The Dunlop XPND is an expression pedal made by Dunlop as part of its XP Series, and this version is designed specifically for Neural DSP's Quad Cortex modelers. Dunlop describes it as "an expression pedal perfectly matched to the device," built to take control of each of the Quad Cortex's parameters from your foot1. It sits alongside the maker's other device-matched pedals, such as the Dunlop XP Series Expression Pedal for Line 6 Helix and the XP Series Expression Pedal for Kemper.
What it does
Like any expression pedal, the XPND lets you sweep a parameter of the Quad Cortex in real time: volume, an effect's mix, a wah position or anything else the modeler assigns to it. Dunlop says the sweep action is smooth with accurate tracking from heel to toe, so the pedal responds predictably across its full travel1.
A toe switch adds a second kind of control. According to Dunlop, "the toe switch allows effects with on/off modes to be engaged and disengaged," so pressing the pedal's toe down past its sweep range can turn an effect block on or off without a separate stompbox1.
In practice, the pedal gives you two controls under one foot:
- The rocker: a heel-to-toe sweep that Dunlop says tracks accurately across the full travel, for any parameter the Quad Cortex assigns to it1
- The toe switch: press past the sweep range at the toe to engage or disengage effects with on/off modes1
Build and connections
The pedal uses an all-metal rocker and base, which Dunlop says "ensure high performance and road readiness"1. It connects to the Quad Cortex with two TRS cables, the standard stereo-style cable used for expression pedal connections1. Dunlop provides warranty information on the product page1.
The XPND name also appears on a different product line: D'Addario's XPND pedalboard and pedal power system. That is a separate product from this Dunlop expression pedal.
The other XPND: D'Addario's pedalboard system
The XPND name also belongs to a very different product: Dunlop's XPND is an expression pedal, not a pedalboard or power supply, designed for Neural DSP's Quad Cortex modelers1. Dunlop describes the sweep action as smooth with accurate tracking from heel to toe, and the toe switch allows effects with on/off modes to be engaged and disengaged1. It uses an all-metal rocker and base, which Dunlop says ensure high performance and road readiness, and it requires two TRS cables1. Warranty information is provided on Dunlop's product page1.
The two product lines side by side:
| Dunlop XPND | D'Addario XPND | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Expression pedal for the Quad Cortex1 | Pedalboard power and mounting system2 |
| Maker | Dunlop1 | D'Addario2 |
| Role on the board | Sweeps parameters, switches effects1 | Mounts pedals, distributes power, manages cables2 |
Sources (2)
- DUNLOP XP SERIES EXPRESSION PEDAL FOR NEURAL DSP QUAD CORTEX, Jim Dunlop (jimdunlop.com)
- Learn & Earn, D'Addario
