Source Audio Reflex

The Source Audio Reflex Universal Expression Controller is a programmable expression pedal that does more than rock back and forth on one parameter. Announced in July 2015, it can send up to three standard expression or CV signals at the same time, along with MIDI continuous controller messages, and it stores up to 128 expression configurations for recall¹²³.

Source Audio's own framing of the pedal was broad: the company said the "Reflex serves up a dramatic new world of analog and digital control possibilities"².

What it does

At its core the Reflex is an expression controller: instead of shaping your tone directly, it sends control signals to other gear, sweeping parameters on pedals, rack units or software in real time. What sets it apart from a basic expression pedal is how much it can control at once. The pedal "allows users to simultaneously send up to three standard expression or CV signals, MIDI continuous controller messages"², so one move of the treadle can drive several destinations at the same time.

The three outputs are assignable CV outputs, and Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio noted that with "three assignable CV outputs, it's the only guitar-centric three-CV unit on the market"⁴. That matters if you use modular or synth gear alongside your pedalboard, since CV (control voltage) is the standard way those instruments accept external control.

On the digital side, the Reflex has "a USB port that allows the pedal to be used as a class compliant USB-MIDI device with any digital audio software"¹. Class compliant means no special drivers: plug it into a computer and it shows up as a MIDI controller, giving you "the ability to control DAW software via USB"³. For players who record, the same pedal that sweeps a filter on the board can also automate mix parameters in the box.

Presets are a big part of the design. The pedal stores "up to 128 expression configurations"³, so different output assignments, ranges and settings can be saved and recalled rather than re-patched by hand.

Where it came from

The Reflex was announced as part of a wider run of new Source Audio products. MusicRadar had flagged it among "seven new stompboxes set to emerge over the next year" from the company's sneak peek blogs⁵. Premier Guitar's announcement listed the three expression/CV outputs, the ability to control DAW software via USB, and storage for up to 128 expression configurations at a $219 street price³.

It sits in a Source Audio control line that includes the simpler Source Audio Dual Expression, a utility pedal with dual TRS outputs, and the Source Audio Hot Hand 3, a wireless ring-based controller with a 1/4-inch expression output for third-party pedals⁵.

What reviewers said

Premier Guitar's later expression pedal buying guide summed up the Reflex's appeal in one line: "Three expression outs, the ability to control DAW software via USB, and the functionality to store up to 128 expression" configurations³. Delicious Audio's buying guide for synth-focused pedals made the same point from the CV angle, calling it the only guitar-centric three-CV unit on the market⁴.

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