The Xotic Robotalk 2 is an envelope filter pedal from Xotic Effects. It carries two individual envelope filter channels, each independently voiced and presettable for a different playing style, so one channel can be set for a slow, acoustic-like attack and the other for percussive playing1. Premier Guitar describes it as a refined and focused version of the original Robotalk RI, adding a second envelope filter channel and dropping the original's random arpeggiator function2.
An envelope filter, sometimes called an auto-wah, sweeps a filter in response to how hard you pick, so the effect opens up on loud notes and closes on quiet ones. With two individual envelope filter channels, each independently voiced and presettable for different playing styles, the Robotalk 2 lets you keep two different filter settings ready and switch between them mid-song31.
The two channels and how they differ
The two channels are voiced differently, which is the main point of having both. In Premier Guitar's review, the A Channel is described as more midrangey and a bit hotter, making it suitable for lead lines and notes higher up on the neck, while the B Channel dials down the midrange and the gain for chord work2.
Xotic describes the channels as presettable for different playing styles, giving a slow acoustic-like attack on one setting and a percussive character on another1. For a player, that means one channel can carry a squelchy, vocal lead sound and the other a subtler filter for rhythm parts, without rebuilding the settings between songs.
The controls
Each channel has its own set of knobs, with one shared control:
| Control | Where | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity | Per channel, top of the box | Sets how responsive the filter is to your picking2 |
| Decay | Per channel, top of the box | Sets how the filter closes after each note2 |
| Channel Volume | Per channel | Sets the level of that channel2 |
| Resonance | Per channel | Shapes the filter's intensity2 |
| Direct Volume | Shared mini-knob | Functions as a Mix control, blending dry signal with the filtered signal2 |
Premier Guitar's reviewer found the Decay knob particularly capable, with an impressive range that moves from deep textures to sharp, percussive snaps2.
A bottom dip switch controls the input pad, which minimizes distortion from your guitar's or bass's electronics1. In the Premier Guitar review, with the dip switches engaged the pedal became more round and vocal, and less nasal2. That makes the pad a practical tool for hotter pickups or active bass electronics.
Power and connections
The Robotalk 2 runs on a single 9V battery or an optional AC adapter1. Xotic specifies an adapter range of 9VDC to 18VDC with negative tips, and recommends a regulated supply1. Power consumption is listed at 9VDC and 5mA3, a light enough draw that it fits comfortably on most isolated pedalboard power supplies.
The adapter is optional, not included: the pedal ships ready to run on its internal 9V battery, and the 9VDC to 18VDC adapter jack uses a negative center13.
Input impedance is 1M ohm and output impedance is 1k ohm1, standard figures that let it sit anywhere in a signal chain without loading the guitar or the next pedal.
What reviewers said
A published review of the Robotalk 2 found it a strong entry in the envelope filter category, with the reviewer describing it as a possible revelation for players searching for the perfect envelope filter2:
"Xotic's Robotalk 2 will likely be a revelation for any player who has been searching for the perfect envelope filter"
The review also noted the true bypass design resists imprinting itself on your tone too heavily when the pedal is off2. On price, the reviewer observed that at an MSRP of $280 the Robotalk 2 may look a little expensive compared with other popular filters2.
Videos
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Questions
Does the Robotalk 2 take a battery?
Yes. Xotic lists the battery type as a single 9VDC (006P) battery. An AC adapter is optional, and the pedal also runs from a 9VDC to 18VDC negative tip regulated supply.
Is the Xotic Robotalk 2 true bypass?
Yes. Xotic specifies True Bypass Switching for the Robotalk 2, and Premier Guitar's review also describes it as a true bypass pedal, noting that it resists imprinting itself on your tone too heavily when it is off.
Does the Robotalk 2 have the arpeggiator?
No. Premier Guitar reports that the Robotalk 2 dispenses with the random arpeggiator function of the original Robotalk, and instead adds a second envelope filter channel. It is a refined and more focused version of the original.
Can you use the Robotalk 2 on bass?
Yes. Xotic says the bottom dip switch controls an input pad that minimizes distortion from your guitar's or bass's electronics, so the pedal is designed with bass players in mind as well as guitarists.
Can the Robotalk 2 run at 18V?
Yes. Xotic specifies an optional AC adapter range of 9VDC to 18VDC with negative tips, and recommends a regulated supply. Power consumption is listed at 9VDC and 5mA.
Sources (3)
- Robotalk 2, Xotic California
- Xotic Effects Robotalk 2 Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2009-04-21
- Robotalk 2, Xotic Online Shop - Artists and End-users, 2025-10-01
