Zeppelin Design Labs Drops the VPM-1 Ernie Ball Volume Pedal Mod

March 16, 2020 · 8 sources

Zeppelin Design Labs makes the VPM-1, a makeover mod for the Ernie Ball VP Jr volume pedal. The mod replaces the string and potentiometer inside the pedal with a magnet and a Hall-effect sensor, so there is no scratchy pot and no string¹²³. Gearnews described it as a modification kit for the ever-popular Ernie Ball volume pedal⁴.

The audio path stays analog, while position, taper and gain are set digitally, so there is no scratchy pot and no string¹. The mod offers:

• Five response curves: linear, logarithmic and reverse-logarithmic, with the chosen curve saved and restored at the next power-up¹
• Heel and toe points that can sit anywhere along the treadle, with a reverse sweep option¹
• Up to 14 dB of gain¹

Premier Guitar, reporting the announcement⁵

The VPM-1 shipped as a standard kit with two optional upgrades, each supplied as its own labeled package of parts⁶. The Expression Upgrade DIY Kit, priced at $28.00, turns a volume pedal into a CV expression pedal and is rated for intermediate skill⁷. The Stereo Upgrade adds a second pair of optocouplers for a second signal channel, and can be configured for either traditional stereo or pan actions; its calibration is automatic, with the microcontroller testing both optocoupler sets and matching LDR resistance tables between channels⁴⁶. The combined VPM-1 Stereo Expression ready-to-install version lists at $219.95⁸.

The module fits the VP Jr; full-size Ernie Ball pedals (models 6165, 6166, 6167 and 6168) need the Large Format Adapter, which comes with all the parts needed to attach the VPM-1 main board⁸. On ready-to-install versions the boards and chassis arrive assembled, and installation needs only a screwdriver, with no soldering¹. Designer Brach Siemens is named as the VPM-1's designer in the announcement⁵.