The Lehle Stereo Volume is a volume pedal made by Lehle that controls the volume on two channels, from -92 dB (effectively muted) to 0 dB (unity gain)1. What sets it apart from most volume pedals is how it does that: instead of turning a mechanical potentiometer, the pedal moves only a magnet, and a Hall sensor measures the distance and controls a VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier)2. Lehle describes the Hall sensor as made in Germany and calibrated to the built-in magnet and the control range of the pedal2.
The circuit is analog and active, built around a premium Blackmer stereo VCA from THAT Corporation in the United States2. Because the signal never passes through a moving wiper on a resistive track, Lehle states the input and output impedances stay the same over the entire control range, so there is no damping of higher frequencies of the kind potentiometers cause2.
How the Hall sensor and VCA work
Most volume pedals, like the classic Ernie Ball 250k Mono Volume Pedal or the Dunlop DVP1, use a potentiometer driven by a string or gear. Those moving parts wear, and the pot's changing impedance can load the signal and dull the top end. The Stereo Volume takes a different route:
- The pedal moves only the magnet2.
- The Hall sensor measures the distance between the magnet and itself2.
- The sensor's output controls a VCA, which sets the volume on both channels2.
Lehle states the result is a total dynamic range of 110 dB, with a noise floor of -100 dBu (A-weighted) and total harmonic distortion below 0.05% at -10 dBu and 1 kHz2. The frequency range is 20 Hz to 100 kHz within +/- 0.2 dB2.
The mechanics are built for the same longevity. Lehle says the pedal runs mechanically smooth and steady on low-friction bearings of a high-performance polymer, with no mechanical transmission of the pedal to other components, and an adjusting screw lets you modify the pedal's mobility2.
Inputs, outputs, split and summing
The pedal is stereo-capable, and Lehle states all stereo-capable Lehle products are also suitable for mono operation2. The manual describes the IN 1 jack as where you connect the left output of your instrument or source4.
Two routing functions go beyond plain volume:
- Split function: if only a mono signal is supplied, it can be split and sent to two different output channels2.
- Summing function: a stereo or dual-mono input can be merged to mono2.
The balanced (TRS) and unbalanced (TS) outputs, Lehle says, make the pedal fit for use in studios or FOH environments2. That makes it a candidate for keyboard rigs and stereo guitar setups as well as pedalboards.
Power and placement
Internally, the input voltage coming from the power supply socket is rectified, then filtered, stabilized and doubled to 18V2. Current consumption is 63 mA2.
The internal voltage doubling to 18V means the pedal runs its VCA at a higher internal supply than what arrives at the socket, supporting its maximum level of about 3V RMS (about +12 dBu at 12V supply voltage)2.
On placement, Lehle states that because of the high impedance input (2 MΩ) and low impedance output (500 Ω), the Stereo Volume can be placed before the amp or in the amp's effect loop. If the loop is parallel, it should be set to 100% wet; a serial loop needs no such setting2. That flexibility is one practical difference from passive volume pedals, which often need impedance matching depending on where they sit in the chain.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Control range | -92 dB to 0 dB2 |
| Max. level | 3 V RMS / 11.8 dBu (at 12 V input voltage)2 |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz to 100 kHz (+/- 0.2 dB)2 |
| Dynamic range | 110 dB2 |
| Noise floor | -100 dBu (A-weighted)2 |
| Total harmonic distortion | < 0.05% (-10 dBu, 1 kHz)2 |
| Input impedance | 2 MΩ2 |
| Output impedance | 500 Ω2 |
| Current consumption | 63 mA2 |
| Weight | 1480 g2 |
| Dimensions | 260 mm long, 100 mm wide, 66 mm overall height2 |
One level caveat for keyboard players: Lehle notes that higher keyboard or synthesizer output levels can create distortions, since the pedal operates at a maximum level of about 3V RMS2.
Where it came from
Lehle rolled out the Stereo Volume alongside the Lehle Mono Volume at an MSRP of $399 and a MAP of $299 in the United States1. The pedal remains in production as of Lehle's current product page2.
What reviewers said
Lehle builds the Stereo Volume around a Hall sensor that measures the distance to a magnet moved by the pedal, and this measurement controls a premium Blackmer Stereo-VCA from THAT corporation2. The maker specifies total harmonic distortion below 0.05 percent at -10 dBu and 1 kHz, an output impedance of 500 ohms, and an A-weighted noise floor of -100 dBu2.
"The pedal moves only the magnet, the distance is measured by the Hall sensor which controls a VCA."
Related pedals
Players comparing stereo volume pedals may also want to look at the Vertex Stereo Volume Pedal, the Ernie Ball 500K Stereo Volume/Pan Pedal, the Morley M2 Passive Stereo Volume, and Lehle's own smaller Lehle Mono Volume S.
Videos
Review Spectrum
Parallax 58
shnobel
Questions
Does the Lehle Stereo Volume have a pot that can wear out?
No. The pedal moves only a magnet, and a Hall sensor measures its distance and controls a VCA. There is no mechanical potentiometer in the signal path, and Lehle states the input and output impedances stay constant over the whole control range, so there is no high-frequency damping of the kind potentiometers cause.
Can I use the Lehle Stereo Volume in mono?
Yes. Lehle states that all stereo-capable Lehle products are also suitable for mono operation. With a mono signal you can use the split function to send one signal to two different output channels, or use the summing function to merge a stereo or dual-mono input to mono.
Should a volume pedal go before the amp or in the effects loop?
Both work with this pedal. Lehle states that because of its high impedance input and low impedance output, the Stereo Volume can be placed before the amp or in the amp's effect loop. If the loop is parallel, it should be set to 100% wet; a serial loop needs no special setting.
Can the Lehle Stereo Volume be used with keyboards or synthesizers?
Yes, with a level caveat. The pedal has balanced (TRS) and unbalanced (TS) outputs that Lehle says make it fit for studios or FOH environments. It operates at a maximum level of about 3V RMS, and Lehle notes that higher keyboard or synthesizer output levels can create distortions.
How much does the Lehle Stereo Volume weigh?
It weighs 1480 g, about 3.3 pounds, and measures 260 mm long, 100 mm wide and 66 mm high overall. That is a substantial pedal by mini-pedal standards, built around a moving magnet and Hall sensor rather than a mechanical pot.
Sources (4)
- Lehle Launches New Mono & Stereo Volume Pedals, Premier Guitar, 2017-03-03
- LEHLE STEREO VOLUME: Wear-free volume pedal with VCA, Lehle GmbH
- LEHLE STEREO VOLUME: Wear-free volume pedal with VCA, Lehle GmbH
- Lehle-Stereo-Volume_Manual_EN.pdf, Lehle GmbH, 2023
