Electro Harmonix CNTL Knob

A Modern Alternative to the Classic Expression Pedal

The Electro-Harmonix CNTL Knob was designed for those who enjoy expression control but want to avoid the bulk (and sometimes fragility) of a traditional expression pedal. Released in 2020, it offers an ultra-direct solution: instead of a continuous sweep, you set two fixed values and toggle between them with your foot. Ideal for quickly finding the "sweet spot" of a setting without fumbling, whether on a delay, reverb, filter, or modulation.

Who Is It For, Which Styles, and In What Contexts?

This pedal is aimed at guitarists as well as bassists (and more broadly any musician using effects with an expression input) seeking fast, repeatable control that's easy to integrate into a pedalboard. In live settings, it enables sharp, stress-free changes: switching from a subtle delay mix to a prominent delay, opening/closing a filter, or adjusting modulation depth with a single click.

In studio, the "two presets" logic is invaluable for retaking with exactly the same expression value or alternating between two settings during recording without moving a knob. From rock to funk, ambient to more experimental music, any style that uses expression benefits from increased comfort.

Features and Handling: Simple, Effective, Pedalboard-Friendly

The CNTL Knob works as a static expression remote. The two potentiometers EXP 1 and EXP 2 correspond to two positions of an expression pedal: one can represent a "heel" position, the other a "toe" position. You set your two values, then use the footswitch to instantly toggle between them.

LEDs clearly indicate which setting is active, securing changes on stage. To ensure the best possible compatibility across brands and expression standards, a TRS +/- selector adapts polarity to the controlled device. For convenience, the pedal comes with a 6-foot TRS Tip-Ring-Sleeve cable, perfect for connecting to the expression input of the targeted effect without extra purchase.

Sound

The CNTL Knob does not color your sound: it does not act like an overdrive, delay, or modulation, but as a controller. Its impact is therefore indirect but very musical: it helps you exploit the expression input of your effects with an extremely effective "stage" approach. Expect clean transitions between two values, ideal for audible and deliberate changes (for example, a reverb mix shifting from a subtle background to an ambient wash, or a filter sweep opening suddenly). The response depends on the behavior of the controlled effect, but the philosophy remains the same: immediate control, repeatable settings, and intuitive use.

Technical specifications

Effects	Volume / Expression, Remote Control	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	White

Circuit	Analog	Year of release	2020
Audio	Mono	Current consumption	5 mA
Dimensions (inches)	3.63 x 1.75 x 1.50