The Igor Expression Pad is a small pressure-sensitive pad from Rainger FX that gives real-time foot control over a pedal's parameters. Instead of a rocking treadle like a conventional expression pedal, you press down on the pad, and the pressure changes its resistance, which the connected pedal reads as a control signal. Rainger FX describes it as "a simple solution to foot-controlled expression on-the-fly," while noting "It's not as precise as a 'rocker' style expression pedal."1
How it works
The pad is a variable resistor. Rainger FX specifies that Igor "goes from several mega-Ohms down to tens of Oms when pressed," so pressing harder lowers the resistance between the ring and tip connections of its 3.5mm stereo mini jackplug. The pedal it is plugged into reads that changing resistance and turns it into control over a parameter.1
At 55mm in diameter, the pad is small enough to sit on the floor beside a pedalboard. Rainger FX points out that it is "very light (35 times lighter than a standard cast metal treadle-type pedal!!!)," which makes it easy to carry as a spare or pack in a gig bag.1
Using it: which side goes up
Rainger FX gives a few ways to use the pad depending on where you are and what is under your feet:
- Shiny side up on a hard stage, or with shoes, standing1
- Rubber side up if you are barefoot or sitting down1
- Or use it by hand1
Compatibility
The Igor is designed for use with Rainger FX products. On other brands, the maker's own words are: "Might work with someone else's? Maybe, we don't know," adding that it would likely need a 1/4" adaptor to fit a standard expression pedal input.1
All Rainger FX pedals that use an Igor are already supplied with one, other than the Stealth. This page's product is sold as a replacement.1
Where it came from
The name is a reference to Frankenstein's assistant: "It's called 'Igor' because it first came into being as the assistant to our Dr Freakenstein Fuzz (now discontinued)," according to Rainger FX. The pad started life as the control accessory for that fuzz pedal and has since carried across the rest of the range.1
Videos
Harsh Tones, Inc.
Questions
Does the Igor Expression Pad work with pedals from other brands?
Rainger FX designed the Igor for use with its own products. The maker says it might work with another brand's pedal but does not know for certain, and the connection would likely need a 1/4 inch adaptor, since the Igor uses a 3.5mm stereo mini jackplug. Treat use with other brands as untested.
Does the Igor Expression Pad come with Rainger FX pedals?
Yes. All Rainger FX pedals that use an Igor are already supplied with one, other than the Stealth. The pad is sold separately on the maker's page as a replacement for players who need a spare.
Which side of the Igor pad goes up?
It depends on how you use it. Rainger FX says to use it shiny side up on a hard stage, or with shoes, standing. Turn it rubber side up if you are barefoot or sitting down. You can also use it by hand.
Can you use the Igor Expression Pad by hand?
Yes. Along with the foot and floor options, Rainger FX lists using the pad by hand as one of the ways to operate it, pressing it to vary the resistance that controls the connected pedal's parameter.
Sources (1)
- Igor Expression Pad, Rainger FX
