The Expanse is a harmonic tremolo pedal by MAS Effects that can also layer on reverb and delay. The maker describes it as usable "as a standalone tremolo, optionally with some layered on reverb, or you can dial in some complex textured delays and feedback to create dreamy soundscapes"1. In the manual, Mark A. Stratman of MAS Effects writes that "what started as a simple and wonderful pairing of delay and harmonic tremolo could be crafted into so much more"2.
The harmonic part matters. As the manual puts it, "unlike regular tremolo, which raises and lowers the volume, a harmonic tremolo pans between a low pass filter which cuts" highs and one that cuts lows2. The result is a pulse that shifts the tone back and forth rather than simply getting louder and quieter, a sound players often describe as smoother and more swirling than a standard tremolo pedal.
What it does and how it is controlled
The pedal combines three layers. The harmonic tremolo is the core, and the maker says it "gives you a huge range of tonal possibilities"1. On top of that you can add reverb, and delay with feedback controls, which the product page describes as a way "to create dreamy soundscapes"3. A Blend control reintegrates the dry signal, so the effect can sit under your untouched guitar sound rather than replacing it5.
The tremolo side has three personalities. According to Delicious Audio's roundup of reverb pedals with tremolo, "the tremolo can be set to 3 modes through the Warp toggle, from classic and subtle to heavily filtered and resonant"5. That gives you a conventional-sounding pulse at one end and a more extreme, filtered sweep at the other.
| Control or feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Warp toggle | Sets the tremolo to one of 3 modes, from classic and subtle to heavily filtered and resonant5 |
| Blend control | Reintegrates the dry signal into the wet effect5 |
| Reverb and delay layering | Adds reverb, and delay with feedback, over the tremolo13 |
| Expression inputs | Two jacks for simultaneous control of WIDTH and either EXPANSE or VELOCITY4 |
Expression pedal control
The Expanse has two separate expression jacks, which is more than most tremolo or reverb pedals offer. The maker's page explains that "separate jacks let you simultaneously control WIDTH and either EXPANSE or VELOCITY with any expression pedal"4. In practice that means you can sweep the depth of the tremolo with your foot while also riding the speed or the size of the effect at the same time, hands free. The shop also suggests a desktop slider expression pedal as a companion for the pedal1. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio highlights the same feature, noting the two expression inputs "allow for simultaneous control of Width and either Expanse or Velocity"5.
Finishes and versions
The Expanse was offered in five finishes3:
- Deep space textured black: the standard finish, moderately textured, matte black1
- Chameleon Starlight: glossy and smooth, "sometimes teal, sometimes purple, sometimes black... and always sparkly and gorgeous"1
- Black Starlight: deeply textured, matte black, with starlight sparkles1
- Through a Prism: a limited edition finish6
- Devil's Punchbowl: a limited edition finish6
A one-of-a-kind listing, the Expanse in Chameleon Teal with a red LED ring and silver knobs instead of the blue ring and black knobs of the standard pedal, was offered in very limited quantities; the maker notes it is "the same great pedal as the regular" Expanse, only in the different cosmetic treatment7.
Availability and warranty
The Expanse is listed at £230.00 GBP with tax included13, and the Deep space textured black and Black Starlight finishes carry the same £230.00 GBP price6. MAS Effects notes that its pedals carry a lifetime warranty2.
The Expanse is sold out across the finishes the maker listed as of October 2026. The price shown on the shop page is in GBP, not US dollars.
What reviewers said
The pedal has picked up attention in the press. The Expanse has been described as delivering "some ambient awesomeness"8. Delicious Audio included it in a 2023 roundup of reverb pedals with tremolo, where Paolo De Gregorio highlighted the three Warp toggle modes, the Blend control for bringing back the dry signal, and the two expression inputs5.
Videos
AndyDemos
collector//emitter
Mike Hermans
Questions
What kind of pedal is the MAS Effects Expanse?
It is a harmonic tremolo pedal. Unlike a regular tremolo, which raises and lowers the volume, a harmonic tremolo pans between a low pass filter and a high pass filter, giving a smoother, more textured pulse. The Expanse can also layer on reverb and delay with feedback, so it works as a standalone tremolo or as an ambient soundscape pedal.
Does the MAS Effects Expanse have an expression pedal input?
Yes, two of them. Separate jacks let you simultaneously control WIDTH and either EXPANSE or VELOCITY with any expression pedal. Delicious Audio's buying guide describes the same arrangement, noting the two expression inputs allow simultaneous control of Width and either Expanse or Velocity.
What finishes did the Expanse come in?
Five: Deep space textured black (the standard finish, moderately textured and matte), Chameleon Starlight (a glossy, smooth finish that shifts between teal, purple and black with sparkles), Black Starlight (deeply textured matte black with starlight sparkles), Through a Prism, and Devil's Punchbowl. A Chameleon Teal version with a red LED ring and silver knobs was offered in very limited quantities.
Is the MAS Effects Expanse still available?
As of October 2026 the maker's shop lists it as sold out, including the standard Deep space textured black finish, the limited Black Starlight, and the limited Chameleon Teal with red ring and silver knobs. MAS Effects pedals carry a lifetime warranty.
Sources (8)
- The Expanse, MAS Effects
- expanse-manual.pdf, MAS Effects
- The Expanse, MAS Effects
- The Expanse, MAS Effects
- Best Reverb Pedals With Tremolo In 2023, Delicious Audio (delicious-audio.com), 2023-05-11
- The Expanse product data, MAS Effects
- The Expanse, MAS Effects
- New Pedal Day Origin Halcyon, Maestro Orbit, Latent Lemon Hurts, MAS Expanse, That Pedal Show, 2022-11-22
