Best midi expression pedals

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Sep 23, 2022

Online shopping can be a time-consuming task to perform, especially if you've never had the product before. Luckily, there're ultimate reviews like this one that can help save you hours on the research. The www.playersbenchmusic.com researchers have carefully selected the top 22 midi expression pedals out there. Below you'll find our detailed reviews of the best options from Brasstache, Tama, MOOER, FIFINE, JBL.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Lehle Dual Expression Pedal
#TOP 1
Lehle Dual Expression Pedal
ftb score rating icon 10
PBM Score
Mission Engineering Inc SP-1 Expression Pedal With Latching Footswitch
#TOP 2
Mission Engineering Inc SP-1 Expression Pedal With Latching Footswitch
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score
Korg EXP-2 Expression Pedal
#TOP 3
Korg EXP-2 Expression Pedal
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score

Top 22 Best midi expression pedals Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Lehle Dual Expression Pedal

Lehle

Features

  • Digital Potentiometers
  • USB MIDI
  • 2-output Expression Pedal with Magnetic Sens
#TOP 2

Mission Engineering Inc SP-1 Expression Pedal With Latching Footswitch

Mission Engineering

Features

  • Switching Expression Pedal f Digital Amps
  • MIDI Controllers
  • Effects Units
#TOP 3

Korg EXP-2 Expression Pedal

Korg

Features

  • Foot Controller Pedal f Kg Keyboards
#TOP 4

HeadRush Expression Pedal – Expression Pedal

HeadRush

Features

  • Expertly Engineered Expression Effects Pedal for Pedalboard, Gigboard and Looperboard - Military-grade aluminum die-cast guitar pedal housing built to withstand the rigors of the road
  • Effortless Connectivity - ¼-inch (6. 35mm) TRS expression pedal output connects to any HeadRush product equipped with an expression pedal input
  • Complete Control - Momentary toe switch with ¼-inch (6. 35mm) TS output for enabling / bypassing two expression FX blocks in Gigboard / Pedalboard or control over up to 4 FX parameters in Looperboard
  • Precise Guitar, Bass and Looper Performances - Griptape prevents slipping and Custom linear 10k ohm potentiometer for accurate control of virtual effects pedals and guitar / bass amp parameters
  • Customize to Your Personal Taste - Easily adjustable pedal tension using a standard hex key wrench (included) for a tailored response with your guitar pedals and FX in HeadRush units
#TOP 5

M-Audio EX-P | Universal Expression Pedal

M-Audio

Features

  • Product 1: Robust, Reliable - Secure, robust and hardwired 1/4-inch 18 m TRS cable fits industry standard expression pedal inputs
  • Product 2: Classic design with a conveniently located polarity switch for compatibility with all electronic keyboards
  • Product 2: Lightweight, ultra-compact aesthetic provides classic piano style sustain in portable footprint
  • Product 1: Express Yourself - Expand and unlock the full creative scope of your controller or keyboard with M-audio's universal EX-P expression pedal
  • Product 2: Universal sustain pedal with chrome foot pedal for a natural, realistic pedal action
  • Product 2: Premium build with a robust, heavy-duty mechanism for uncompromised reliability
  • Product 1: Control Anything - Manipulate any MIDI assignable control or parameter in real time, including volume, modulation, panning, filter sweep and more
  • Product 1: Universal Compatibility - Built-in and discretely located polarity switch for compatibility with most keyboards, controllers, synthesisers and effect devices with an expression pedal input
#TOP 6

Crumar UP4 USB-MIDI Expression Pedal

Crumar

Features

  • MIDI Expression Pedal with USB Connectivity
#TOP 7

BOSS EV-5 Expression Guitar Pedal

BOSS

Features

  • Control pedal
  • Roland quality
  • Heavy duty
#TOP 8

Behringer MIDI Foot Controller FCB1010

Behringer

Features

  • 10 Banks Of Presets
  • MIDI Foot Controller with 2 Expression Pedals
  • 2 Relay-controlled Programmable Switch Jacks
#TOP 9

Yamaha FC7 Volume Expression Pedal

Yamaha

Features

  • 5' cable, 1/4" jacks
  • Product Code: FC7
  • The FC7 is a volume controller that allows you to adjust the volume and even the effects of your instrument
  • Brand: Yamaha
  • This heavy-duty controller, with "fortissimo function," enables the user to accent certain parts of a performance
  • The Durable Volume Control Tool for Today's Electronic Keyboard
#TOP 10

Moog EP-3 Expression Pedal

Moog Music Inc.

Features

  • The EP-3 is a robust and reliable universal expression pedal designed to work with any keyboard, synthesizer, or pedal with an expression or CV input
  • Product Code: ACCEP003
  • Perfect weight and balance, along with superb craftsmanship
  • It features a newly designed cam system with extremely smooth performance and durability, a polarity switch that ensures compatibility with non-Moog products, a scalable output knob for specifying musical range, and a ¼” output jack on the front panel that allows you to use the supplied 6.5’ cable, or select a different cable length that perfectly suits your needs
  • Brand: MOOG
#TOP 11

M-Audio EX-P | Universal Expression Pedal

M-Audio

Features

  • Product 1: Express Yourself - Expand and unlock the full creative scope of your controller or keyboard with M-audio's universal EX-P expression pedal
  • Product 2: Product Code: FC7
  • Product 1: Robust, Reliable - Secure, robust and hardwired 1/4-inch 18 m TRS cable fits industry standard expression pedal inputs
  • Product 2: Brand: Yamaha
  • Product 2: This heavy-duty controller, with "fortissimo function," enables the user to accent certain parts of a performance
  • Product 1: Universal Compatibility - Built-in and discretely located polarity switch for compatibility with most keyboards, controllers, synthesisers and effect devices with an expression pedal input
  • Product 2: The FC7 is a volume controller that allows you to adjust the volume and even the effects of your instrument
  • Product 1: Control Anything - Manipulate any MIDI assignable control or parameter in real time, including volume, modulation, panning, filter sweep and more
#TOP 12

M-Audio EX-P | Universal Expression Pedal

M-Audio

Features

  • Universal Compatibility - Built-in and discretely located polarity switch for compatibility with most keyboards, controllers, synthesisers and effect devices with an expression pedal input
  • Control Anything - Manipulate any MIDI assignable control or parameter in real time, including volume, modulation, panning, filter sweep and more
  • Robust, Reliable - Secure, robust and hardwired 1/4-inch 18 m TRS cable fits industry standard expression pedal inputs
  • Express Yourself - Expand and unlock the full creative scope of your controller or keyboard with M-audio's universal EX-P expression pedal
  • Compact, Lightweight Footprint - Moulded construction provides robust build, portability and performance durability; textured foot-rest for non-slip use and smooth, wide-angled action for precise expressive capability
#TOP 13

AKAI Professional Expression Pedal – Lightweight

Akai Professional

Features

  • Never miss a note - With textured footrest for non-slip use and wide-angled action for precise expressive capability
  • Compact, lightweight design - Molded construction provides robust build, portability, durability, and reliability
  • Play your way - Manipulate MIDI parameters with Expression Pedal, including volume control, effects, modulation, panning, filter sweep and more
  • Road Ready - 1.8m cable with 1/4” TRS jack hardwired to the EX-P chassis adds further assurance of reliable performance
  • Expand your MIDI capabilities - The universal expression pedal connects to MIDI controllers, digital piano, keyboard, synthesizer, or guitar effect, expanding your MIDI capabilities
  • Versatility - With just a flick of the discrete polarity switch you can reverse the type of data sent for third party compatibility with your instruments
#TOP 14

MeloAudio EXP-001 Volume Expression Wah Bass Guitar Effects Pedal l

MeloAudio

Features

  • The EXP-001 Pedal is compatible with any model or brand of effect that features a stand TRS expression input, such as TS MEGA, MIDI COMMANDER, Fractal AXE Fx2, KPA(Kemper profiling amps), ZOOM G1 G2 G3 G5 G7, Line 6 HX Stomp,Digitech RP360, etc
  • Small size for better placement on the effector mounting plate
  • The pedal shaft is designed with damping. When it is not stepped, it will stay at the specified angle
  • The EXP-001 Pedal delivers precision response and smooth action in a durable cast aluminum housing. Rubber pedal for comfortable play and non-slip action
  • Ultra-smooth pedal movement for the utmost in comfort and control.
#TOP 15

Hotone Volume Expression 2 in 1 Guitar Effects Pedal Passive EXP Ampero Press Guitar Pedal

HOTONE

Features

  • Passive Design - No Power Supply needed
  • Independent Volume and Expression guitar pedal Output Jacks
  • Passive Volume /Expression guitar pedal Control 2 functions in 1 Pedal
  • Works with aWorks with a variety of Instruments and Devices variety of Instruments and Multi effects pedal/guitar pedals
  • High Quality Potentiometer ensures Precise Response and Long Life
#TOP 16

VALETON Multi Effects Processor Multi-Effects Pedal

Valeton

Features

  • The Multi Effects Processor Has 240+ Built-in Guitar/Bass/Acoustic Effects with 140 Legendary Amplifiers&Cabinets Simulations and 100 Renowned Stompbox Effect Pedals; Supporting 20 3rd Party IRs Storage; 24-bit 44.1kHz Signal Processing
  • 100 Built-in Drum Rhythms and 180 Seconds Looper, 256 Presets, Equipped with the New-Gen HD Modeling Technology On this Multi Effects Pedal, Adjustable Signal Chain with Maximum 11 Simultaneous Effect Blocks
  • 4.3-inch TFT color LCD screen with user-friendly UI, 8 customizable LED footswitches, Line, XLR and Headphone I/O for various connection needs, FX loop for inserting external stompboxes, MIDI IN and EXP2 jack for connecting external controllers For The Guitar Effects Pedal
  • USB Type-C Connection Audio Interface with Stereo Audio Streaming On the Guitar Pedal, Support OTG function for directly Connecting to iOS/Android Mobile Devices
  • Multi Language User Interface (Hardware) with Free Mac/Windows Software for Sound Editing and Presets Managing For This Multi Effects Pedal Processor
#TOP 17

Nektar Expression Pedal (NX-P)

Nektar

Features

  • Compatible with most expression pedal sockets
  • Sensitivity Pot
  • Rubber feet for solid floor-grip and rubber upper contact surface
  • Universal expression pedal
  • Polarity switch - works with all keyboards
#TOP 18

MIDI Foot Controller,MeloAudio Guitar Floor Multi-Effects Portable USB MIDI Foot Controller

MeloAudio

Features

  • Compatible Devices: iPhone, iPad, iPod, Macbook, Andriod, Windows, AXE FX, VAMP Pro, MARSHALL AMP, Eventide H9, GT PRO, Timeline, H&K AMP, Keyboard, Eleven Rack, KPA, POD 2.0/XT
  • 2 expression pedal jacks for Valume and Wah control together. 8 Host presets including JamUP, Bias Fx,Bias,Guitar Rig,MainStage,Ampkit,Revalver,AmpliTube,POD Farm,Mobile POD,Overloud TH etc
  • USB MIDI controller/ Stand alone MIDI controller.10 foot switches with easy-to-use Host Matching configuration
  • On-board charging function for rechargeable batteries. Package including:1*MIDI Controller ;1*MIDI Cable ;1*USB-B Cable ;1*Guitar Pick.
  • Two Custom Modes for Specified PC or CC Commands. Support up to 40 hours playing by using two AAA batteries
#TOP 19

On-Stage KEP100 Keyboard Expression Pedal

OnStage

Features

  • The reliable chassis, smooth-operating cam and textured, slip-resistant rubber surface ensure high performance in the studio or on the road
  • Polarity switch on underside allows the KEP100 to work with most keyboards and synthesizer
  • Built to withstand the punishment that comes with the job, players get the action and intuitive feel they need for exact musical expression
  • Features a 6' attached 1/4" TRS cable for easy interface, and a scalable control knob to adjust expression range
  • As durable as it is versatile, it offers everything you expect in an expression pedal
#TOP 20

Studiologic SLP3-D Triple Pedal

Studiologic

Features

  • Reliable, simplified connection to modern midi controllers and musical instruments
  • 2 switch controls (left and center pedals) and 1 continuous control (right pedal)
  • Triple pedal with one stereo jack and a single cable
  • Perfect for pianists and keyboardists looking for reliable and complete musical expression
  • Compatible with Studiologic SL88 Grand and SL88 Studio Midi Controllers
#TOP 21

Valeton Surge EP-2 Mini Expression/ Passive Volume Guitar Effect Mini Pedal (EP-2)

Valeton

Features

  • Smooth taper responds to various parameters with precision
  • Automatically detects output source (EXP/ Vol function)
  • Works without battery or power adapter
  • 2 in 1 functionality (Volume/Expression)
  • Works with guitar, bass, and a wide range of other musical instruments
#TOP 22

Moog EP-3 Expression Pedal (Renewed)

Amazon Renewed

Features

  • Perfect weight and balance, along with superb craftsmanship
  • Product Code: ACCEP003
  • Brand: MOOG
  • It features a newly designed cam system with extremely smooth performance and durability, a polarity switch that ensures compatibility with non-Moog products, a scalable output knob for specifying musical range, and a ¼” output jack on the front panel that allows you to use the supplied 6.5’ cable, or select a different cable length that perfectly suits your needs
  • The EP-3 is a robust and reliable universal expression pedal designed to work with any keyboard, synthesizer, or pedal with an expression or CV input

The Buyer's Guide to the Ideal midi expression pedals - What You Need to Know

How do dual expression pedals work?

How does an Expression Pedal work? An expression Pedal works by feeding a control voltage to a device – such as a synthesizer or a guitar. This voltage is then read by the device and then used to change one of the parameters. The parameter could be anything from delay time on a delay pedal to the depth of a Chorus.

Are expression pedals MIDI?

MIDI Expression devices are class compliant USB MIDI pedal interfaces. Pedal sensing technology built into each device automatically loads custom presets when various types of pedals are plugged in, allowing them to support a whole range of pedals with zero fuss.

Do expression pedals need TRS cable?

Most expression pedals require TRS (Tip Ring Sleeve) connections. These are professional quality USA made cables with a lifetime warranty.

Do you need TRS for expression pedal?

Most expression pedals require TRS (Tip Ring Sleeve) connections.

Can a crybaby be used as an expression pedal?

Since the crybaby chassis is extremely rugged and I like the action of the pedal, I set out to turn it into an expression pedal for my El Capistan.

Is an expression pedal the same as a sustain pedal?

The sustain pedal contains a momentary switch, while the expression pedal is a potmeter.

Is an expression pedal the same as a wah?

You cannot use a wah pedal as an expression pedal because the input / output jacks don't match and the wah pedal works with different progression. An expression pedal changes the sound signal linearly – which means the movement on the expression pedal updates the sound signal equally from beginning to end.

Is Ableton good for guitar?

Is Ableton Good for Recording Guitar? Ableton Live can be used for recording guitar, but it's far better when used as a performance tool. Some guitarists do use Ableton for recording, but it isn't as good as other DAWs for recording guitar-based music.

Is an expression pedal just a potentiometer?

An expression pedal is a foot-controlled potentiometer with only one stereo jack. A single cable contains both the input and the output wires. A fixed voltage enters on one wire, and a fraction of that voltage is sent back on a separate wire. The taper, or sweep of most expression pedals is linear.

Is expression pedal necessary?

If you're gigging with a multi-effects pedal, you need an expression pedal to get the most out of it. Once you've used one, playing without it is not an option.

Can you use pedals with plugins?

Is it possible to use effects pedals running into my DI and then into my DAW and Neural Plugins? You can.

Editor's Notes

A considerable amount of time and effort was put into this research. We spent a lot of time (over 42 hours to be exact) to deep dive into the topic, analyzing at least 968 consumer reviews. As a result, we came up with a list of the most loved models with an average rating of 195. The products you'll find in this compilation are available at $2140 on average (as of 03-10-2023).

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.