This Pedal Is A Crazy Idea, But It Works
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- Опубліковано 24 січ 2024
- #knowyourgear
The New Merch is finally here!!!!!!!!!
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I hate it when I unexpectedly really want something that I never knew I really needed! You've done it again!!!
That's funny
$189. :) I immediatly checked.
Same here. Where do I sign up for it?
😂😂😂
couldn’t have said it any better!
It's a pioneering design, however IMO, it seems much harder and more effort to use than a standard volume pedal. It's like the foot version of using a pinky wrapped around a volume control.
That little toggle switch seems like it's going to get stepped on by accident and broken off. I'd also like to see the numbers off to the side so I could see them while my foot was on it. But a neat idea, especially since it doesn't use power!
Agreed, they should change it to something like a classic foot switch, just extend the case a bit, there's loads of space to place it on the "ears"
I'm not too worried about the numbers. When using it as a hand control in a studio, they are easily seen. If you're using it as a foot control on stage, you won't be staring at it while trying to line up a certain number. However......there's a lot going on in a live performance, and I can see someone using it with the tip of their foot and easily misjudging how much foot is on it, pulling back the volume, and having the tip of their foot (with the weight of their body) dropping down on that switch. They should move it to the front. It's easy enough to reach around an extra 2 inches to toggle the switch.
You're right, having the numbers under your foot makes no sense to me, either.
Yeah, that could be replaced with a slider switch that's much less likely to be caught by your foot
that switch was what struck me first, as room for improvement, on an amazing product. i dont mind the numbers thing .. normal passive volume pedals dont even have those.
but what irks me as a techie and pedalboard lover is, that the sockets are on the sides, not the back. but more importantly, that there is no inverse output, the would make it usable as a cross-fader between two effects. it's just wire and an extra socket, to make this thing much more versatile.
I've used Black Mountain pics for several years now and have even made a couple videos my self on his guitar pics. I can't recommend them enough to anyone playing guitar.
I did contact him a couple times, to let him know how I feel about his product and to ask for a couple additions to his line up of products. He did start making thinner pics (not from my input or conversations) which helped a lot. But what I was hoping for was a pic that was longer.
My issue is, I've had 2 strokes, and can no longer hold a pic. His pics have got me back to playing guitar again. But what I really needed was an even longer pic (about 1/4" longer to it's tip). That's what I'm waiting for. For now I'm riveting another pic into his, to Gain that extra length and that's helping me immensely.
Again, I can't say enough praises to the pics he's made and their quality. This man is a genius.
Put a potentiometer volume pedal/knob/wheel in the effects loop of a tube amp and you can crank the the power amp to get tubes to deliver the tone you want and yet turn the sound level down to almost any enjoyable volume level you want. For one example that I know about first hand, the approach in this video completely transforms the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, which many people don’t enjoy the sound of at low levels but then it just gets too loud by the time its sounding nice. It becomes a great sounding amp at controllable volumes. And you don’t need to go into changing the tubes and pots. Put a volume knob in the effects loop and all of a sudden your HRD is a great-sounding amp at controlled volumes. I imagine there are a lot of other tube amps out there that such a volume potentiometer in the effects loop would also make much more tonally controllable. Great video! What you’re posting here is very good information! As usual… this is a solid channel.
Looks like a quality product and seems like it works extra nice for swells but it is massive overkill to use it as a master volume device in your effects loop when it costs $189 vs a basic volume knob box that costs like $20 or so.
Right, you can make that yourself even for less...
@@UCS0608Yes, if you are handy and can solder you could certainly do it yourself even cheaper. While some people do like the black box type attenuator I myself haven't been all that impressed with using such a thing in an FX loop. Better to get a good reactive load speaker attenuator or just an appropriately small amplifier that is actually suited to the job at hand.
My only small critique would be the location of that taper switch. In a live situation it would be pretty easy to knock it by accident, or stomp on it and break it. Otherwise though, really cool idea and it looks very robust.
Got one.....I've been using it as an expression pedal for my Fractal's volume for the last month. It's very nice. A big thing for me is being able to look down at the numbers and see what level it's set at...there's no guessing. It works perfectly as an expression pedal. Just plug a TRS cable into the output and calibrate your device.
Was wondering if it handled the TRS cable, and could used with effects pedals. Thanks
@@druwk I use a TRS cable on the output as an expression pedal. I don't know if the TRS goes from input to output. There's a link for the web site above...maybe shoot them a question.
I use an HX Stomp on my board as the “brain” and I’ve got a Seafoam Pedals expression switch/knob for much the same purpose. Not something to be stood on, of course but a great little extra controller / expression pedal.
I've shoved this ahead of me for almost 6 years but today i finally took the step and subscribed to the channel Philip. righteous channel mate. cheers!
I like the alternate tuner out usage idea for balancing volumes. And that the numbers provide an easy way to get back to the right spot
I hate loose volume knobs on a guitar too. My solution is to put a rubber o-ring or felt ring under the knob to add some friction.
Bit cheaper too!
damn... never thought of that. So, just an o ring around the metal pot part, and then slide your knob over it??
Looks and sounds great .
Very cool!!! I can really see some very cool uses for this!!!
Cool and interesting design. The only thing I would worry about is the taper switch on the front. Doesn't seem like something you'd be switching back and forth.
Very cool concept. Seems intuitive
As soon as you said that, it can be used as another master volume on your amp, that brought some more interest to me
a $5 potentiometer will accomplish the same?
I really liked your review. If I ever need a volume pedal THIS will be the one I get. Thanks Phil.
I love these review vids on Phil's channel!
What a cool and almost obvious concept. Nice 👍🏼
You forget 1 major thing: it's not easy to use it standing up, because you need to keep balance because all your weight is then on 1 leg only. I don't see myself gigging a whole night like this. Sitting down is not a problem.
Pretty cool. Beats winding the guitar knob with your pinky.
Nice review, Phil. Very interesting unit and may pick one up soon! Need a volume pedal anyways.
Very cool. One of those devices you wonder weren't created a long while ago. I like this.
shoutout to that Firebird chilling in the back 👍🏽 great video
I would have to try it, but it seems really cool.
very original, very suitable for volume purposes, and you can keep it static once you have reached desired volume!
Reminds me about my Maestro "Total Foot Control" fuzz pedal you also control with your feet like that. It's a fun idea. Not sure how useful it's actually is, but it's fun.
Thanks for uploading. It's nice to see new product. The only question i have is, do you have to wear the right shoe? A flat bottom shoe like you have looks good, but what about boots, formal, etc...I might be wrong.
I see the value in this and it's something I'd consider buying. I was expecting it to be about $100, even considering a non-powered mini volume pedal can be had on Amazon right now for $40. It's about $200.
Truly love this pedal design
That's a really cool idea!!! Could be a major trip hazard for the drummer, though... lol.
Wow , I love it!
Oh i like this. I see at least two on my pedal. One to control how much boss sy1 synth is blended in without bending over live. Another to adjust how much is going to the subs durning songs. Maybey another to adjust other effects so the sonic wonder can evolve as the song mood makes changes.
Excited!
That copper git-axe sounds wonderful.
AUD$300 is a crazy price too.
Very interesting product!
Great video Phillip. Nice little gadget.
I'd love for you to check out the new Fishman Modern pickups. This volume reminded me of it. They supposedly not only can they do a good single coil tone, but they can do it without a volume drop switching between single coil and humbucker sound.
Thanks this looks very usable. Can anyone help me remember the name of the volume pedal from 10-ish years ago that used 2 buttons for V up and V down?? I can’t find any info on it.
Reminds me of those old Maestro pedals that had big wheels on the sides instead of regular pots
Super cool!
Really cool idea. I would have to play with one to see how it feels but the only thing that might bug me is that motion of kicking out might be a little awkward.
The suggestion is to point toes down and the foot will follow.
@@rongarza9488 Hmm maybe, I was thinking maybe if the housing was flat and slightly angled up. Like a foot rest that Classical players use.
The thing about the tapers is cool, but you got them the wrong way around with the arrow.
One thing I really wish a pedal builder would make is a 2 button volume up / down pedal. It'd just work like your volume up / down buttons on a laptop keyboard. Maybe it'd have the option to set the increment size.
Could we get all three dimensions? Would love to see if I can fit it on my cramped board.
not for everyone for sure, but absolutely love the creativity and practical aspect
I have 3 volume Pedals..... thanks to Phil I will now have 4.
Phil (or anyone else out there in KYGland), if I am using a volume pedal in the loop as an attenuator can I still run pedals and if so where does the volume pedal go in the cahin (optimally) and how does it affect the effects?
Thanks!
I've never used a volume pedal. This looks like fun to try, and I like a couple of his modified picks! Thanks! 8) --gary
If you wear a vibram sole boot, does it become a tremolo-volume pedal?
Hey Phillip, is it bad to go high gain with a tube screamer on my MESA RA100 and turn down the volume in the effects loop? That amp has an attenuator but I find when I'm trying to max out my EL34s the attenuator doesn't do much really. Just muttles it like a tape effect.
Does the amp need an effects loop or can it be used like a pedal between the guitar and input jack?
I think guitar pots are still audio taper, I think a better use for the linear taper is that you can use this as an expression pedal (that doesn't carry an audio signal)
Depends on the guitar.
Most affordable guitars don't have audio taper because most guitar players don't actually use the controls outside of selecting pickups and turning the volume down to zero.
From a manufacturer's perspective there's not much point in going to the expense when the player won't actually use it.
Of course, the fact that most guitars have linear pots contributes to the issue because the experience of using the volume and tone is more awkward than it ought to be.
I love this design. Did you say that it is an attenuator too ???
Hey @2:10 you mixed up the linear and audio tapers on the Black Mountain volume roller. The linear taper would be the straight line on the left and the audio taper would be the rotated smile on the right.
I Need You -- The Beatles, with George Harrison on vocals. Hmmm, at BMP's website there is no mention of LEDs(?), that might have been nice except 'not sure how it would be visible to the guitarist playing. The profile is a great idea though, a bit pricey, maybe could work for keyboards and mics, idk. Thanks for posting this vid, Phillip.
A nice addition would be index markers on either side of the roller.
Looks very cool but looks like a solution to a problem that either doesn't exist or can be solved much more cheaply.
If you just need a volume pedal any used multi effects board will do and can be used as wah or expression as well.
Vol on a pedal can be programmed with different minimums and maximums.
If you want to add master vol to your amp an EQ pedal can do that and adds EQ too, all with full bypass.
If it was 100 cheaper it may be a contender if I didn't already have both of the above.
However I wish your buddy success!
Classic audio effects had a line of pedals with the roller including a volume and also a boost. Boomerang also has a roller volume.
Thanx Phil, looks interesting, question, how strong is that little switch on the front of the pedal? It seems easy to hit when sanding on a dark stage …
I was thinking the same - the toggle switch on the front looks a little precarious, and it seems it would be better if it was on the left (same side as the input and output jacks), or on the oppose side (the one facing the crowd)
I've always just wanted a digital volume pedal. If I hit one side it slowly goes up, if I hit another side is slowly goes down; just like my phone buttons. Do they have such a pedal? Or why not? Does someone have a link? It seems like such an easy pedal to make.
I just recently learned that Chase Bliss makes a product just like this, but this has a MUCH cooler housing.
interesting concept!
Darth Vader wants one
I still have and used close to 30 years back and especially long time friend and former my advanced guitar teacher then a roommate gave me an Ernie Ball Stereo volume pedal. I learn to use it as an A/B switch. I have a way to use a different volume pedal placed on another pedal that still does the string/bowing with a pedal. I hope (whoever built this pedal) he's thinking a PAF?
This is very similar to the Chase Bliss EXP roller pedal. I feel this is a better design though and easier to use.
When I started watching this, I was ready to say how much I hate volume pedals, but it’s pretty cool. You can get the effect other ways, but some people might like doing it this way
Awesome
Applied lateral thinking. Brilliant.
I like to see new designs like this. I wish there was a Wha pedal that worked like a piano pedal so your heel was on the floor and you just push down with your toe on the spring loaded pedal.
I believe Morley made a spring loaded wah some years ago, not sure if they're still being made. Check Reverb maybe?
Can it be used as an expression pedal?
Would've liked to see you stand and use it, I bet that's where this thing becomes a problem, how many are gonna step on it and roll forward on their foot and end up off balance and maybe bust their ass. I think it's a novel idea but the reason the traditional volume pedals work so well is they use the natural action of how your foot works and it provides a flat surface to balance on. A foot flexes up and down real easy, with this thing you're using an unnatural foot action like sliding across an ice rink.
What would be nice on traditional volume pedals would be an LED indicator out in front or off to the side that shows you clearly what volume level you're at. There probably already is one like that but I am not a huge pedal guy so I wouldn't know for sure.
But yeah, I'm thinking this thing would be a problem if you're standing up.
And talking about volume knobs on guitars, I've always wanted to design a volume rocker to replace volume knobs, basically take the volume foot pedal design, a flat board that rocks up and down, and put it on a guitar. Imagine being able to rest your pinky like you do anyway on the guitar body when you're playing on a flat small panel that's flush with the guitar body and just push down on either end of the panel to raise or lower the volume, would be way smoother than trying to curve your pinky under a volume knob old school style. Would for tone knob too.
Somebody do that and give me a cut!!!😂
I think a color pattern on the wheel would be great to see where the volume is at, instead or in addition to the numbers. So ten would be a full color and it could taper down to a thinner line for level 1 volume.
I love it, but the jacks should be on the back, and the toggle should be between the jacks on the back (to give it some protection). Hopefully they’ll launch a V2 with these updates. It’ll sell really well with rear mount jacks for smaller boards.
You'd need to put some sort of cover over the jack sockets in order to prevent people from stepping on them by accident, which would interfere with angled plugs unless you fully redesigned the enclosure.
I feel like this is a decent compromise compared to the alternatives.
Expression mode function?
I really need a good volume pedal, but the price is just too much for how little I use volume pedals. But this design is great, I hope this becomes a standard design, maybe even with wah.
So cool. Can it be used as an expression pedal as well or is it strictly volume.
A quote from another commenter:
"It works perfectly as an expression pedal. Just plug a TRS cable into the output and calibrate your device."
Thanks so much.
Dunno why things need to be so aesthetically pleasing to me but I'd much prefer to see it without the oval rounding style base and rather an oblong style with very slightly rounded corners say to match the approximate size of a standard Boss pedal. Also to prevent sliding, maybe a pre-drilled hole in each corner to mount it on a pedalboard without needing to use the usual dual lock perhaps? JMO
Cool bro🎉
Can key a noise gate off tuner out too :)
Cool for a sit-down guitar player.
Hey Phil……how do you keep your Vans so clean?????
A volume pedal was my first floor effect 45 years ago, cuz I was totally into Steve Howe of Yes. I currently have a Lehle. I just don’t relate to this new idea. Seems unnatural, and probably awkward to use, especially standing up. But thanks for a good video to present this new product.
But how can i put it in effects loop if i use stereo wet wet rigs? Im not gonna get two lmao
I have their one finger slide, and they make quality stuff. This pedal looks hreat
One question - why is not both sides connected during the swell video?
Hmm. I have only recently started to want a volume pedal im not sure its that one but
Great.... How much?
I built a wah wah pedal that doesn't have a physical pedal, but works like a theremin with your foot. I can build and sell them if you like
Looks great but I can't see that toggle switch lasting long
Why would this solution be any better (or more comfortable) than a standard pedal?
I have this purple colored foot pedal that i lost track of when I moved from Texas. It cost me $200 from Musicians Friend, it blew the speakers on 2 100W Fender combo amps. I forget what it's called and i still have not found it!
Isnt it just easier to use the volume knob on your guitar? They usually come free with most guitars too :D
Good luck getting your guitar’s volume knob into your amp’s effects loop. 😂
@@kevinnasky771 Why would I want to do that? Using the guitars volume knob or a pedal will have the same effect...? And to me it seems easier to use my finger to do it rather than trying to balance my foot on a wheel. But hey. Maybe thats just me. Its not like doing volume swells is a hard technique..
it is different. guitar volume lowers gain in the input circuit, and heavily affects tone. this comes after all preampfification so the effect on tone is different.
@@rabs97 Volume changes before the preamp can have a very different effect than volume changes in the effects look (between pre-amp and power amp).
Hopefully,with 7 mil turns, it’ll be a great buy on the used market.
I think something like this with a black ice or distortion mod
Looks like you got the linear and audio taper reversed on the voiceover with blue arrows.
Nice
Cool idea. But I noticed it took some wading through a pile of marketing verbiage on their website to finally reach the price tag. I think them doing that says something about their comfort level with regards to how this device is positioned price-wise against its functional competitors.
I'm not sure I could make the exact volume adjustments I want with my foot. Possibly not as accurate as turning the guitar knob.
Nice, needs some LED’s on the side.