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ark · 28th November 2009

An expression pedal is a different beast from a volume pedal.

A volume pedal takes an audio signal in and produces an audio signal out that varies in volume based on the position of the pedal.

An expression pedal has a resistance that varies based on the pedal position, and is intended to be connected to an appropriate device. Most MIDI keyboards are equipped to be connected to an expression pedal.

The Yamaha FC9 has two channels. One of them always functions as a volume control; the other can be switched between volume (so you can use it for stereo signals) and expression.

If you want to trigger sustain, you probably want a pedal that switches on or off rather than one that produces a varying value. There are lots of those on the market; right now I'm using a Yamaha FC4.

28th November 2009	#2
ark Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 623	An expression pedal is a different beast from a volume pedal. A volume pedal takes an audio signal in and produces an audio signal out that varies in volume based on the position of the pedal. An expression pedal has a resistance that varies based on the pedal position, and is intended to be connected to an appropriate device. Most MIDI keyboards are equipped to be connected to an expression pedal. The Yamaha FC9 has two channels. One of them always functions as a volume control; the other can be switched between volume (so you can use it for stereo signals) and expression. If you want to trigger sustain, you probably want a pedal that switches on or off rather than one that produces a varying value. There are lots of those on the market; right now I'm using a Yamaha FC4. Last edited by ark; 28th November 2009 at 08:20 PM.. Reason: Add last paragraph about sustain.