The Ibanez VL10 is a stereo volume pedal from Ibanez's Power Series, produced from 1987 to 19961. It does the usual job of a volume pedal, raising or lowering level with the foot, but adds two things most volume pedals do not have: it accepts two signals at once, and it has a balancer mode that lets you mix or pan between them while playing. ToneHome calls it "the most versatile volume pedal available"1.
What it does and how it is controlled
As a volume pedal, mono or stereo signals can be adjusted live by raising or lowering the pedal1. A minimum volume control allows a preset lowest volume to be achieved in the up position, so the pedal does not have to reach full off unless you want it to1.
The stereo side is where the VL10 differs from most volume pedals. Two different signals, or a stereo output of a synthesizer, may be applied to the inputs1. Most unique is the balancer mode, which allows the player to actually mix or pan two signals while playing1. In practice that means the pedal's travel shifts the balance between the two inputs rather than only changing overall level, which suits a stereo rig or blending two sources against each other.
There is also a tuner output: it sends the signal out regardless of pedal position1. A tuner connected there always sees a signal, even with the pedal backed off, so you can tune silently without touching your main level.
ToneHome's period documentation states that the VL10 works well with all instruments, without tonal coloration or high frequency loss1.
Features at a glance
- Volume pedal for mono or stereo signals, adjusted by raising or lowering the pedal1
- Accepts two different signals, or the stereo output of a synthesizer1
- Balancer mode for mixing or panning two signals while playing1
- Minimum volume control for a preset level in the up position1
- Tuner output that sends the signal regardless of pedal position1
"the most versatile volume pedal available"
Production run and availability
The VL10 was produced from 1987 to 19961. It has not been re-issued1. ToneHome rates its availability as good and its collectibility as average1, so used examples appear on the secondhand market with some regularity rather than commanding collector prices. The 1989 list price was 139 DM1.
The VL10 is a discontinued vintage pedal, out of production since 1996 and never re-issued. Anyone looking for a current stereo volume pedal will need a modern alternative, such as the Lehle Stereo Volume or the Morley M2 Passive Stereo Volume.
Manual
ToneHome hosts the 1987 Ibanez Power Series pocket manual for the VL10 Stereo Volume Pedal as a scanned image on its VL10 page1, so the original operating instructions can be viewed online.
Questions
Was the Ibanez VL10 ever reissued?
No. ToneHome records the VL10 as not re-issued. It was produced from 1987 to 1996 as part of Ibanez's Power Series, and after production ended Ibanez did not bring it back. ToneHome rates its availability as good and its collectibility as average, so used examples turn up with some regularity rather than being rare collector pieces.
What is the tuner output on the Ibanez VL10 for?
The tuner output sends the signal out regardless of pedal position. That means a tuner plugged into it always receives a signal, even when the pedal is in the up position and the main output is at its lowest volume, so you can tune silently between songs without the pedal affecting what the tuner sees.
Can the Ibanez VL10 be used with a mono signal?
Yes. Operating as a volume pedal, mono or stereo signals can be adjusted live by raising or lowering the pedal. A single mono signal works fine; the stereo capability comes into play when you feed it two different signals or a stereo output of a synthesizer.
What does the balancer mode do on the Ibanez VL10?
ToneHome describes the balancer mode as the VL10's most unique feature: it allows the player to actually mix or pan two signals while playing. Instead of only raising and lowering overall volume, the pedal movement shifts the balance between the two inputs, which suits stereo rigs or blending two sources.
Does the Ibanez VL10 take away high frequencies?
According to ToneHome, the VL10 works well with all instruments, without tonal coloration or high frequency loss. That claim comes from the period documentation rather than independent testing, but it indicates the pedal was designed to pass the full signal without dulling the top end.
Where can I find a manual for the Ibanez VL10?
ToneHome, the Ibanez reference site, hosts a scan of the 1987 Ibanez Power Series pocket manual for the VL10 Stereo Volume Pedal as an image file on its VL10 page, so the original operating instructions are available to view online.
Sources (1)
- TONEHOME, TONEHOME, 1989
