The PaintAudio EXP-AB Face is a dual-channel expression pedal: one rocker that can drive two effects at once, with switchable polarity for toe and heel so it can be matched to different devices. PaintAudio describes it as "a unique dual-channel expression pedal with switchable polarity for toe and heel"1. It carries a list price of $129.99 USD as of the maker's product page dated 26 October 20262.
Outputs, modes and compatibility
The headline feature is what PaintAudio calls complementary control: "Using one pedal to achieve a complementary control of any two effects mixing from 0 - 100% / 100% - 0"2. In other words, as the pedal pushes one effect's parameter up, it pulls the other's down, so a single rocker movement blends between two effects rather than sweeping just one. The dual outputs are what make this possible, and PaintAudio says that "with dual outputs, the AB Face expression pedal increased function in 4 Modes Presets greatly"2.
Compatibility is broad, because the pedal is "compatible with any model or brand of effect that features a stand TRS expression input"2. PaintAudio names these devices as examples:
- MIDI Captain
- Fractal AXE Fx2
- Kemper profiling amps (KPA)
- ZOOM G1, G2, G3, G5, G7
- Line 6 HX Stomp
- Digitech RP360
- Boss GT1000 Core (needs the adapter cable)2
The Boss GT1000 Core connection requires an adapter cable, according to PaintAudio's product page2.
The switchable polarity matters here: expression inputs are not wired the same way across makers, and a pedal that sweeps the wrong direction, heel-down when it should be toe-down, is a common frustration. Being able to switch polarity for toe and heel means the EXP-AB can be set to match the device it is plugged into1. For more on how these pedals work in general, see Expression Pedals.
Versions: 25K and 15K
"The pedal is available in two models- 25K and 15K"2. The number refers to the potentiometer value, and different effects units expect different values from an expression pedal, which is why PaintAudio offers both. The product page also lists style options of 25k and 10k2.
PaintAudio also makes related controllers, including the PaintAudio Foot Captain SWL, the PaintAudio EXP/SW CAPTIAN and the PaintAudio Foot Captain Expression Pedal.
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Questions
What does complementary control of two effects mean?
PaintAudio says the EXP-AB Face can use one pedal to achieve complementary control of any two effects, mixing from 0 to 100 percent on one while the other goes from 100 to 0 percent. In practice, rocking the pedal forward raises one effect's parameter as it lowers the other's, so a single rocker movement blends between two effects instead of controlling just one.
What is the difference between the 25K and 15K models?
The pedal is available in two models, 25K and 15K, referring to the potentiometer value used in each. Different effects units expect different potentiometer values on an expression pedal, so the two versions let players match the pedal to the gear they connect it to. PaintAudio's product page also lists 10k and 25k style options.
Does the PaintAudio EXP-AB work with the Line 6 HX Stomp?
Yes. PaintAudio lists the Line 6 HX Stomp among the compatible devices, alongside the MIDI Captain, Fractal AXE Fx2, Kemper profiling amps, ZOOM G1, G2, G3, G5 and G7, the Digitech RP360, and the Boss GT1000 Core, which needs an adapter cable.
Does the EXP-AB have a polarity switch?
Yes. PaintAudio describes the AB Face as a unique dual-channel expression pedal with switchable polarity for toe and heel, so it can be matched to effects units that use opposite polarity conventions without needing a separate adapter.
How many outputs does the EXP-AB have?
The EXP-AB Face has dual outputs. PaintAudio says that with dual outputs the pedal increased function in 4 Modes Presets, which is what allows one rocker to control two effects at the same time.
Sources (2)
- MIDI Captain DUO Controller with HID Multi-state Cycling, PaintAudio
- PaintAudio EXP-AB Face Expression Pedal, PaintAudio
