The Sonicake FlipVol is a full-size floor pedal that does two jobs: it is a passive volume pedal, and it doubles as an expression pedal for Sonicake effects units. Sonicake describes it as a "100% analog Passive Volume/Expression Pedal" and sells it at a regular price of $69.99 USD as of 26 October 202612.
Two modes: volume and expression
In volume mode, the FlipVol is an analog potentiometer that you insert into the signal chain between guitar and amplifier using a standard jack-to-jack cable1. Because it is passive in this role, Sonicake says the pedal works without a battery or pedal power supply1.
In expression mode, the pedal becomes a controller: you hook it up to a suitable Sonicake FX unit with a TRS cable (Tip Ring and Shield) and it controls the level of the effect1. That makes it a single-pedal solution for players already using a Sonicake unit such as the Sonicake VolWah or the Sonicake Vexpress, and it sits alongside the Sonicake FlipWah in the maker's range. For more on how pedals like this are used, see Expression Pedals and Volume Pedals.
The two modes use different connections: volume mode takes a standard mono jack-jack cable in the guitar-to-amp chain, while expression mode needs a TRS cable running to a Sonicake FX unit.
| Mode | Connection | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Passive volume | Standard jack-to-jack cable, guitar to amp | Sets level in the signal chain, no power needed1 |
| Expression | TRS cable (Tip Ring and Shield) to a Sonicake FX unit | Controls the level of the effect1 |
Power and specifications
Sonicake lists the power requirement as DC 9V through a 5.5mm x 2.1mm center negative connector, drawing 22mA, and gives input and output impedances of 2MΩ and 100Ω for the Active Volume Mode1. The same figures appear on the maker's German product page3. The center-negative 9V connector is the standard shared by most pedalboard power supplies, so the FlipVol fits a normal daisy-chain or isolated supply setup.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power input | DC 9V, 5.5mm x 2.1mm center negative1 |
| Current draw | 22mA1 |
| Input impedance (Active Volume Mode) | 2MΩ1 |
| Output impedance (Active Volume Mode) | 100Ω1 |
| Dimensions | 148.5mm (D) x 65.5mm (W) x 61mm (H)1 |
| Weight | 821g1 |
Build and compatibility
The pedal is a full-size unit, which Sonicake says makes it more suitable for the feet than a mini pedal, and the maker describes the enclosure as heavy mild steel1. At 821g it has real weight underfoot1.
"to the degree that it seems you could park the band's van on it"
Sonicake lists high compatibility, naming among the instruments and devices it works with1:
- Guitar
- Bass
- Keyboard
- Synthesizer
- Workstation
- Controller
One documented user, Bettuh Shredduh, describes using the FlipVol with a Matribox pro II, which has an input for it, and with a JHS pink panther delay4.
Videos
SONICAKE
SONICAKE
The Guitar Effect
Questions
What is the Sonicake FlipVol model number?
Sonicake lists the product name as QEP-20. The pedal is sold as the FlipVol, an expression pedal and passive volume pedal in one unit.
Does the Sonicake FlipVol need a battery?
Sonicake says the FlipVol works without a battery or pedal power supply. The maker also lists a power input of DC 9V, 5.5mm x 2.1mm center negative, drawing 22mA, which applies to the pedal's active volume mode. In passive volume use no power is needed.
What cable does the FlipVol use in expression mode?
In expression mode the FlipVol connects to a suitable Sonicake FX unit with a TRS cable (Tip Ring and Shield) and controls the level of the effect.
How heavy is the Sonicake FlipVol?
The FlipVol weighs 821g and measures 148.5mm deep by 65.5mm wide by 61mm high. Sonicake describes it as a full-size pedal made from heavy mild steel.
Does the FlipVol work with bass and keyboards?
Sonicake lists high compatibility, saying the pedal works with guitar, bass, keyboard, synthesizer, workstation and controller, among others.
