The Wampler Syntax is a full-fledged MIDI controller in a mini-stomp housing, able to output PC messages 1 through 8. Wampler designed it as a dual-sided MIDI program selector, tap-tempo controller, and amp channel switcher, a micro-format multifunction switcher that lets you go deep with your favorite delays, modelers, and other MIDI-enabled gear1. It sits in the maker's Boost & Utilities category and sits alongside other MIDI pedals and switching pedals on a board1.
What it does
The Syntax synchronizes presets on MIDI-enabled gear, including Wampler's own Catacombs, Metaverse, and Terraform pedals1. Wampler describes it as having "way more power than its small enclosure suggests"1.
"way more power than its small enclosure suggests"
It does all this with just two footswitches, both of which can be operated in momentary or latching modes4.
Controls
The controls are deliberately simple. Each footswitch's function is set by simple, independent slide switches: a quick slider push assigns a footswitch to its role, with no menus or screens. MusicRadar's Jonathan Horsley described the arrangement as "a pair of independent 3-way slider switches" serving the footswitches4.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Footswitch 1 | Sends its assigned function; set by its own slide switch, momentary or latching14 |
| Footswitch 2 | Sends its assigned function; set by its own slide switch, momentary or latching14 |
| Slide switch 1 | 3-way slider that assigns footswitch 1's role4 |
| Slide switch 2 | 3-way slider that assigns footswitch 2's role4 |
Ports and amp switching
The pedal carries three 1/8" ports3:
| Port | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1/8" MIDI In | Receives MIDI from other gear3 |
| 1/8" MIDI Out | Sends PC messages 1 through 8 to MIDI-enabled pedals13 |
| 1/8" EXT Out | Connects to your amp for channel switching in latching mode13 |
The EXT Out is what makes the amp-side work possible: connect the Syntax to your amp in latching mode to swap channels and more, according to Wampler1.
Power and practical details
The Syntax runs on a 9-18V power jack, DC supply only, with no battery connection within, drawing 20mA at 9V1. Wampler notes rock solid construction and high-grade components selected for optimal performance1.
There is no battery connection within the Syntax, so it needs a DC supply. The 9-18V jack and 20mA draw at 9V are modest by pedalboard standards1.
Price and availability
Wampler's product page lists the Syntax at $99.99 USD as of July 20261. When the pedal was announced in November 2024, MusicRadar reported it priced at $99 in the US and £99 in the UK4, and Guitar Pedal X reported the Syntax Multifunction Remote Switcher at $993.
Questions
What does the Wampler Syntax do?
It is a full-fledged MIDI controller in a mini-stomp housing that outputs PC messages 1 through 8, so it can synchronize presets on MIDI-enabled gear. Wampler also describes it as a tap-tempo controller and an amp channel switcher. Two footswitches, each set by its own slide switch, can operate in momentary or latching modes, and an 1/8" EXT Out port handles amp switching duties.
Does the Wampler Syntax take a battery?
No. Wampler specifies a 9-18V power jack with DC supply only and states there is no battery connection within. The pedal draws 20mA at 9V, so a standard 9V DC center-negative supply from your board power covers it.
How many MIDI program changes can the Syntax send?
Wampler says the Syntax is able to output PC messages 1 through 8. Each of the two footswitches is assigned a function by an independent 3-way slide switch, which is how the small housing covers eight program-change destinations without menus or deep editing.
Can the Wampler Syntax switch amp channels?
Yes. Wampler says you can connect the Syntax to your amp in latching mode to swap channels and more. The 1/8" EXT Out port is the connection for that, separate from the 1/8" MIDI In and MIDI Out ports.
Where is the Wampler Syntax made?
Wampler lists the Syntax as built in USA. It is made by Wampler Pedals and carries a limited 5-year warranty.
How much does the Wampler Syntax cost?
Wampler's product page lists it at $99.99 USD as of July 2026. When it was announced in November 2024, MusicRadar reported a price of $99 in the US and £99 in the UK.
Sources (4)
- Syntax | Wampler Pedals, Wampler Pedals, 2026-07-06
- Syntax | Wampler Pedals, Wampler Pedals
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-11-11
- “I made this pedal because I wanted it in my own rig, but I'm betting you'll love its range and usability too”: Wampler Pedals unveils Catacombs, a programmable pedal packing 11 delay/reverb sounds to “redefine your relationship with time-based effects”, MusicRadar, 2024-11-08
