The Chase Bliss Audio EXP Expression Roller is an expression controller for effects pedals, built around a numbered roller wheel instead of a conventional rocker pedal. Announced in late October 2021, it uses a dual linear 10k pot feeding two separate outputs, so one roller can control two expression-ready pedals at the same time. Chase Bliss says it is compatible with any TRS expression input.1
Controlling two pedals at once
Most expression pedals drive a single pedal from one output. The EXP takes a different approach: a dual linear 10k pot sits at the heart of the unit and feeds two separate outputs, so rolling the wheel sweeps both connected pedals together. That makes it possible to pair, say, a delay's blend with a reverb's mix, or any two expression inputs you want to move in step, from one control.1
"And with dual outputs, it can control two pedals at once, via the handy numbered roller wheel."
Reversing the sweep
Two internal switches let you reverse the control, so that 10 would be heel down instead. For a roller, where the "heel" and "toe" positions are the two ends of the wheel's travel, this means you can set which end of the sweep reads as maximum without touching the pedals it controls.1
Origins: from Classic Audio to Chase Bliss
The design was originally by Curt Middleton of Classic Audio. Middleton decided to wind down around that time, so Joel of Chase Bliss bought the design and re-worked it, with Jon Erickson at Tonecraft Audio helping. Work on the design started back around 28 July 2018, roughly three years before the unit was announced.1
Availability and price
At announcement, the EXP carried an RRP of USD 179. Because of the global shortage of components at the time, Chase Bliss Audio sold it direct only, not through dealers. The company reported around 250 units ready for sale, with around 500 more expected to be built from the batch of components in stock.1
The EXP was sold direct from Chase Bliss rather than through dealers, a consequence of the component shortage at launch.1
If you are pairing the EXP with time-based effects, it suits pedals with expression inputs across categories like delay pedals, reverb pedals and modulation effects. For a wider look at the category, see Expression Pedals.
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Questions
Can the Chase Bliss EXP Expression Roller control two pedals at once?
Yes. At the heart of the EXP is a dual linear 10k pot that feeds two separate outputs, so the single numbered roller wheel can control two effect pedals at the same time. Chase Bliss says it is compatible with any TRS expression input, so it suits pedals that take a standard expression pedal connection.
Can you reverse the direction of the EXP Expression Roller?
Yes. The EXP has two internal switches that let you reverse the control, so that a setting of 10 would be heel down instead of toe down. That lets players match the roller's sweep direction to how they expect the pedal to respond.
Who originally designed the Chase Bliss EXP Expression Roller?
The design was originally by Curt Middleton of Classic Audio. Middleton decided to wind down around that time, so Joel of Chase Bliss bought the design and re-worked it, with Jon Erickson at Tonecraft Audio helping on the project.
How much does the Chase Bliss EXP Expression Roller cost?
At its October 2021 announcement, the EXP Expression Roller carried an RRP of USD 179.
Can you buy the Chase Bliss EXP Expression Roller from dealers?
No. Because of the global shortage of components at the time, Chase Bliss Audio sold the EXP direct only, not through dealers. The company reported around 250 units ready for sale, with around 500 more expected from the batch of components in stock.
Sources (1)
- Chase Bliss Audio EXP Expression Roller: Control two effects simultaneously, gearnews.com, 2021-10-28
