7 Best Expression Pedals for Lively Sound

The MeloAudio EXP-001 Volume Expression Pedal is an affordably priced expression pedal that perfectly suits the needs of the majority of guitar players. The greatest benefits of using the pedal include the comfort and control that players feel when using it in either live or studio performance. Comfort is guaranteed through the extra smooth design and its slim size.

An aspect of the pedal that ensures fantastic control is that the product has been designed without damping. This means that when the pedal is not stepped on, it will not deviate from its specific angle. This ideal particularly for live performers, who want that guarantee that the pedal will not manipulate the sound when not being stepped on.

The EXP-001 is constructed with a cast aluminum housing, which is renowned for its precision response when musicians apply pressure with their foot. A common complaint about using pedals in live performance is their tendency to moisten up and being unable to guarantee a sure-footing. The rubber top of the EXP-001 is perfectly designed to prevent any slip action.

Another great feature of the EXP-001 is its usability. The pedal is compatible with virtually all well-known effects models and brands such as MIDI COMMANDER and TS MEGA. Purchasing the EXP-001 is not a significant investment either, for the price you certainly receive amazing value. The highly durable product design gives users guarantees of long-lasting performance. The EXP-001 is a worthwhile option for those looking for enhancing their musical sound.

What makes it stand out?

• Affordable
• Rubber top for non-slip
• Compatible with most effects

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

• Requires an inverted polarity cable for some effects

Measuring at 3-7/16” × 7-7/8” × 2-3/16”, the Roland EV-5 Expression Pedal is one of the smallest guitar expression pedals currently available to purchase. Known for being useful with reverb and delay pedals, the EV-5 is a great and reasonably priced expression pedal for those wanting to experiment with sounds on the guitar or keyboard.

Although not as robust or ergonomic compared to premium expression pedals made by manufacturers such as Yamaha, the EV-5 is widely respected among musicians. The small pedal is better to be used in studio conditions as the plastic will be unlikely to survive the rigors of touring for long periods. That said, purchasers of the product have had over 20 years of use out of the same EV-5 pedal. If used properly and maintained well, the EV-5 can certainly serve musicians a long time.

The pedal contains four different expression curves programmed. This gives you a decent variety of expression effects to play around with. If it is being used with a keyboard, make sure that the expression curve of the keyboard controller is compatible to ensure a smooth connection with the pedal.

Although some may be deterred by the plastic design, the EV-5 gives an affordable option for players who are unsure about investing significant sums into more expensive expression pedals. The EV-5 is there to give players a cheaper option and on balance gives great value for money. As the design is plastic, it requires greater care to ensure it can perform over a long period of time.

What are our favorite features?

• Affordable
• Great with reverb and delay
• Four different expression curves

What could be better?

• Limited durability
• Not suited to live performance

The DigiTech Dynamic Guitar Expression Pedal is precisely engineered guitar expression pedal that allows guitarists to get natural feedback from their strings at both loud and soft volumes. Available at a more premium price, the DigiTech Dynamic Guitar Expression Pedal is renowned for preventing any unwanted distortion when the effects are applied. It is suited to those who are focused on achieving a clear and crisp expression effect.

The DigiTech Dynamic Guitar Expression Pedal is ideal to be used in a studio where the volume can be controlled as if using the large studio decks and ear monitors. The ability for the pedal to deliver high-quality low-volume performance is a great asset for those wanting to experiment with expression effects in a practice setting.

Although it is the best choice for a studio recording, the DigiTech Dynamic Guitar Expression Pedal is also able to stand up to the rigors of live performance. The pedal can focus any feedback that is out of control and can apply the best harmonics no matter what position you are located on the stage. The pedal is equipped with several onset delay and level balance controls and gives players decent harmonic capability with 7 feedback options.

The DigiTech Dynamic Guitar Expression Pedal is a fantastic option for musicians looking for an investment in the quality kit to improve their sound quality and variety. The pedal is designed specifically for guitarists and provides a great number of expression effects options.

Why is it special?

• Premium quality
• Perfect for studio performance
• Works well at all volume levels

What are the flaws?

• Only suited to guitars
• Expensive price

The M-Audio EX-P Expression Pedal is an affordable expression pedal that despite using cheaper design materials provides musicians with great sound options for those looking for exploring different effects. The plastic surface is known for being smooth and responsive when pressure is applied, giving guitarists great control over effects and volume. The molded construction is pretty durable provided it is well-maintained.

The M-Audio EX-P Expression Pedal is compatible with most effect variables, which give purchasers great options to explore a variety of different effects. The pedal best serves M-Audio products and may not work as efficiently with other effects pedals. The cable is hardwired to the pedal unit which adds good stability for the connection but may be a hindrance to those wanting to explore non-TRS connections. Using an adapter can add to the number of potential effects connections.

No matter what it is used with: a guitar or a keyboard, the M-Audio EX-P Expression Pedal is a very decent, affordable option that generally works well. The pedal can hold a wide range of MIDI values and holds the position of a certain effect, when the foot is removed from the pedal. For most instruments, the M-Audio EX-P Expression Pedal works at a base level as a volume adjustment controller.

The M-Audio EX-P Expression Pedal is an ideal expression pedal for musicians to play around with. It can be easily manipulated to fit into your desired musical context. Available at an affordable price, many agree that this pedal gives you some of the best value for money across the whole expression pedal market.

Why is it special?

• Great value for money
• Works well with different instruments
• Strong and secure connection

What are the flaws?

• Limited range of expression effects
• Limited long-term durability

The SONICAKE Wah/Volume Guitar Pedal is a slick mat black, small-sized pedal that delivers fantastic sound options to your pedalboard. The remarkably compact design is ideal for musicians who already own several effects pedals and need small pedals to fit onto the pedalboard.

The volume dimension to the pedal is an active circuit which is a great asset as it reduces the chances of having difficulties with any impedance or mismatch problems. In addition to active volume control, the SONICAKE Wah/Volume Guitar Pedal also has a vintage wah effect, which is an appeal for musicians who like the wah effect. This effect is ideal for funk musicians and guitarists who play an experimental solo. The wah effect mirrors the renowned Crybaby style which is both highly responsive but also dynamic.

The SONICAKE Wah/Volume Guitar Pedal is constructed from a hard plastic which is protected by a super lightweight casing. Although very light, the pedal construction is incredibly robust and expertly designed. The strength of the materials is certainly able to withstand the inevitable battering of touring life. The SONICAKE Wah/Volume Guitar Pedal is also ideal for live performance as two LED lights indicate which mode the pedal is operating in. In the madness of live performance, it is ideal for players to have a visual indication of which setting is being operated to reduce chances of confusion.

The SONICAKE Wah/Volume Guitar Pedal requires a 9V DC power supply and weighs approximately 250g. Although a little more expensive than other pedals, this pedal is an investment in quality.

What are its best features?

• Lightweight design
• Perfect for touring and live performance
• LED lights indicate mode

What could be improved?

• Not suited to players with large feet

Boss expression pedals are known for being the best. The Boss FV-500H Foot Volume Pedal is a premium-priced guitar expression pedal that delivers high-quality sound and durable performance. Constructed from heavy-duty aluminum with a die-cast body, the Boss FV-500H is known for being one of the most durable expression pedals in the market and caters for different foot sizes.

The surface of the pedal is made with rubber which is perfect in preventing any slipping when playing. This a common issue among pedals that may become ineffective or malfunction when the foot is unable to secure proper connection to the pedal surface. The Boss FV-500H has two main expression effects, the FV-500H which provides a mono sound with high-impedance levels. The other main expression effect is the FV-500L which is a stereo effect containing low-impedance.

The movement of the pedal is very well designed. It is ultra-smooth and provides players first of all with a great level of comfort but also allows for a much stronger degree of control. For expression pedals to work effectively, musicians have to trust the pedal movement. If there is unable stiffness or insecure connection, the control of the musician over their output is significantly reduced. The quality of the Boss FV-500H pedal in terms of movement is far superior to rival products. The feel of the pedal can also be adjusted which is ideal for those wanting to customize the feel.

The Boss FV-500H also contains a convenient tuner-output jack, which allows players to plug in different instruments to the expression pedal. The Boss FV-500H is certainly an investment in comfort and smoothness.

What makes it special?

• Smooth pedal function
• Durable construction
• Great pedal control

What cons did we find?

• Large size

The Fender EXP-1 Expression Pedal is an expression pedal that caters for the Fender amps and offers a fantastic sound variety. Although the pedal is only compatible with Fender products, the sound quality of Fender EXP-1 is superior to many other expression pedals currently in the market. When used in conjunction with the FUSE software, the richness and variety of sound is particularly evident.

The two modes of the Fender EXP-1 expression pedal are volume and expression. Depending on the signal chain used to connect the pedal, it can also be a controller for reverb, delay, modulation speed and gain levels, giving musicians the full array of effects to control. The Fender EXP-1 is large enough to be operated by either the toe or heel for the majority of the foot size.

The red and green LED lights to indicate which mode is being operated. This is a great feature to give the player a visual indication of the mode, particularly when playing live as knowing which effect is on is crucial in preventing playing the wrong effect at the wrong time.

The customizable elements of the Fender EXP-1 is the real draw: good connection to various signal chains allows the sound effects to be selective and suited to your musical style. Investing in the Fender EXP-1 is an exploration into the world of effects, and it will undoubtedly encourage further musical experimentation.

What are its best features?

• Customizable
• Large array of effects
• Toe or heel control

What could be improved?

• Overpriced
• Only used with Fender amps