The Old Blood Noise Endeavors Expression Ramper X3 is an expression ramping device for expression-enabled pedals: a utility box that moves a parameter on another pedal between two expression settings you choose, so a delay's time, a filter's cutoff or a reverb's mix can sweep back and forth on its own while you play. The X3 puts three individual Expression Rampers in one unit, giving you footswitch-activated motion on up to three external devices at once1.
It is an expanded version of OBNE's earlier limited-edition Triple Expression Ramper, adding sync options and new LFO shapes2. It was announced on 9 May 2024 alongside the Scooch Tap Tempo external tap switch, and was available from the OBNE webstore immediately and imminently at international dealers3.
Three Expression Rampers in one pedal
Each of the three Rampers works the same way: you pick two expression settings, A and B, and the Ramper ramps between them. The A position, B position and LFO rate are set with a Set toggle and knob, and a footswitch sets the expression output in motion1. Footswitching is smart, supporting both momentary and latching operation, so a parameter can move only while you hold the switch or run continuously until you step again3.
The three outputs are separately adjustable and syncable, so you can drive three different pedals with three different motions, or lock them together. Users can also store and recall favorite expression settings2.
| Control or feature | What it does | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Set toggle and knob | Sets A position, B position, and LFO rate | Each Ramper1 |
| Footswitch | Sets the expression output in motion | Each Ramper1 |
| Smart footswitching | Momentary or latching operation | All3 |
| Presets | Store and recall favorite expression settings | All2 |
| Internal configuration | TRS, TRS reverse polarity, and TS expression compatibility | Each Ramper1 |
| Digipot | Built-in 50K, replaceable with 10K or 100K versions | Each Ramper1 |
The internal TRS/TS configuration means each Ramper can be matched to how the controlled pedal expects an expression input to be wired, and the replaceable digipot covers devices that want a different resistance range1.
Tap tempo and syncing the three Rampers
Ramper I is the timing master. It carries the Tap Tempo switch, a Tap/Exp input jack for an external tap switch, and a Tap Out jack for linking multiple units1. Syncing begins at two taps, and multiple taps in a row at similar BPMs average out to increase accuracy3.
Rampers II and III each have a Sync toggle to match either Ramper I's speed or its entire output, and when synced they offer subdivisions set through the Rate control1. That gives you a choice between three parameters moving in time at different rhythmic ratios, or three pedals breathing together as one.
The X3 was announced alongside OBNE's Scooch Tap Tempo, a $30 external tap switch that can drive the X3's Tap/Exp input1.
Splitting one expression pedal to three outputs
Ramper 1 has an expression input, which lets the X3 work as a 1-in-3-out expression splitter: one expression pedal feeding up to three external devices3. That covers the opposite use case from ramping. Instead of automated motion, you keep manual control of one pedal and send it to three destinations at once.
LFO shapes
The X3 offers five LFO shapes: Triangle, Square, One-Shot, and the random variations Smooth and Sharp, the last two being new additions over the limited-edition Triple Expression Ramper2. Triangle and Square give steady cyclic sweeps, One-Shot fires a single ramp, and Smooth and Sharp introduce randomized movement.
Power and connections
The X3 requires a 9V DC center negative power supply with a 2.1mm jack, capable of 50mA, and the supply is not included1.
Center negative 9V is the standard pedalboard supply, but the X3 ships without one, so it needs a power supply you already own or buy separately1.
What reviewers said
Gearnews described the X3 as a triple output expression pedal and judged that it "will appeal to pedal users who want to synchronise multiple effect parameters at once, mak[ing it] perfect for complex stompbox setups"2.
"This new Expression Ramper X3 will appeal to pedal users who want to synchronise multiple effect parameters at once"
Guitar Pedal X noted the launch pricing of $199 USD, €229 EUR and £199 GBP, and the immediate webstore availability3. The current OBNE product page lists it at $199.00 USD1.
Related OBNE products
The OBNE product page lists several companions for the X31:
- Expression Slider, $44.00
- MTET Midi to Expression Translator, $119.00
- Scooch Tap Tempo, $30.00
- AB/Y Switcher, $69.00
- Hosa Stereo Break Out Cable, 1/4" TRS to dual 1/4" TS, $8.95
For a single-ramp version, see the Expression Ramper, or the wider world of expression pedals.
Videos
Old Blood Noise Endeavors
Harp Lady
Mark Johnston
Questions
Can the Expression Ramper X3 sync to tap tempo?
Yes. Ramper I has a built-in tap tempo switch, and there is a Tap/Exp input jack for an external tap switch such as OBNE's Scooch. Syncing starts at two taps, and multiple taps in a row at similar BPMs average out to improve accuracy. A Tap Out jack lets you link additional units.
Can the X3 split one expression pedal to three outputs?
Yes. Ramper 1 has an expression input, which lets the X3 act as a 1-in-3-out expression splitter. One expression pedal can then drive up to three external devices, each with its own separately adjustable and syncable expression output.
Does the Expression Ramper X3 work with TS expression inputs?
Yes. Each Ramper has internal configuration for TRS, TRS reverse polarity, and TS expression compatibility, so it can be matched to the wiring standard of the pedal or device being controlled. The setting is made inside the unit rather than with a switch on top.
What LFO shapes does the Expression Ramper X3 have?
Five: Triangle, Square, One-Shot, and the random variations Smooth and Sharp. Smooth and Sharp were new additions over the earlier limited-edition Triple Expression Ramper. The shape determines how the parameter moves between the A and B settings.
Can I link the X3 with another Ramper?
Yes, through the Tap Out jack on Ramper I, which outputs tap tempo information to link multiple units. Each Ramper's built-in 50K digipot can also be replaced with 10K or 100K versions to match devices that expect a different resistance range.
Sources (3)
- Old Blood Noise Endeavors, Old Blood Noise Endeavors
- OBNE Expression Ramper X3, gearnews.com, 2024-05-09
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-05-09
