Best passive volume pedals

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Oct 4, 2022

In this article, we've listed the best passive volume pedals one can find on the market today. We've found about 84 of passive volume pedals and selected the 32 top options by Clutch, Grover, Rosefinch, Jackson Audio. We took the time to do a meticulous research and point out some pros and cons of each of the options we suggest below so that you don't have to dive deep into the topic and spend endless hours hoping to find the perfect model on your own.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Ernie Ball 250k Mono Volume Pedal
#TOP 1
Ernie Ball 250k Mono Volume Pedal
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Lehle Mono Volume Pedal
#TOP 2
Lehle Mono Volume Pedal
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Ernie Ball VP JR Tuner Pedal
#TOP 3
Ernie Ball VP JR Tuner Pedal
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Top 32 Best passive volume pedals Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Ernie Ball 250k Mono Volume Pedal

Ernie Ball

Features

  • voiced for passive audio signals
  • built in footswitch
  • 250k
  • mono pedal
#TOP 2

Lehle Mono Volume Pedal

Lehle

Features

  • Mono Volume Pedal
#TOP 3

Ernie Ball VP JR Tuner Pedal

Ernie Ball

Features

  • Display can also be set to volume only or tuning only. Simply double tap the touchscreen to select between modes
  • As foot sweeps forward, the vibrant screen conveniently displays your volume level
  • Enjoy the same rugged construction and time-tested performance as Ernie Ball’s traditional volume pedal PLUS an enhanced definition digital tuner pedal
  • In the heel down position (volume off), the display automatically enters tuner mode, offering a smooth, accurate, and visually pleasing tuning experience
  • Save space and simplify your pedalboard with this unique 2-in-1 pedal for guitar or bass
#TOP 4

Ernie Ball VP JR 250K Volume Pedal

Ernie Ball

Features

  • 250k potentiometer
#TOP 5

JHS Little Black Amp Box Signal Converter

JHS Pedals

Features

  • Can easily be mounted underneath Your pedalboard
  • Designed to be Compact, sturdy, and Simple to integrate into Your rig
  • High grade components keep Your tone clear and pure
  • Passive Design Doesn’t require any Power
  • Retain the response and tone of Your amp’s Sweet spot at lower levels
  • Tames a Screaming loud tube amp by running through the effects loop and Controlling the amount of signal sent to the Power section
  • Lets you Really push the front end of Your amp for the natural feel and tone that you can’t get any other way
#TOP 6

Jim Dunlop Volume X Mini Pedal (DVP4)

JIM DUNLOP

Features

  • Low Friction Band-Drive for smooth, durable
  • Controls volume levels and FX parameters
  • Lightweight and pedalboard-friendly
  • Half the size of the DVP3
  • AUX output for switchable tuner/expression functionality
#TOP 7

EX Guitar Effects Loop Switcher Pedal Passive Channel Switcher Box

EX

Features

  • It could also be used as Amp Selector and Effects loop. Switching OFF/ON of effector and switching 2 amplifiers. In this case, amplifier B will only have bypass signal.
  • EX LOOP BOX is the simple pedal switcher that enables switching 2 loop channels and bypassing.
  • The loop box could be used as a simple effects 2 loop selector. Loop can be switched by stepping on A/B foot switch, and BYPASS foot switch enables to switch OFF/ON of bypass.
  • The amount of current that can be supplied at 9V DC output can be changed according to output capacity of the adapter you use and distribution status (Maximum 1,000mA)
  • Other uses also include as Tuner Out. Loop can be switched by stepping on A/B foot switch, and it becomes mute state since there is no RETURN connection. Or use it as a selector of 3 amplifiers by connecting them to each of OUT, SEND A, SEND B.
#TOP 8

Boss FV-500H Foot Volume Pedal

BOSS

Features

  • High-impedance Volume/Expression Pedal for Guitar or Other High-Impedance Instruments
#TOP 9

Ernie Ball MVP Most Valuable Pedal (P06182)

Ernie Ball

Features

  • Item Weight: 2.66 pounds
  • Works with any signal anywhere in the signal chain
  • Minimum volume control
  • Gain boost
#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

Zoom FP-02M Expression Pedal

Zoom

Features

  • Works with a variety of Zoom effects processors
  • Country of Origin: China
  • New version with metal construction for greater durability
  • Compatible with Zoom 500 Series, 234, 323, 3030, 1010, 2100, MRS1044 and many other pedals and Zoom units
#TOP 12

Xotic XVP-250K High Impedance Volume Pedal

Xotic

Features

  • with Tuner Output
  • Nylon Pivot Bushing
  • Volume Pedal f Passive Instruments
  • Aluminum Construction
  • 250K High Impedance
#TOP 13

Boss FV-30H Foot Volume Pedal

BOSS

Features

  • Other High-impedance Instruments
  • Compact Volume Pedal for Guitar
#TOP 14

Jim Dunlop Volume (X) Pedal Guitar Effects Pedal (DVP3)

JIM DUNLOP

Features

  • Internal controls for effect parameter & heel-down/ toe-down position
  • Aluminum Chassis, aggressive non-slip tread, patent-pending band drive
  • Fully adjustable Rocker tension
#TOP 15

BOSS Low Impedance Volume Pedal (FV-50L)

BOSS

Features

  • Low-impedance FV-50L enables direct control of stereo keyboards and stereo effects units
  • High-impedance FV-50H designed for connection before guitar effects units
  • Minimum volume knob lets users set minimum volume as desired
  • Convenient Tuner Out jack enables speedy tuning on stage
#TOP 16

Dunlop GCB80 High Gain™ Volume Pedal

JIM DUNLOP

Features

  • For extended use
  • Dynamic control
  • Die cast housing
  • Power: passive in-line circuit requires no additional power
  • Quiet and smooth
  • Great for pedal steel swells and instant dynamics
  • 1 million cycle potentiometer
  • Ultra-sensitive 1 million cycle taper potentiometer
  • Quiet operation and heavy-duty construction
#TOP 17

MORLEY 20/20 Volume Plus

MORLEY

Features

  • Minimum Volume Control
  • Glow-in-the-Dark Treadle Rubber
  • Made in the USA
  • Optical Circuitry That Won't Wear Down Like a Potentiometer
  • Pedalboard Friendly Sized: 6.85″ x 4.5″ x 2.5″ (L x W x H)
  • Smooth Audio Taper Ideal for Swells
#TOP 18

Hotone Wah Active Volume Passive Expression Guitar Effects Pedal Switchable Soul Press II 4 in 1

HOTONE

Features

  • LEDs shows Guitar pedal status in real time
  • Active Volume Control for Keeping Lossless Tone Guitar Effects Pedal
  • 100% Analog Guitar Volume/Wah/Expression Pedal, Switchable Volume/Wah control by the Footswitch
  • True Bypass, Independent EXP Out and Tuner Out, 9V DC or 9V Battery Power Supply(Not Incl)
  • Classic Wah-Wah Tone with WARM & CLASSIC Range Guitar Pedal, Q & TONE controls
#TOP 19

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 20

Goodrich Sound Omni HighPro Active/Passive Volume Pedal

Goodrich Sound

Features

  • Active or Passive
  • Input and output jacks located on both sides
  • Pedal resistance adjustment located on the right side
  • Includes installed battery and 9v DC power supply
  • Custom engineered, Goodrich 470k potentiometer
#TOP 21

SONICAKE VolWah Active Volume & Wah Pedal

SONICAKE

Features

  • Switch between Volume & Wah by the hidden Footswitch
  • 100% Analog Volume/Wah 2 in 1 Pedal with a lightweight casing but yet truly Robust and Well-Built
  • Two LED light shows the working state of the pedal, indicating which mode the pedal is engaged with(Power Adapter NOT included)
  • Style Vintage Wah Sound
  • Active Volume Control can keep away from Impedance Mismatch Troubles
#TOP 22

Fender Tread-Light Volume/Expression Pedal

Fender

Features

  • Switchable Internal Buffer
  • Adjustable 3-Way frequency selector
  • Under-treadle LED
  • Analog Volume/Expression Pedal
#TOP 23

Mission Engineering Inc VM-Pro Buffered Volume Pedal

Mission Engineering

Features

  • Selectable Input - Black
  • Selectable Output Impedance
  • Volume Pedal with Buffer/Line Driver
  • Isolated Tuner Out
  • Sparkle Switch
#TOP 24

VALETON EP-2 Passive Volume & Expression Guitar Bass Keyboard Synth Synthesizer Workstation EXP Pedal

Valeton

Features

  • Working with Guiar, Bass, Keyboard, Synthesizer, Workstation, Controller, etc.
  • Automatically Detect the Functionality (Volume or EXP Control)
  • Working without Battery or Pedal Power Supply
  • Lightweight & Comact Design for easily Taking it Anywhere
  • Passive Volume Control/Expression Control 2 functions in 1 Pedal
#TOP 25

SONICAKE Vexpress Passive Volume & Expression EXP Pedal

SONICAKE

Features

  • Working without Battery or Pedal Power Supply
  • Automatically Detect the Functionality (Volume or EXP Control)
  • Lightweight & Comact Design for easily Taking it Anywhere
  • Passive Volume Control/Expression Control 2 functions in 1 Pedal
  • Working with Guitar, Bass, Keyboard, Synthesizer, Workstation, Controller, etc.
#TOP 26

Daphon DF1511A Guitar Stereo Volume Pedal DJ Band Guitar Pedal

Alomejor

Features

  • DUAL OUTPUT INPUT?This guitar volume pedal has two input and output jacks, which can hold two channels of sound.
  • PRODUCT INTRODUCTION?This is an old DaFeng guitar DF1511a volume pedal, which has excellent effect and is very effective.
  • EXCELLENT ACCESSORIES?This guitar volume pedal can keep the pure sound of the instrument, and is the perfect guitar stereo band accessory.
  • PRECISE CONTROL?This guitar volume pedal is equipped with an AM knob, and the volume control is very precise.
  • FUNCTION OF PEDAL?This guitar stereo volume pedal can effectively control the volume of the instrument, which is very sensitive.
#TOP 27

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 28

DigiTech Guitar Volume Pedal (DOD-MiniVOL-U)

DigiTech

Features

  • Gear drive for Reliable performance
  • Ultra compact size has same footprint as most pedals
  • The Mini Volume features a high-quality 500kΩ potentiometer making it perfect for any volume pedal application.
  • Treble bleed so high frequencies are maintained at lower volume
  • The new passive DOD Mini Volume Pedal is just the right size for your pedal board, and your wallet.
#TOP 29

Guitar Pedal,Daphon DF1511A Guitar Stereo Volume Pedal DJ Guitar Effect Pedal Dual Input & Output.

Fafeims

Features

  • PRECISE REGULATION?Guitar stereo sound volume pedal.With amplitude adjusted knob to control volume very accurately.
  • CONFIGURATION?Vintage Daphon volume pedal for guitar DF1511A.With two input jack and output jack, can accommodate two channels of sound.
  • PACKAGE WEIGHT?Approx. 575g/20.3oz.
  • GOOD TONE?Pure sound, guitar stereo band accessory.
  • PACKAGE?1*Guitar Stereo Volume Pedal;1*User Manual.
#TOP 30

Morley M2 Passive Volume Guitar Effects Pedal

MORLEY

Features

  • This in-line volume pedal delivers a consistent, smooth response that is easy to use and predictable for ultimate expressiveness
  • Two-year warranty
  • Rugged, no-skid grip
  • Legendary Morley build quality
  • Even signal delivery
#TOP 31

Quick Lok VP-2622 Volume Pedal

Quik-Lok

Features

  • Built with two 6.3 mm (1/4") jack input sockets for connection to the instruments and a further two 6.3 mm (1/4") jack output sockets for connection to the amplifier
  • Heavy metal base for a stable and safe use. Features high-performance custom potentiometer for a long-lasting life. External potentiometer allows for manual sensitivity adjustments.
  • Country of Origin: ITALY
  • Stereo volume pedal with 2 input and 2 output 6.3 jacks. The VP/26-22 is suitable for the control of two instruments at the same time - a keyboard instrument or guitar
#TOP 32

Guitar Volume Pedal, RiToEasysports Daphon DF1511A Guitar Stereo Volume Pedal DJ Guitar Effect Pedal Dual Input & Output

Ritoeasysports

Features

  • Two ChannelsGuitar volume pedal with two input jack and output jack, can accommodate two channels of sound.
  • Button ControlMini pedal with amplitude adjusted knob to control volume very accurately.
  • Widely ApplicableVintage Daphon volume pedal for guitar DF1511A. Guitar stereo sound volume pedal.
  • Pure SoundHigh-grade guitar stereo band accessory. If you need a guitar effect pedal, our product is the best choice.
  • High Quality100% brand new and high quality. This Guitar Volume Pedal is made of high quality metal materials, which is anti-rust, eco-friendly, odorless, sturdy and durable to use, it has stable working performance, long service life.

Essential Things to Keep in Mind When Searching for the Ideal passive volume pedals

What amp did Mark Knopfler use on Sultans of Swing?

This amp was a Fender Vibrolux from the early 60ies – from the brown-tolex era. Internally Fender called this model 6G11 (first revision), or 6G11-A (second revision, the more common version to be found).

Can a volume pedal be an expression pedal?

Yes, every given volume pedal can in fact be utilized as an expression pedal.

What is a passive volume pedal?

Passive volume pedals are basically a potentiometer mechanically turned by a pedal, and work much the same way as the volume knob on a regular magnetic pickup guitar. A quick way to identify a passive volume pedal is it doesn't normally need power.

Can you use a wah pedal as a volume pedal?

A: The Hotone Soul Press Micro Volume/Expression/Wah Pedal will do exactly what you need, plus it can do volume pedal duty as well.

Do passive volume pedals affect tone?

Volume pedals can affect the tone if they are passive, as they do not contain a buffer. This means that you'll often experience a loss of high-end frequencies causing the tone to sound dull if they are placed at the very start of the chain.

How do you make a volume pedal an expression pedal?

This trick will only work using a Y-cable with a TRS plug on one end and two mono 1/4″ plugs on the other. Simply connect the Y-cable to the input and output jacks of your volume pedal, and then connect the other end to the expression input on the device you need to control.

Is a volume pedal necessary?

Whether or not you need a volume pedal in your signal chain depends on the type of music you play and how often you need to adjust the volume. A good rule of thumb is to get one if you attenuate your levels at least 2-3 times during your performance or practice.

Can you use a crybaby as a volume pedal?

Premium Member. Technically, yes, although I have no idea how well it does this. The switch converts it from wah to volume. It is possible that all you need to do is install a switch that connects the junction of the .

Can I use a wah as an expression pedal?

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.

Does Mark Knopfler use a volume pedal?

In the early years of Dire Straits, Knopfler utilized a Morley volume pedal before switching to what became his mainstay, the venerable Ernie Ball unit. In crafting his subtle guitar sound, Mark Knopfler relied on one of the most basic musical elements – volume.

Does Mark Knopfler use compressor?

One of the most important pedals when it comes to achieving the Knopfler tone is the compressor. A compressor helps to normalise the volume of the notes that are being played.

Editor's Notes

To make this list of the top passive volume pedals we spent 80 hours to read over 312 customer reviews carefully. Eventually, our editors chose the 32 options most people truly liked. They boast of the rating of 274, on average, and cost around $3494.

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.