Expression Pedal vs. Volume Pedal

The two of these devices have few but significant differences in the way they function or they are used. Even though you cannot distinguish the two of them just by looking at them due to their similar exterior; however, their functions are quite different.

These agile and swift pedals work perfectly to create a various plethora of musical sounds by just using your foot efficiently. A volume expression pedal, as the name defines it well, controls the volume of an electronic instrument.

On the other hand, an expression pedal functions to serve as an additional device to alter sound effects. Let us look at some of the primary differences between these two standard pedals used in the musical industry. Here is a take at Expression pedal vs. Volume pedal.

Expression pedal vs. Volume pedal in the purpose of usage:

Expression pedal

With the help of an expression pedal, many musicians, especially guitarists, control different parameters of their music. This includes the ability to control the blend, modulation rate, modulation depth, feedback, and liberty of a delay during the fly.

Using an expression pedal just exhibits how easy and flexible it is to manipulate and exploit the effectiveness of the holding back on the signals and twist the sound of your instrument. It also stimulates better performance as it eases the method of creating or establishing soundscapes in a song without the effort of adjusting the delay time manually.

An expression pedal cannot work without the addition of a control voltage to any device or instrument like a guitar or synthesizer. When the device identifies the voltage, it can affect the parameters and can cause a change. The range of settings can vary from a minimum hindrance on a delay pedal to the depth or intensity of a chorus. The range of the voltage depends on the type and category of the pedal.

However usually, it lies on a scale ranging between 0v to 5v DC. The expression pedal is independent of the voltage range, and the voltage range just affects the amount of voltage inside the device. The standard method for the expression medals to function is by utilizing a reference voltage from the connected device and reducing it in half and then running the energy back into the device, which manipulates sound.

One of the most convenient ways for this to carry out is through a TRS jack. One similarity it has with the volume pedal is its usage of a passive potentiometer. The movement of the treadle controls the pot as a result of affecting the sound.

Volume pedal:

Volume pedals are capable of doing several things to affect the signal. One of the primary functions of the pedal is to act as the master remote control of the volume level on your guitar.  Among its many uses, a volume pedal provides a handy method to establish rich, wide-ranging soundscapes when used in combination with a delay pedal.

When you decide on buying a volume pedal, you get to choose from two types. Volume pedals come in two types called the active and the passive pedals. Both of these choices have their own advantages and disadvantages.

However, to ensure you are making an accurate choice, you need to have adequate information about these two pedals. Passive pedals tend to be looked upon as a cost-effective product as they are cheaper compared to the active pedal. Nevertheless, they are not designed to work for the same purpose.

Passive pedals are uncomplicated to use. They act as a volume control button in your instrument just exhibited in the form of a foot pedal that is kept on the floor. When musicians use a passive pedal, they can feel the difference in output compared to an active pedal.

Both these pedal mess differently with the signal hence having different effects on the sweep and sweet spot. Passive pedals have less sensitivity and a flexible sweep.  A significant advantage of a passive pedal is the lack of need for power to be used, and buffering is absent.

Where can you use the pedals in Signal Chain?

Placement of the pedals is an essential factor as it can significantly affect the rig. Hence affecting the outcome the pedal produces.

When talking about a volume pedal, we can put them in 3 general spots:

Beginning

If a volume pedal is put at the beginning of your signal chain, it will wipe your signal clean of any distorted amp. Also, it will help if you use it in front of any drive pedals. This sweeps clean the signal so that there is an absence of grit and gain.

Middle

Most songs played on a guitar necessitate the trails to go on without any interruptions, and this is one of the primary reasons to have it placed in the middle. When you place your volume pedal in the middle of a signal chain, it ensures that the drive on your signal is the consistent amount, and hence you can just turn it up and down and keep the trails away from any reverb and delay. 

End: when you have the volume pedal at the end, it means you give the pedal as an absolute power to act as a maestro volume controller. Placing it at the end of the chain means putting it right after delays and reverbs.

Consequently any delay or reverbs will lose its functioning when you use the pedal. This can be used by any musician when he or she wants to end a song in a fast way and to obtain complete control of your signal.

Expression pedal

The expression pedal is used somewhat independently, unlike a volume pedal. It does not need to be put in your signal chain, making it flexible enough to be placed anywhere on your pedalboard. But it does need to be connected to the pedal you want to control.

Expression medals can occupy an ample space; hence they are more often than not kept beside the volume pedal. A common rule would be to put it wherever you think it best suits your board. The only thing to note is to ensure that no sort of disruption occurs in the functioning of your pedal going back and forth.

Final Words

If you were perplexed about your choices regarding pedals, especially if your search history is filled with “Expression pedal vs. Volume pedal,” You are at the right place! Give this article a read and check for the most suitable option for your instrument.