The Sonicake Vexpress is a compact foot pedal from Sonicake that does two jobs in one unit: it is a passive volume pedal for guitar or bass, and it is an expression pedal for controlling parameters on a multi-effects unit, modeler or synth. Sonicake describes it as a "Passive Volume Control/Expression Control 2 functions in 1 Pedal" with a true analog circuit design1. It lists at $39.992.
Two pedals in one, chosen by the cable
There is no mode switch to set. The pedal automatically detects whether it should act as a volume control or an expression control, based on how it is connected1. The two setups look like this:
| Mode | How to connect it | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Input jack in from your instrument, output jack out to the next device | Passive volume control in your signal path |
| Expression | Leave the input jack unconnected; connect the output jack to the device with a stereo 1/4" cable | Sends expression control data to the connected device |
Both modes come from Sonicake's product page1. In volume mode the input impedance is 100k Ohms; in expression mode the pot resistance is 10k Ohms1. Because the volume function is passive, the pedal works without a battery or pedal power supply, though the page still specifies a DC 9v center negative power input, with the supply not included1.
In expression mode the connection is a stereo 1/4" cable from the output jack, with the input left unconnected. Using a plain mono cable in that setup is the kind of mistake that leaves the expression function silent.
What it works with
Sonicake lists the Vexpress as working with guitar, bass, keyboard, synthesizer, workstation, controller and similar instruments3. The company also makes the same point about MIDI expression control, naming the Vexpress as the model for that use2. Sonicake describes the pedal's travel as a smooth taper that "responds to various parameters with maximum precision"4.
Build and size
The casing is hard plastic. Sonicake describes it as a lightweight enclosure that is "yet very robust and well-built"1. For comparison, the Sonicake VolWah is the company's volume-plus-wah take on the same compact idea2.
Where it sits among volume pedals
Most volume pedals do one thing: the Ernie Ball Mono Volume Pedal or the Boss FV-500H are straight volume controls, while the Hotone Soul Press II and the Morley Mini Wah Volume combine volume with other functions. The Vexpress's distinguishing feature is that its second function is expression rather than wah or a second volume channel, and that it picks the function itself from the cabling1. See more options in Volume Pedals and Expression Pedals.
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Questions
Does the Sonicake Vexpress need a battery or power supply?
No. Sonicake states the Vexpress works without a battery or pedal power supply, because the circuit is passive. A DC 9v center negative power input is still specified on the product page, but the power supply is not included, and the pedal's volume and expression functions operate without one.
How does the Vexpress switch between volume and expression?
It switches by how you connect it. As a volume pedal, you plug your instrument into the input jack and run the output jack to the next device. As an expression pedal, you leave the input jack unconnected and connect the output jack to the device you want to control using a stereo 1/4 inch cable. The pedal automatically detects which function it is performing.
Is the Sonicake Vexpress a true analog pedal?
Sonicake describes the Vexpress as having a true analog circuit design that combines the two functions in one unit: a passive volume control and an expression pedal. Because it is passive in volume mode, it also works without any power at all.
What is the input impedance of the Sonicake Vexpress?
In volume mode, the input impedance is 100k Ohms, according to Sonicake's product page. In expression mode, the pot resistance is 10k Ohms, which is the value the connected device sees from the expression output.
Does the Vexpress work with keyboards as well as guitar?
Yes. Sonicake lists the Vexpress as working with guitar, bass, keyboard, synthesizer, workstation and controller, among other instruments. As an expression pedal it is also the model Sonicake names for MIDI expression control.
Sources (4)
- Vexpress Compact Passive Volume & Expression EXP Pedal, SONICAKE
- SONICAKE VolWah, Sonicake
- Vexpress Compact Passive Volume & Expression EXP Pedal, SONICAKE
- Vexpress Compact Passive Volume & Expression EXP Pedal, SONICAKE (de.sonicake.com)
