Best Volume Pedal Roundup: Top Picks for 2024
The best volume pedals allow for expressive control over volume without having to use your hands. Featured here is our best volume pedal selection, covering both active and passive volume pedals.
Lehle Mono Volume Pedal
Experience smooth volume sweeps with this aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting volume pedal.
Boss FV-500H Volume Pedal
Tank tough Boss quality ensures reliable operation that will last you a lifetime.
Hotone Soul Press Volume Pedal
A multipurpose guitar volume pedal that can also function as a wah and expression pedal.
Morley 20/20 Classic Volume Pedal
Enjoy the best aspects of the classic Morley pedal for years of exceptional operation.
Dunlop DVP4 X Mini Volume Pedal
A simple volume pedal for simple volume control and swells, backed by Dunlop which is known for good build quality.
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Here’s our list of the best guitar volume pedals out in the market.
We divided them into two separate categories: standard size and mini size.
Since these pedals are mounted on your pedalboard, it’s important to know how much space they’ll occupy.
The Best Volume Pedals
Lehle Mono Guitar Volume Pedal
Best Overall
Lehle Mono Guitar Volume Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Lehle Mono Volume Pedal’s key feature is its wear-free “Hall sensor,”. This device employs magnets that detect the level at which the volume pedal should reduce volume.
Manufacturer: Lehle
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Unlike potentiometers and strings, the Lehle volume pedal has a magnet that will not wear out over time. This decreases the number of parts that require maintenance. It also removes the possibility of introducing unwanted signal noise. Meanwhile, this mechanism significantly increases the longevity and reliability of the pedal.
It relies on active electronics to power the magnets, which is why it needs an external power adaptor. And, because it employs active circuitry, you may raise its level to have the pedal act as a +10dB clean boost.
You can also customize the pedal’s feel with its torque adjustment. A buffered out that you can use to power a tuner pedal or divide the signal to a second amplifier.
Unfortunately, the innovative magnet-based sensor is quite expensive. This makes it less ideal if you’re on a tight budget. And if you don’t already have a power strip to power numerous pedals, the lack of a battery compartment could be inconvenient as well.
If money isn’t an issue and you want a more modern and sturdy volume pedal design, the Lehle Mono Volume Pedal is a good volume pedal to consider.
Pros:
- Magnetic "Hall Sensor" Design
- Can be utilized for a clean boost
- Reliable, with little to no maintenance required
- Clear sound and a smooth sweep
Cons:
- Priced more than traditional volume pedals
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Design: Volume Pedal
| Circuit: Active Volume Pedal
|
Best For: Passive Pickups
| Dimensions: 2.60″ x 3.94″ x 10.24″
|
Weight: 3.57 lbs | |
Boss FV-500H Guitar Volume and Expression Pedal
Best Build Quality
Boss FV-500H Guitar Volume and Expression Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The FV-500H pedal is constructed with durable materials that ensure long-lasting use without breakdowns.
Manufacturer: Boss
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As indicated by the “H” in its name, this is a high-impedance volume pedal. This makes the FV-500H an excellent choice if your guitars have passive pickups.
It does the work of altering the volume level nicely while preserving the original audio signal.
Rocking the pedal back and forth is smooth and effortless, allowing for more dramatic and precise volume changes. However, due to its size, volume change can be gradual. And speaking of large, this is a bulky pedal, meaning it is not suitable if you have a compact pedalboard setup.
The pedal includes an expression output, so you can use this both as a volume and expression pedal (both can be used simultaneously). The FV-500H also has a tuner output, allowing you to retain a tuner on your board without it draining your signal chain.
The FV-500H features a minimum volume knob and torque control. This lets you set the minimum volume setting or the lowest volume your volume pedal will produce. You can set the torque control and manage the amount of force required to utilize the pedal.
The Boss FV-500H is a volume pedal that can last a lifetime and perform excellently for an extremely long time.
It’s worth noting that the series also includes the FV-500L (a low-impedance version of this pedal that works well with active pickups).
Pros:
- Durable and reliable
- Smooth and accurate taper
- Adjustable minimum volume and torque
- Transparent sound
Cons:
- Heavy and takes up space
- Slow swells
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Design: Volume or Expression Pedal
| Circuit: Passive Volume Pedal
|
Best For: Passive Pickups
| Dimensions: 2.9″ x 4.4″ x 4.4″
|
Weight: 3.3 lbs | |
Ernie Ball 250K Mono Guitar Volume Pedal
Ernie Ball 250K Mono Guitar Volume Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Ernie Ball 250K’s standout feature is its taper switch. This allows you to adjust the volume curve as you rock the pedal.
Manufacturer: Ernie Ball
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Ernie Ball designed this pedal with a taper switch that allows you to change the volume reduction curve. The first setting provides a uniform decrease curve, which is ideal for simple volume changes.
While the second setting steadily speeds up the volume reduction. It is best suited for volume swells and other rapid volume change applications.
The VP Jr. 250K uses a pulley system rather than a pot, and it offers a silent tuning feature that eliminates your tuner pedal from the signal chain.
This volume pedal is worth considering if you intend to use it for dynamic effects.
Pros:
- With taper mode for quick volume swells
- Transparent operation
- Excellent build quality
- Works well with passive pickups
Cons:
- String sensors can occasionally break
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Design: Volume Pedal
| Circuit: Passive Volume Pedal
|
Best For: Passive Pickups
| Dimensions: 2.75″ x 4″ x 11″
|
Weight: 3 lbs | |
Xotic XVP-250K High Impedance Volume Pedal
Xotic XVP-250K High Impedance Guitar Volume Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Xotic XVP-250K is a high-impedance volume pedal that is just the right size. It’s not too little like “minis” or too massive like traditional models. This pedal is ideal if you want a slightly smaller volume pedal to fit your rig. It’s also lightweight, which adds to this pedal’s appeal.
Manufacturer: Xotic
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Aside from its distinctive size, the XVP-250K stands out for its hand-wired design. Complete with cloth-covered wires that ensure durability and long-term use. A high-quality build also results in crisp, clear sound with no artifacts or undesirable tone coloration.
Other notable features include a dedicated tuner out and nylon pivot bushings. This reduces squeaks, increases durability, and a rack and pinion system for smooth volume taper.
This smooth feel allows for simpler and more precise control of loudness swells. Unfortunately, there are no adjustments for volume, taper, or tension. But that also means that this is a simple, straightforward volume pedal.
The biggest disadvantage of this pedal is its large size. It may not appeal to you if you favor minis and classic volume pedals. However, it is worth trying out, especially given its overall quality and nice taper.
Pros:
- In-between size (not too small, not too large)
- Rack and pinion sensor for smooth taper
- Durable and reliable
- Simple operation
Cons:
- Fixed tension
- Bulky
- No modifications for taper and volume settings
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Design: Volume Pedal
| Circuit: Passive Volume Pedal
|
Best For: Passive Pickups
| Dimensions: 2.64″ x 3.94″ x 8.27″
|
Weight: 1.88 lbs | |
Morley 20/20 Classic Guitar Volume and Wah Pedal
Best Vintage style Volume Pedal
Morley 20/20 Classic Guitar Volume and Wah Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Morley 20/20 Classic enhanced its features while preserving the original’s best aspects. It carries the classic optical circuit switching for years of smooth operation. The same circuitry can be found in models like the Bad Horsie Wah (Steve Vai’s Signature Wah) and Power Wah Volume.
Manufacturer: Morley
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Morley volume and wah pedals use optical circuitry and quiet switching. This eliminates the wear and tear that conventional expression pedals experience with a switch and potentiometer.
The Morley 20/20 volume pedal combines wah and volume capabilities in a compact form with a +20dB Boost.
Every pedal in the 20/20 series has an integrated signal buffer and glow-in-the-dark branding. The toughness and stage-readiness of the classics are preserved in this Morley 20/20 Classic.
Pros:
- Nice sweep
- Sturdy build
- Switchless activation
- Glow in the dark
Cons:
- No separate boost switch
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Design: Volume Pedal
| Circuit: Active Volume Pedal
|
Best For: Passive Pickups
| Dimensions: 6.75″ L x 4.5″ W x 2.75″ H
|
Weight: 2.0 lbs | |
Hotone Soul Press II Guitar Volume/Wah/Expression Pedal
Best Multi-Function Volume Pedal
Hotone Soul Press II Guitar Volume/Wah/Expression Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
Most volume pedals typically have only one function, but the Hotone Soul Press II offers more. It has a volume, wah, volume/wah, and expression pedal all in one. All these features are packed in this one small, multi-purpose guitar pedal.
Manufacturer: Hotone
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The Hotone Soul Press II is one of the most versatile volume pedals today, allowing for volume, wah, and expression pedal functions.
You can adjust between the WARM and CLASSIC range. This helps deliver a classic volume and wah tone, which allows you to create a range of soundscapes that you can’t with a regular volume pedal.
It’s pedal’s footswitch, alternating between wah and volume control is easy. The LED indicators provide real-time status information on the pedal’s condition. While its active volume control guarantees that any tone loss is prevented.
For convenience, the Soul Press II has a tuner output, an independent expression output, and a true bypass. Compact and lightweight, this pedal is simple to integrate into your setup. It can be powered by a 9V battery (not included) or a 9V DC adaptor.
If you want a volume pedal with additional functions, the Hotone Soul Press II is a valuable addition to your arsenal. It has added a range of features plus an intuitive design.
Pros:
- Volume and wah controls are switchable
- Has a lot of functions
- Real-time pedal status is shown by LEDs
- Adaptable Q and Tone settings
Cons:
- Not very transparent
- Sensitivity issues
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Design: Volume Pedal
| Circuit: Active Volume Pedal
|
Best For: Active Pickups
| Dimensions: 6.3″ L x 3.19″ W x 2.01 H
|
Weight: 1.10 lbs | |
Dunlop DVP4 X Mini Guitar Volume Pedal
Best Compact Volume Pedal
Dunlop DVP4 X Mini Guitar Volume Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The DVP4 X Mini shares the tiny form of the Dunlop Cry Baby Mini Wah. This reduced form makes this pedal easier to integrate into your pedalboard.
Manufacturer: Dunlop
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The DVP4 X Mini’s small size gives additional room for your pedals. Its diecast exterior makes this a durable volume pedal. It also does not use standard string sensors, so you won’t have to bother about maintaining and replacing the cable.
Since it’s a compact volume pedal, rocking the DVP4 X may need some finesse. You can easily step on other pedals on a crowded pedalboard if you’re not careful. This will not appeal to you if you want full-size volume pedals.
In addition to volume control, it may act as an expression pedal to control other effects via the aux output. It even contains an inbuilt valve for adjusting the minimum value of the pedal swing when used as an expression controller. If you want to connect to a tuner, you can also plug it into the aux output.
The Dunlop DVP4 X Mini is an excellent choice if you’re searching for a compact and dependable volume pedal.
Pros:
- Space-saving, compact profile
- Cordless sensor design
- Solid diecast build quality
- Reliable operation
Cons:
- Not for crowded pedalboards
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Design: Volume or Expression Pedal
| Circuit: Passive Volume Pedal
|
Best For: Active Pickups
| Dimensions: 2.5″ x 2.97″ x 6″
|
Weight: 1.28 lbs | |
Ernie Ball VP Jr 250k Guitar Volume Pedal
Best User-Friendly
Ernie Ball VP Jr 250k Guitar Volume Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Ernie Ball VP Jr. 250k is designed for use with passive guitars. This pedal provides an adjustable volume curve setting for slow and rapid volume changes.
Manufacturer: Ernie Ball
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Ernie Ball designed this pedal with a taper switch that allows you to change the volume reduction curve. The first setting provides a uniform decrease curve, which is ideal for simple volume changes.
While the second setting steadily speeds up the volume reduction. It is best suited for volume swells and other rapid volume change applications.
The VP Jr. 250K uses a pulley system rather than a pot, and it offers a silent tuning feature that eliminates your tuner pedal from the signal chain.
This volume pedal is worth considering if you intend to use it for dynamic effects.
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Design: Volume Pedal
| Circuit: Passive Volume Pedal
|
Best For: Passive Pickups
| Dimensions: 2.4″ x 3.5″ x 10″
|
Weight: 2 lbs | |
Things To Consider in Choosing The Best Volume Pedals
Having a volume pedal in your pedal board is truly a game-changer. When looking for the best volume pedal, consider the following factors.
Usage:
If you’re just searching for another option for your volume knob, then it’s safe to say that you can do without a volume pedal. However, if you want to do volume swells, a volume pedal is truly worth buying.
Taper
Smooth Taper is a no-brainer; your swells should sound continuous. The best guitar volume pedals offer adjustable tapers for guitarists who want to control the loudness swell.
Durability
Compared to other effects in your pedalboard, a guitar volume pedal needs to be stepped on in order for it to function. Actively applying pressure to it for extended periods can easily deteriorate its potentiometer or string, shortening its life span. For this reason, you want a volume pedal that has a tank tough quality that is built to last.
Size
For a more controlled and comfortable operation, volume pedals are usually big. That is what you’ll notice on more popular guitar volume pedals. However, this can easily eat up space on your pedalboard, not to mention they’re also quite heavy. So, for a more compact approach, there are mini-volume pedals. These volume pedals are smaller, close to a regular effects pedal. They’re also lighter and easier to carry.
Pedal Type
Passive pedals have simpler controls and require no power supply. All adjustments are done via passive audio signals. Active volume pedals on the other hand need external power. It also has additional functions like tuner outputs, boost functions, etc.
Tone Suck
Last but not least, you want one that adds the least color to your tone. Complaints about tone suck and coloration are widespread. So, several pedal adjustments have been developed to increase the transparency of your favorite volume effects pedals.
Ultimately, the best volume pedal has the size that can fit your pedalboard, and has the taper that suits your playing preferences. Let us know in the comments if you know of a volume pedal that deserves special mention.
Alexander Briones
Lead Author
Jerome Arcon
Contributor: Research and Supplemental Writing
2 thoughts on “Best Volume Pedal Round-up”
Personally, I’m big on optical based volume pedals. I own a George Dennis Volume pedal and had it over 10 years. Still works smooth to this day and never any scratching sounds. The Hilton is another great optical volume pedal if you don’t mind paying the price.
Might want to look at the Pfeiffer Leveler volume pedal. Very unique.