Expression Pedal Options
by Phil Taylor
I've received several emails from customers enquiring about a suitable expression pedal for controlling the modulation speed of the Tube-Vibe. The Tube-Vibe is 100% compatable with stock Roland EV-5 and the higher quality EV-7 expression pedals (no modification required). These pedals have been tested by Effectrode and a few of our customers in conjunction with the Tube-Vibe and found to operate very well. Both expression pedals have an adjustment knob on the side which allows fine-tuning of the control range of the pedal and therefore the modulation rate of the Tube-Vibe. Recently one of our dealers has also confirmed compatibility with the Moog EP-2 expression pedal.
For even more sophisticated control of the Tube-Vibe (or any of our other pedals) you may want to consider using a mechanical expression pedal manufactured by Tone in Progress.This pedal makes it possible to adjust the the Volume or Intensity pots, in fact control of any parameter where a knob can be removed to faciltate connection of the mechanical linkage.
DIY Expression Pedal
For the last year or so, I've been using a modified Jim Dunlop "Hi-Gain" volume pedal with good results. The pedal is of sturdy, solid diecast aluminium contstruction and retails at a reasonable $59-95 The modification is relatively straightforward and requires no knowledge of electronics, however you will need a soldering iron, screwdriver, sharp knife or scalpel and some wire.
Instructions
- Unscrew the four screws underneath the unit and remove the base plate.
- Unscrew the the jack socket nuts to free the circuit board.
- Break track using sharp knife as shown below.
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- Next break second track and add two mod. wires as shown.
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- Job done! Reassemble and you're ready to rock and roll.
Circuit diagram
Supplemental Information
Expression pedal input facilitates the use of a passive volume pedal as a speed controller. The potentiometer inside the volume pedal should have a resistance of 10K to 250K and should be connected as shown below.
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It is also possible to control the Tube-Vibe using an external voltage source or generator. The voltage applied to the wiper (tip) should be in the range of 0 to 5 Volts. This allows for virtually unlimited variation in sweep and modulation effects.
