you to set the feel of the pedal. You can set it tighter or looser according to your personal preferences.

Really, any model could be the best volume pedal for swells. The bigger issue is where it’s placed in your signal chain. Read two questions down to find out why. Do I need a volume guitar pedal? In the remainder of this ultimate guide to volume pedals, we’ll take a detailed look at all of the various uses, capabilities, and benefits of these underappreciated devices. Whether you’re an experienced effect pedal enthusiast or a complete novice, you’ll find the information useful and beneficial to your search for the ideal volume pedal. As big as this pedal is, a lot of musicians don’t keep it on the pedalboard. If you’ve got a lot of other effect pedals, it may just be too tight of a squeeze. Instead, you’re probably better off leaving it beside the pedalboard. Volume pedals are often grouped with expression pedals, and although the two do operate similarly to an extent, there are noticeable differences that should be considered. A volume pedal, as the name suggests, is simply designed to provide a musician with control over the dynamic output of their instrument.Middle – One of the most common places to put a volume pedal is in the middle of your signal chain;after your overdrive, distortion and boost and before modulations and reverbs. It depends on how you want to integrate it with your other effects. Many players prefer to use them at the beginning for the most apparent control of volume.