Unbiased info on expression pedals

Henfield · Post by **Henfield** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 11:22 am

Has anyone done a comparison of the various expression pedals that can be used with the MF line? I know that Moog would prefer that you recommend their current pedal, the EP-2, has anyone tested it and compared it to other pedals? I currently have both an EP-1 and a Roland EV-5, and I use the Roland to control resonance on the MF-101 and the EP-1 to control the cutoff frequency. I prefer the Roland, as it has a smoother and longer travel, plus it has a control that you can set for the bottom value of the pedal. The EP-1 is not as smooth, and a bit more "clunky". I use both pedals with the MF-101, and I find that the EP-1 does not have enough travel to turn the Resonance from zero to self-oscillation, but the Roland has this ability. I am looking at getting another few pedals, as I was looking to adjust the envelope and/or sweep rate on my MF105B and I need a filter pedal for my ARP Solus (the Roland and EP-1 both work well on the ARP). I am also looking at adding the MF102 within the next few months, so I imagine that I would like to use a pedal to control the frequency or the LFO rate.

I have heard about using a Yamaha pedal, but I do no know which model, has anyone tried one of them?

Thank you in advance for any information that you can share.

MarkM · Post by **MarkM** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 12:40 pm

I have the EV5 and the Moog EP2 is much better. It's heavier and has a little better sweep. It's way better than the EP1.

latigid on · Post by **latigid on** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 4:28 pm

MarkM wrote:I have the EV5 and the Moog EP2 is much better. It's heavier and has a little better sweep. It's way better than the EP1.

+1

I haven't used an EP-1, but from what I gather, it is a little "clunky".

I once used a Zoom FP02. It had a good weight to it.

The Zoom FP01 is flimsy and crappy.

I personally like the FP02 better than the EV-5, as it is raised and is a bit more heavy.

The EP2 is definitely the best I've used. I have two, and the weight means you can stop it where you want. It is also the smoothest pedal; just a very fluid action, and has a max. knob also.

earsmack · Post by **earsmack** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 10:04 pm

I have both an EP-1 and an EP-2 side by side beneath my Voyager.

The EP-2 is FAR superior.

Basically, the EP-1 (as you know) is very "quantized" in regard to feel - that is - you can feel it "stepping" as you move it. You can't necessarily HEAR the stepping but you can definitely feel it.

The EP-2 is nice and smooth and doesn't take extra pressure to get it going - it's smooth from the start. It's much more playable IMO.

I can't talk about travel off the top of my head but both pedals have been fine for me in that regard. I haven't noticed if the EP-2 travels farther than the EP-1 or not.

I won't get rid of the EP-1 but I wouldn't buy another one either.

For what it's worth - my EP-2 came for free as a surprise when I bought my MF Low Pass Filter from Humbucker Music in GA. They had a "free EP-1" thing going on but when I ordered the guy said "we are out of EP-1's so we are giving a free EP-2 instead." I was like "OK!" I figured they were just dumping their EP-1 stock but the upgrade to the EP-2 was welcome! They also had the best price. Second thing I've gotten from them and I've been very happy with their service. Highly recommended.

Suburban Bather · Post by **Suburban Bather** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 3:32 am

I have two free EP-1s that came with Moogerfoogers ordered from Nova Musik. They are nice to have, but I would not pay one cent for them. If I'm standing up and wearing shoes, I feel like they could break without even thinking about it.