Electro-Harmonix The Next Step Expression, Pan and Volume Pedals

Electro-Harmonix introduces three new members of the The Next Step series – Expression, Pan and Volume pedal – featuring zero moving parts.

Electro-Harmonix The Next Step

These pedals follow the same smooth rocking chassis of the Electro-Harmonix Crying Tone Wah, providing virtually maintenance free operation.

Although these pedals may look and feel awkward, innovative concepts that actually work are always a welcome find. While it is hard to let go of tried and tested designs, we find it interesting to feature impressive new products that go beyond the conventional.

The Next Step series from Electro-Harmonix is one such example, utilizing a seemingly simple design to reduce maintenance and virtually eliminate wear and tear. There are no potentiometers in these pedals, nor do they employ optics or magnetism. Instead EHX opted for a very simple solution, borrowed from the humble design of a rocking chair. The pedals have a chassis with a unique shape that lets you “rock” the pedals as you would a regular rocking chair, allowing you to change parameters with ease and without any moving parts.

Although you get maintenance free and silent operation, it does come with some drawbacks inherent to its unique design. The biggest issue is probably pedalboard integration. I’m also a bit skeptical on how they can accurately lock parameters in place, as you would traditional expression pedals by simply lifting your foot. This is a very crucial aspect specially for volume and expression pedals. If you can live with these minor setbacks then you can enjoy sturdy and unique expression pedals.

Here are the pedal descriptions from the press release:

The Volume Pedal permits precise and very expressive control over the volume of an instrument. It features a buffered bypass output and can be powered by a 9V battery or an optional 9.6V AC Adaptor. The Volume Pedal has a U.S. List Price of $117.60.

The Expression Pedal delivers accurate, highly responsive control over expression or control-voltage capable effects and instruments. It is equipped with a Range dial which controls the Heel setting of the pedal’s sweep and enables the player to increase or decrease the expression sweep range. A Reverse button reverses the direction of the Expression pedal’s output. The pedal ships with a ¼″ TRS cable and a 9V battery. It can also be powered by an optional 9.6V AC Adaptor. The Expression Pedal has a U.S. List Price of $117.60.

The PAN Pedal is extremely responsive and affords meticulous control over the stereo imaging of a musical instrument(s). The pedal can also be used to pan one input to two outputs, blend two inputs to one output or as a mono or stereo volume pedal. It has a U.S. List Price of $116.00.

Electro-Harmonix The Next Step
Electro-Harmonix Volume, Expression and Pan Pedal

For further details and for more information on The Next Step series of pedals, you can head over to Electro-Harmonix.

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