The Source Audio Tap Switch is a simple footswitch that adds significant functionality to every One Series pedal in the Source Audio collection, according to the maker. It gives players external tap tempo and remote control over functions that would otherwise require bending down or menu-diving, and it works with Source Audio's own pedals and with many third-party pedals alike.1
What it does
The Tap Switch has two outputs, and each serves a different purpose:
- 1/8" TRRS output: connects with any Source Audio One Series pedal, using the included 1/8" TRRS Daisy Chain/Sensor cable.1
- 1/4" TRS output: connects to compatible third-party pedals featuring a standard external normally open (NO), single pull/single throw (SPST) tap tempo connection.1
On Source Audio's own pedals, what the switch does depends on which pedal it is connected to:
- Nemesis Delay: connected to the Control Input, it functions similar to an expression pedal, programmed to alter the virtual positions of any combination of knobs with a single tap. It also scrolls up or down through presets or manages the Nemesis' Hold, also called Freeze, function with either momentary or latching action.1
- One Series distortion pedals: when cascading engines, the Tap Tempo can engage or bypass either engine, which Source Audio describes as perfect for switching between rhythm and lead. Run in parallel, it adds or subtracts the second engine to or from the mix.1
- One Series distortion pedals, tone switching: it toggles between any two types of distortion, since each of these pedals features dual distortion blocks that can be loaded with any of the 40 plus distortion engines available in the Neuro Mobile App. The pedals concerned are the L.A. Lady Overdrive, the Kingmaker Fuzz and the AfterShock Bass Distortion.1
Which pedals it works with
The Tap Switch is a small unit by design. The switch itself is compact, measuring about 2 1/4" wide and 2 1/2" tall, which keeps its footprint minimal on a pedalboard.2
The switch is an accessory, not a stand-alone effect: it controls a connected pedal rather than producing sound itself, and its functions vary by the pedal it is paired with.1
Size and handling
Premier Guitar's reviewer described the hardware in a 2023 review of the True Spring: "The switch itself is compact and about 2 1/4\" wide and 2 1/2\" tall."2 That small footprint is the practical point of the accessory: it sits beside a pedal on a board and takes over tasks such as tap tempo, preset scrolling or engine switching without adding a full-sized controller.
Videos
Brett Gildersleeve
Questions
Does the Source Audio Tap Switch work with pedals from other makers?
It can. The 1/4" TRS output connects to compatible third-party pedals that feature a standard external normally open (NO), single pull/single throw (SPST) tap tempo connection, according to Source Audio. For Source Audio's own One Series pedals, the 1/8" TRRS output and the included Daisy Chain/Sensor cable are the intended connection.
What can the Tap Switch do on the Nemesis Delay?
Connected to the Nemesis Delay's Control Input, Source Audio says the Tap Switch functions similar to an expression pedal: it can be programmed to alter the virtual positions of any combination of knobs with a single tap. It can also scroll up or down through presets or manage the Nemesis' Hold, also called Freeze, function with either momentary or latching action.
Sources (2)
- Source Audio Tap Tempo Switch, Source Audio
- Source Audio True Spring Review, Premier Guitar, 2019-03-12
