The Hotone Ampero Press is a compact, passive volume and expression 2-in-1 pedal from Hotone Audio. Because it is passive with an analog circuit, it needs no power supply: it works as a normal volume pedal with one input and one output, and it carries a 1/4-inch TRS expression jack for connecting to any pedal or multi-effects unit with an external expression input12. Hotone designed it not only for controlling Ampero series multi-effects, but also for controlling other musical devices with external expression pedal jacks, or for use as a passive volume pedal1.
What it does for a player
The Press covers two jobs on one small footprint. Plugged in as a volume pedal, it works regularly as a normal volume pedal, with one input and one output2. Plugged in through its expression jack, it sends pedal movement to a multi-effects unit or another pedal that accepts an external expression controller, letting you sweep parameters like delay time, modulation depth or effect mix with your foot. Pedal of the Day's review notes that you can use the Ampero Press for both volume and expression control at the same time2.
RockBoard's PedalPedia describes the pedal's look as classic black and gold attire with a high-end textured finish, and says its solid aluminum alloy casing gives a smooth and comfortable user experience1.
Connections and controls
| Connection | What it does |
|---|---|
| Input | Signal in, for use as a volume pedal2 |
| Output | Signal out, for use as a volume pedal2 |
| 1/4-inch TRS expression jack | Connects to any pedal or multi-effects unit with an external expression input2 |
The volume pot resistance is 100k Ohms2. Pedal of the Day's review of the related Hotone Ampero II Press, a later expression pedal with a footswitch in the same family, notes that a high quality potentiometer ensures precise response and long life4.
The Ampero Press is passive, so it draws no current and needs no power supply or battery. It connects to the expression input of a multi-effects unit or pedal, or sits inline as a volume pedal.
Size, weight and build
The pedal's small size makes it an ideal candidate for any pedalboard, fitting right in with your current setup, according to Pedal of the Day's review2. Its solid aluminum alloy casing keeps the weight at 430g2.
In a February 2026 buying guide to expression pedals, gearnews.com's Julian Schmauch wrote of the Ampero Press: "It is sturdy and compact, and users often pair it with digital rigs to gain precise parameter control."3
Price
gearnews.com's buying guide, dated February 2, 2026, lists the Ampero Press at $66.00 USD, with the same listing giving £59.00 GBP and 69.00 euros3. The guide's figures for pounds and euros differ from each other as regional list prices and are not conversions of one another.
How it compares within the Hotone Press family
Hotone's Press line includes related pedals with different footprints. The Hotone Ampero II Press is an expression pedal with a footswitch, and Pedal of the Day's 2024 review describes it as especially at home when paired with the Ampero II Stage multi-effects unit, suitable for any effects unit with dual EXP interfaces4. The Hotone Wong Press Volume Exp Wah adds wah to the volume and expression combination. The original Ampero Press remains the simplest of the three: no footswitch, no wah, just passive volume and expression in one compact aluminum housing.
Videos
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Aaron Sopungco
Brett Kingman
Questions
Is the Hotone Ampero Press analog or digital?
The Ampero Press is an analog circuit. Because it is passive, it needs no power supply at all: it simply passes your signal through a potentiometer as you rock the pedal. That makes it a straightforward add-on to any board, whether it sits in front of an amp as a volume pedal or plugs into the expression jack of a multi-effects unit.
Can the Hotone Ampero Press be used for volume and expression at once?
Yes. According to Pedal of the Day's review, you can use the Ampero Press for both volume and expression control at the same time. It has a 1/4-inch TRS expression jack for connecting to pedals or multi-effects units with an external expression input, alongside a regular input and output for use as a volume pedal.
How much does the Hotone Ampero Press weigh?
The Ampero Press weighs 430g, according to Pedal of the Day's review. That weight comes from its solid aluminum alloy casing, which Hotone describes as giving a smooth and comfortable user experience. Its dimensions are 148.5mm deep, 65.5mm wide and 61mm high.
Does the Hotone Ampero Press work with gear other than Ampero units?
Yes. Hotone designed it not only for controlling Ampero series multi-effects but also for controlling other musical devices with external expression pedal jacks, or for use as a passive volume pedal. Pedal of the Day notes its 1/4-inch TRS expression jack lets you hook it up to any pedal or multi-effect with an external expression input.
How much does the Hotone Ampero Press cost?
gearnews.com's February 2026 buying guide lists the Ampero Press at $66.00 USD, which the same listing gives as £59.00 GBP and 69.00 euros. Prices vary by region and retailer, and the figures come from that guide's February 2, 2026 listing.
Sources (4)
- Ampero Press by HOTONE, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Hotone Audio Ampero Press Passive Volume / Expression Pedal, Pedal of the Day, 2021-04-23
- The 6 Best Expression Pedals: Taking your Effects to the Next Level, gearnews.com, 2026-02-02
- Hotone Ampero II Press Expression Pedal, Pedal of the Day, 2024-05-04
