Purchasing a volume pedal is a great choice. With the best volume pedals for swells, music sounds are more enjoyable as volume pedals can control the instruments sound, create swells, and provide enough sustain.
If you are a beginner, you would want to take your time to go through our article below as we have spent time to make research on the different pedals listed below. Nevertheless, if you have used volume pedals before, you should probably have an idea of the type of volume pedal you prefer.
Top 10 Best Volume Pedals for Swells
Ernie Ball VP Jr. P06180 250K Potentiometer for Passive Electronics
The Ernie Ball VP Jr. P06180 is a new compact design that allows more floor space. In addition, however, the Ernie Ball VP features a potentiometer with a 250k ohm resistance, making it the ideal candidate for the audio path of passive instruments.
Besides, it should be no surprise that the Ernie Ball VP is one of the best volume pedals for swells. Moreover, the volume pedal also features a micro taper switch which offers users two different volume swell rates. The micro taper switch is placed behind the jack area beneath the footplate. The Ernie Ball VP Jr. P06180 has an overall dimension of 3.5″ W x 10″ L x2 3/8″ H. However, the pedal is exceptionally sturdy, tough and durable.
Pros
- Value for money
- Mono volume control
- Taper switch for two distinctive swell rates
- It sticks to place wherever it is kept within the volume spectrum
- Even though the pedal length is a con, however, it allows users to place almost their whole foot on the pedal giving the player enough control
Cons
- It is too long and requires pedal space.
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SONICAKE Vexpress Passive Volume & Expression EXP Pedal
The SONICAKE Vexpress is an actual analogue circuit design that combines two functions in 1 unit. Moreover, the volume pedal features a passive volume and an expression pedal. Thus, the pedal is perfect for those who believe that a full-size expression pedal is quite heavy and takes too much space on the pedalboard.
While, on the other hand, the pedal is constructed with hard plastic, a lightweight casing, yet quite robust and well-built. Its compact design allows users to take it anywhere, offering you the best practice or performance you need.
Besides, it works perfectly without a battery or pedal power supply. And can be used with guitar, bass, keyboard, synthesizer, workstation, controller and other musical instruments.
Pros
- Fully passive pedal
- Lightweight casing
- Robust and well-built
- Requires no battery or pedal power supply
Cons
- It loses tone; you may need to run a buffered pedal in front of it.
Donner Volume Pedal, Viper 2 in 1 Passive Volume Expression Pedal, Guitar Volume Pedal Pure Analog EXP Pedal
The Donner Volume Pedal features a 2 in 1 pedal, also an analogue circuit design pedal. However, the 2-Mode Volume/Expression effects in the actual hard plastic little stompbox. More so, the volume pedal for swells is so firm and highly lightweight, providing all the convenience guitarists need. In addition, it has an attractive name design.
Moreover, swell’s volume pedal offers an excellent expression response and volume function in a small footprint design. Besides, it automatically detects and catches output source (EXP / Vol) objectives.
Furthermore, it is designed to work without a battery or pedal power supply. The smooth taper actively responds to different parameters with precision. All you need to do is plug and play.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Firm and sturdy
- Easy to play
- Requires no power
- It combines both the passive volume pedal and expression pedal in one.
Cons
- It cannot fully control a volume
JHS Little Black Amp Box Signal Converter
You don’t always need bulky and costly load boxes and attenuators to tame a screaming loud amp. The JHS volume pedals will take care of your amp if it has a series of effect loops.
The JHS volume pedals for swells allow users to push the front end of your amp to get the natural feel and tone. Moreover, it retains the response and the tone of your amp’s sweet spot at lower levels.
On the other hand, its high-grade components keep your tone pure and clear. The volume pedal has a compact, simple and sturdy design, allowing players to move it around easily. More so, it can easily be mounted underneath your pedalboard. In addition, its passive design does not require any power. With a total dimension of 3.6″ x 1.5″ x 1″
Pros
- Signal Converter
- Convenient, low profile design
- Retains the response and tone
- The high-grade components keep your tone clear and pure
- Passive design does not require any power
Cons
- The knob also is not given any markings.
Ernie Ball MVP, Most Valuable Pedal
Another on our list is the Ernie Ball MVP, Most Valuable Pedal. The volume pedal can work with any signal anywhere in the signal chain, works with both active and passive electronics.
Moreover, the volume pedal offers a super smooth foot sweep. Moreover, it is suitable for precise volume control with no high-frequency loss at any volume. And has a total weight of 2.66 pounds. More so, the volume pedals for swells comes with a powerful gain boost that allows users to increase the audio signal to +20 decibels. Furthermore, the volume pedals for swells feature a compact yet rugged design, consisting of a billet aluminium housing that is indestructible.
Pros
- Adjustable minimum volume control
- Up to +20dB gain boost for robust lead levels.
- No high-frequency loss at any volume.
- Ultra-smooth foot sweep for ideal volume control
Cons
- A customer reviewed that the amp he bought would not mute at heel position.
SONICAKE VolWah Active Volume & Wah Pedal
The SONICAKE Analog Volume/Wah 2 in 1 Pedal features a hard plastic yet lightweight casing, well-built and robust. Two LED lights show the pedal’s working state, showing which mode the pedal is engaged in.
Moreover, the volume part of the pedal is an active circuit that can keep you away from impedance mismatch troubles. Besides, the wah part of the pedal goes after the iconic style, vintage wah sound, dynamic and responsive. Meanwhile, the amp is widely used by the guitarist from all genres.
More so, the analogue circuit design combines a responsive volume and a vintage wah in 1 mini-sized pedal, which is highly compact, a true space-saver for your crowded pedalboard.
Pros
- Convenient to use
- Excellent Effect
- Compact and durable
- Lightweight casing
Cons
- The LED’s are hard to see because it is under the treadle potion of the pedal.
VALETON EP-2 Passive Volume & Expression Guitar Bass Keyboard Synth Synthesizer Workstation EXP Pedal
The Valenton features a passive volume control and expression control, two functions in 1 Pedal. The pedal automatically detects the functionality, and it is best suitable for working with guitar, bass, keyboard, synthesizer, workstation, controller, etc.
Moreover, the volume pedals for swells work well without a battery or pedal power supply. It is, however, lightweight, and its compact design allows users to take it anywhere. When used as an expression pedal, connect a stereo 1/4″ cable from the pedal output jack and leave the input jack unconnected.
Pros
- Lightweight casing
- 2 in 1 functionality
- Automatically detects output source
- Works perfectly without battery or power adapter
- Smooth taper responds to various parameters with precision
Cons
- Some customers reviewed that the transition sweep of this unit is not great.
Jim Dunlop Volume (X) Pedal Guitar Effects Pedal (DVP3)
Jim DVP3 Volume (X) helps create incredibly smooth volume swells and control your effect pedal parameters. Small and pedalboard-friendly, the DVP3 is solidly-built and ready for the road.
Moreover, it is kept in an aluminium chassis with aggressive non-slip tread and comes equipped with our patent-pending Band Drive for a smooth range of motion and consistent operation for years to come.
In addition, the volume pedals for swells rocker tension is fully adjustable so that you can set any tension you’re comfortable with. When using the DVP3 as an expression pedal, the internal port can be set to the lowest level of the parameter you are controlling with the rocker.
Furthermore, the volume pedal features an internal switch that allows you to reverse the heel-down and toe-down positions. Fully customizable, the DVP3 also features a convenient Tuner output for silent tuning onstage.
Pros
- Smooth, quiet operation
- Fully adjustable rocker pedal tension
- Internal controls for effect parameter
- Aluminum chassis and aggressive non-slip tread.
JOYO WAH-II Classic and Multifunctional WAH Pedal Mini Multimode Wah-Wah/Volume with WAHWAH Sound Quality Value knob
The JOYO is sure is one fun pedal and excellent volume pedal with some adjustable functions. The ability to set how wide of a wah and change the “q” is super remarkable. Furthermore, if you are looking for a space-saving volume and wah combo? Grab this! The wah side is exceptionally flexible with the rotary and toggle switches.
Note: the power supply adaptor should meet the required standard as below; otherwise, it won’t work: DC 9V(centre minus), over 200mA capacity, connection of positive (+ ) barrel and negative (-) centre.
Pros
- Outstanding tone
- It takes lesser space of the pedalboard
- Lightweight and portable
- Active volume control circuit design
Cons
- There may be a need for you to put a little bit more pressure to activate on a switch.
Jim Dunlop Volume X Mini Pedal (DVP4)
The Jim Dunlop volume X mini pedal works perfectly well and requires no power supply. Moreso, the volume pedal is built solidly with a lightweight aluminium chassis, aggressive non-slip tread, and our patented Low.
Moreover, the DVP4 allows you to control the volume and FX parameters yet saving space. Despite its size, it does everything that DVP3 does at half the size. However, the DVP4’s rocker tension can be well adjusted for maximum comfort and precision.
Furthermore, the volume pedal takes a while to get used to it, especially smooth swells, but it’s a great product. It also works as an expression pedal, so great product. It sits high, which is important because it easily enables users to access it when jammed up against other pedals.
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction
- Adjustable range
- Use for Expression or Volume pedal
- Low Friction Band-Drive for smooth, durable
- Lightweight and pedalboard-friendly
- Dip-switch options for further adjustability
Cons
- It takes a while to get used to, especially to be smooth on swells.
Things to Consider while Buying the Best Volume Pedal for Swells
Sound and Tonal Varieties
The best volume pedals produce transparent sounds. The primary duty of a volume pedal is to control the instruments sound, allow users to create swells, and provide enough sustain. Avoid getting pedals that add flairs to the sound of the instrument. However, every instrumentalist would enjoy a silent pedal.
Passive Vs Active Volume Pedal
Passive volume pedals are designed not to require power from a battery or adapter, and you will pay attention to its impedance. However, they pull their power from another device in the signal chain. While, on the other hand, Active volume pedals require power from either a battery or an adapter. And active volume pedals allow users to place them almost anywhere in the signal chain. So if your guitar has a passive pickup, you should pair it up with a passive pedal.
Quality
The material in which the pedal is made is also an essential factor to take note of. However, most pedals are either made of the plastic housing and metal housing. More so, volume pedals with plastic housing may not last as long as those with metal housing. Howbeit, there are a lot of plastic pedals out there that are durable, so don’t be too afraid of plastic options. It all balls down to your choice.
This is one of the essential factors to look for before you choose any gear, and this holds even more, when it comes to the volume pedal that you’re going to use often during your playing.
Versatility
Many pedals currently available on the market are pretty cheap and straightforward. This kind of pedal only requires users to adjust the volume as they rock their feet. On the other hand, pretty good pedals are more advanced and, at times, expensive, and with these kinds of pedals, users can adjust or control the minimum volume level, the torque/tension of the pedal, the taper, etc.
Frequently Asked Question
Where do you place the volume pedal for swells?
Volume pedals are kept before the time-based effects (reverb and delay) within the effects chain and after the overdrive/distortion section.
What type of volume pedal should I get?
If you are using passive pickups, a passive volume pedal within the range of 250K – 500K would be ideal. While, on the other hand, if you are using active pickups, passive volume pedals within the range of 25K – 50K will be ideal. However, both active and passive pickups should work with a well designed active volume pedal.
Can you use a volume pedal as an expression pedal?
It is possible to use a volume pedal as an expression pedal. All that requires is to use a standard volume pedal and plug a Y cable with a stereo 1/4″ to one end, which is a TRS, for tip/ring/sleeve and splits into two mono 1/4″ plugs at the other.
Conclusion
Finally, it was fun going compiling the article on the best volume pedals for swells. In this process, we realized that there are various volume pedals that can achieve stunning swell effects currently available on the market.
However, if you want the best volume pedals for swells to get the best sound you need, ensure to consider some of the factors we’ve listed above. So, carefully go through our guide and the volume pedal options listed above to make the right purchase.
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