The TWA SS-01 Side Step is a variable-state, tap-tempo low-frequency oscillator (LFO) built to control other pedals rather than to make a sound of its own. It connects to the EXP/CV jack of practically any audio device, so a pedal that normally takes an expression pedal can instead be swept automatically by the Side Step's LFO. TWA announced it in October 2019 at a street price of $17912, and the buying guide from Delicious Audio later listed it at $179 as well, describing it as "a variable-state, tap-tempo LFO that can be used to control any pedal with an EXP/CV input"2.
What it does and how you control it
The LFO rate can be set three ways: by tap tempo, with the onboard Rate pot, or with an external expression pedal plugged into the dedicated EXP jack1. A rotary switch selects from eight waveforms: saw, reverse saw, square, triangle, sine, peak, reverse peak, and random1. Because the Side Step drives the expression or CV input of another pedal, it can put automatic movement on effects that were designed for manual rocking, from filters and delays to anything else with an EXP/CV jack1.
The EXP Thru switch and bypass
Two features let the Side Step step out of the way when you want the connected pedal to behave normally13:
- Hard bypass: the Side Step can be hard bypassed to use the slave pedal or device in its standard operating mode1.
- EXP Thru switch: this allows use of the expression pedal to control the standard EXP function of the slave pedal, effectively bypassing the Side Step without disconnecting it3.
In practice, that means one expression pedal can serve both jobs: sweeping the LFO rate when the Side Step is active, and returning the pedal to its ordinary expression control when the EXP Thru switch is engaged13.
Background and availability
TWA announced the Side Step in late October 2019, with video demos available through the distributor's website at the time of the announcement1. The pedal is made in the USA and carries a three-year warranty1.
Videos
Godlyke Inc.
Cyberattack
Godlyke Inc.
Questions
What does the TWA Side Step do?
The Side Step is a variable-state, tap-tempo low-frequency oscillator (LFO) that connects to the EXP/CV jack of practically any audio device and modulates it automatically. You set the LFO rate by tapping the tempo, turning the onboard Rate pot, or rocking an external expression pedal, and you choose from eight waveforms via a rotary switch.
Is the TWA Side Step true bypass?
TWA describes the Side Step as hard bypassable rather than marketing it as true bypass. Hard bypass lets you use the connected slave pedal or device in its standard operating mode, with the Side Step out of the way, which is what matters when you want the pedal to behave normally.
What does the EXP Thru switch do on the Side Step?
The EXP Thru switch lets your expression pedal control the standard EXP function of the slave pedal, effectively bypassing the Side Step without disconnecting it. In that position the pedal works as it would if the expression pedal were plugged straight into it.
Can I use an expression pedal with the Side Step?
Yes. The Side Step has a dedicated EXP jack that allows connection of your favorite expression pedal, which you can use to control the LFO rate. With the EXP Thru switch engaged, that same expression pedal can instead control the slave pedal's standard EXP function.
Where is the TWA Side Step made?
The Side Step is made in the USA, according to the announcement carried by Premier Guitar in October 2019.
How long is the TWA Side Step warranty?
The Side Step carries a three-year warranty, as stated in the October 2019 press release published by Premier Guitar.
Sources (3)
- TWA SS-01 Side Step Universal Tap-Tempo LFO Launch, Premier Guitar, 2019-10-29
- The Best Pedals For Synths With CV In/out In 2022, Delicious Audio, 2020-10-01
- TWA releases SS-01 Side Step Universal Tap-tempo LFO, MusicPlayers.com, 2019-10-23
