The BOSS EV-5 is an expression pedal made by Boss, designed for use with keyboards or other expression-compatible instruments and devices. It works as a continuous controller, meaning the pedal's position is read continuously and used to sweep a parameter, most often volume, on the connected instrument12. It sits in Boss's range of expression pedals alongside the Boss EV-30 Dual Expression and the wireless Boss EV-1-WL.
The controls
The EV-5 keeps things simple: there are two controls, the pedal itself and one knob3.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Main Volume Pedal | The rocker pedal, pressed with the foot to sweep the connected parameter |
| Minimum Volume knob | Sets the pedal's minimum level; Boss says you can set the minimum volume to the level of your choice, thereby determining the maximum effect of the pedal1 |
In practice, the Minimum Volume knob is the one to set first. It fixes where the heel-down position sits, so the pedal's full travel covers only the range you want. For use as a straight volume pedal on a keyboard, that means you can choose how far down the sound fades; for sweeping an effect parameter, it sets the floor of the sweep and so determines the maximum effect of the pedal, in Boss's wording1.
Connection and physical details
The EV-5 has no battery compartment, power socket or jacks of its own: it connects through an attached cable 2 m long, ending in a TRS 1/4 inch plug1. The TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) plug is what carries the continuous controller signal into the expression input of a keyboard, synth or multi-effects unit. Because the cable is fixed, the pedal draws whatever power it needs from the connected device and needs nothing else on the pedalboard.
Boss gives the following dimensions and weight1:
- Width: 86 mm (3-7/16 inches)
- Depth: 200 mm (7-7/8 inches)
- Weight: 400 g (0 lbs. 15 oz.)
The EV-5 is a passive controller: it sends no signal of its own and only works with instruments and devices that provide an expression pedal input. Boss describes it as designed for use with keyboards or other expression-compatible instruments and devices1.
Where it sits in Boss's range
Within Boss's own expression pedal lineup, the EV-5 is the compact, cable-attached option. The Boss EV-30 Dual Expression is the company's dual-output expression pedal, and the Boss EV-1-WL is Boss's wireless expression pedal. The EV-5 differs by being a single-output pedal with a fixed 2 m TRS cable and a Minimum Volume knob for shaping the pedal's range31.
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Questions
How long is the cable on the BOSS EV-5?
The EV-5 has an attached cable 2 m long, ending in a TRS 1/4 inch plug. That plug connects the pedal to an expression-compatible instrument or device, and the TRS wiring is what lets the pedal send continuous controller information rather than simply acting as a switch.
How much does the BOSS EV-5 weigh?
Boss lists the EV-5 at 400 g, which the company also expresses as 0 lbs. 15 oz. It is a light, compact pedal: Boss gives its width as 86 mm, or 3-7/16 inches, and its depth as 200 mm, or 7-7/8 inches.
What does the Minimum Volume knob do on the EV-5?
The Minimum Volume knob sets the lowest level the pedal returns to at the heel-down position. Boss says you can set the minimum volume to the level of your choice, thereby determining the maximum effect of the pedal, so the knob shapes the useful range of the pedal's travel.
What kind of plug does the BOSS EV-5 use?
The EV-5 uses a TRS 1/4 inch plug on its attached 2 m cable. A TRS, or tip-ring-sleeve, plug carries the continuous controller signal to keyboards and other expression-compatible instruments and devices.
Sources (3)
- BOSS - EV-5 | Expression Pedal, BOSS (boss.info)
- BOSS - EV-5 | Expression Pedal, BOSS (boss.info)
- BOSS - EV-5 | Expression Pedal, BOSS (boss.info)
