That Pedal Show – What Is An Expression Pedal & How Do I Use One?

Published on Sep 15, 2017

In this episode we delve into the world of real-time control via expression pedals. An expression pedal connects to a compatible effects device and can be assigned to change certain parameters. For example, manual control of delay time, delay repeats, modulation speed, depth, extent of pitch shifting etc etc etc. Have a play around with one, and you’ll soon see why they’re called expression pedals.
We start off simply, talking about single-parameter changes on a single pedal, and end up in multiple parameter changes on multiple pedals using MIDI CC messages. The sounds are out of this world, so this is one for all you sonic explorers out there. Please forgive my look of total bemusement for almost the entire video. (Mick here).
Enjoy the video!


Pedals in this episode…

• TheGigRig Three2One


• D’Addario Pedal Tuner
UK &
USA:
Australia:

• Keeley D&M Drive
UK &
USA:
Australia:

• Thorpy FX Veteran
- no longer available

• Walrus Audio Monument
UK &
USA:
Australia:

• JAM Pedals Delay Llama Supreme


• Empress Echo System
UK &
Australia:

• EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine
UK &
USA:
Australia:

• Strymon BigSky
UK &
USA:
Australia:

• Ernie Ball Expression Drive
UK &
Australia:

• Ernie Ball Ambient Delay
UK &
Australia:

• Roland EV-5
UK &
USA:

• Source Audio Reflex
Australia:

• The GigRig G2:
* Why do we have preferred retailer links? Find out here:


Interesting bits and go-to sections…
- Intro & background: 00:00
- It’s been a while… 1:25
- What are we doing today? 3:10
- The most complex board ever for TPS? 3:58
- Dan needed to ‘nut up’? 4:22
- Ernie Ball Ambient Delay & Expression Drive: 4:45 (06:45, 7:40)
- Amps today: 5:00
- Ernie Ball Expression Drive sounds: 7:40
- Ernie Ball Ambient Delay sounds: 11:45
- Roland EV-5 and Walrus Audio Monument Tremolo: 15:25 (17:20)
- What is an expression pedal anyway? 15:52
- Jam Pedals Delay Llama Supreme 22:01
- Standard and proprietary expression pedals and…
- Source Audio Reflex: 31:05
- A Steven Wilson / Mike Vennart tangent: 31:55
- Source Audio Reflex and EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine WOW! 33:30
- …and the Delay Llama Supreme: 34:50
- …and the Empress Echo System: 36:25
- CC messages – Reflex, Strymon Big Sky
- D&M Drive, Rainbow Machine, Echo System and Big Sky: 46:22
- Tuck Andress? 47:12
- Ed O’Brien: 49:20
- Most important – GET INSPIRED! 50:35
- A little bit on the Thorpy Veteran and some more sounds: 51:20



Guitars in this episode
• Fender Custom Shop ’63 Telecaster – watch Dan’s video at
• Collings 290 DC S – watch Mick’s video at
• Fender American Vintage ’62 Stratocaster – watch Mick’s video at
• Duesenberg Bonneville –