Best expression pedals: Real-time effects control

Like volume pedals, expression pedals are one of the most useful accessories for guitar players.

Though gear like wah pedals and the Dunlop Rotovibe are technically a type of expression pedal, here we focus on dedicated models. Some are familiar, some push the boundaries of the concept altogether.

These are some of our favorites!

Best expression pedal overall: Fender Tread-Light

This combination expression and volume pedal is a versatile piece gear to have in your signal chain. Fender’s original all-analog circuit provides clean operation, and it has a very responsive travel.

An under-treadle LED displays when the pedal is active, and it’s bright enough to see on even the darkest stage. And top mounted I/O jacks make it convenient to fit into a crowded pedalboard.

As far as I/O, the volume pedal side has mono input and output, and there’s a single expression pedal output. The anodized aluminum enclosure is lightweight, but it’s rugged enough to handle even the most demanding performance schedule.

Aesthetically it’s got a classy look, with a wooden accent pad on the treadle.

Best passive expression pedal: Moog EP-3

Moog’s EP-3 is a simple expression pedal with great utility. It’s designed to work with any effects pedal expression input as well as synthesizers, digital pianos, or anything with an expression input.

An external level adjustment control gives you full range over how it integrates with your other gear. The output works with any TRS cable, and if you purchase it new, a six-foot cable is included. its cam mechanism provides a smooth treadle return and travel range.

It would be nice if it had a LED indicator, but at just $54.99 new it’s a no frills way to provide real-time control over expression-enabled guitar pedals, rack mount effects, and equipment.

Best volume and expression pedal hybrid: KORG XVP-20

Considering KORG is one of the premier names in keyboards and digital pianos, the XVP-20 is marketed as an expression pedal for them. But this stereo volume and expression pedal hybrid is perfect for guitar rigs.

It’s constructed out of a rugged aluminum body chassis with a non-slip rubber top on the treadle. The bottom also has non-slip rubber to help keep it in place. A minimum volume control sets the base level when the pedal is in the toe-up position. Torque is adjustable, a feature that many expression pedals don’t offer.

Stereo inputs and outputs give users different types of signal routing options, perfect for running two different guitar amps or complex effects chains.

The enclosure is on the larger side, but it has to accommodate some additional circuitry to support the stereo functionality. It’s one of the more expensive expression pedals, but considering it’s a hybrid, stereo expression/volume pedal with adjustable gain and treadle torque the value is easy to see – and hear.

Best static expression pedal: Electro-Harmonix Cntl Knob

Expression pedals are most commonly designed as a way to provide additional real-time control, but static expression pedals work a little differently.

Control Knob from Electro-Harmonix is a very affordable, ergonomic way to control expression. Expression control pots simulate two distinct positions of the travel of traditional expression pedals. The footswitch lets you toggle between them.

The counter-clockwise position relates to the heel position, and clockwise the toe position. LEDs below the control pots indicate which is active and it runs on the standard 9 volts, so you can connect it with your pedalboard power supply or an individual power cable.

A TRS+/- button allows for polarity matching depending on what type of gear it’s connected to. It would be nice to have two footswitches though. This would allow for faster switching between settings and would open up some unique sound options with both expression controls engaged.

But it’s compact, well-made, and a terrific option if you want an expression pedal with a unique static design.

Most unique expression pedal: Old Blood Noise Endeavors Expression Ramper X3

Now this is one of the coolest creative guitar pedals you’ll come across anytime soon! Expression Ramper X3 places three synchronized ramping effects onto your pedalboard. Three mono effects loops provide tone shaping through switchable square, triangle, or random waveforms. 

There are also three random shape settings in smooth, sharp, and one-shot. Timing and motion rate is determined by the A, B, and Rate settings.

Rates are set independently for each loop. This lets you dial in trippy washes of ambience, chop and stutter for the connected effect(s), or rhythms that are sequenced. Tap tempo helps it play nice with time-based effects like delays, reverbs, and modulation like flangers and chorus pedals.

Ramper X3 can do a lot of unique things. It’s a great augment to your guitar pedal chain that lets you pull out sounds that aren’t possible otherwise. Considering what it does, it takes some real experimentation to get the hang of it and discover how it works with your other gear.

But one thing is certain though, this is one of the most unique ways to control expression.

What to look for in an expression pedal

Passive vs. active design

Passive expression pedals rely on a potentiometer to vary resistance as you move the treadle. This makes them simple, reliable, and free from external power requirements.

Active expression pedals use powered electronics to process the control signal. They’re less common for guitar rigs, but active designs offer good flexibility and compatibility with keyboards and synths.

Features

Some expression pedals go beyond simple volume control and offer extra functionality. Features like foot and polarity switches, adjustable treadle torque, dual outputs, or hybrid expression and volume pedal modes.

A toe switch, for example, allows players to activate effects like a traditional wah pedal, while dual outputs can control two devices simultaneously. These extras may not be essential for every guitarist, but they can simplify more complex rigs and expand creative possibilities.

Pedalboard space

Pedalboard space is valuable, so consider the physical footprint of an expression pedal. Full-size versions provide greater precision and comfort but take up more space, and compact expression pedals offer similar functionality in a smaller enclosure that’s ideal for larger signal chains.

FAQ

What is an expression pedal, and why should I use one?

It’s a device, usually foot controlled, that allows you to manipulate a specific parameter of your effects pedal or amp in real time. They’re similar to how wah and volume pedals work, but expression pedals are more versatile. 

Depending on the pedal it’s connected to you can use it to control settings like delay time, reverb depth, modulation speed, pitch shifting, and gain among others. It’s an essential tool for players who want to open up more sound options from their effects or have hands-free control.

What makes a good expression pedal?

The best expression pedals are responsive and built to last. Look for one with a sturdy housing enclosure, good range in the sweep, and a reliable potentiometer.

Adjustable treadle tension and polarity switches are also useful if you want to use the pedal with a variety of effects too. Not all pedals share the same polarity or taper response.

Can I use an expression pedal as a volume pedal?

Some expression pedals can double as a volume pedal, like the KORG XVP-20. But not all are designed for that purpose. A true volume pedal typically has an audio signal running directly through it, where most expression pedals send only control voltage to another pedal.