Electro Harmonix Crash Pad

An EHX reissue with a "vintage weird" vibe: the legacy of analog drum synths

At Electro-Harmonix, some creations have become cult classics for their ability to break the mold. The Crash Pad fits into this tradition: originating from a range of analog drum synthesizers introduced around 1980, it returns in a modern version that respects the original spirit. It features that typically analog behavior, halfway between electronic percussion, filtered noise, and oscillation sweeps, with a very current update: the Expression/CV input to control the filter live.

Who it's for and what it's for: sound design, electronic music, "out of the ordinary" guitar

The EHX Crash Pad is aimed at musicians and producers who like to sculpt sound material rather than trigger "ready-to-use" sounds. In electronic music, techno, ambient, noise, post-rock, or experimental hip-hop, it becomes a generator of analog hits (cymbals, hi-hats, snares, impacts) and transitions (sweeps, zaps, risers). On a guitarist's pedalboard, it can also serve as a texture effect, rhythmic punctuation, or a resonant filter to abuse a guitar, synth, drum machine, or sampler.

In live performance, its triggering via clock/trigger makes it very fun with sequencers and pulse generators, while in the studio it excels at creating one-shots, percussion layers, and sound design effects without opening a single plug-in.

Controls and functions: filter sweep, decay envelope, trigger, and EXP/CV

The Crash Pad builds its sounds around a resonant low-pass filter and a frequency sweep. The START and STOP settings define the frequency range covered, while TIME determines the sweep speed: from ultra-fast "zap"-style attacks to longer, hypnotic descents. RESONANCE adds bite (up to whistling/self-oscillation effects), DECAY adjusts the hit duration, and VOLUME sets the output level.

Triggering can be done either via the built-in push-button (perfect for manually placing hits) or through an external trigger input (non-MIDI pad, pulses, clocks). Finally, the EXP/CV input opens a real playground: foot control with an expression pedal or CV source control for lively, synchronized filter movements that are very "modular-friendly".

The sound

Expect a very textured analog signature: metallic and grainy for cymbals/hi-hats, dry and snappy for snare-like attacks, or downright spacey when pushing sweep and resonance. The response is expressive: slight variations in START/STOP or TIME radically change the character, encouraging exploration. Used on an external source via AUX, the Crash Pad transforms into a resonant filter with a strong character, ideal for animating a loop, dirtying up a synth, or creating transitions that stand out in a mix.

Among artists, Jason Nazary (Anteloper) is notably one of the musicians who have used the Crash Pad in experimental and electronic hybrid setups.

Technical specifications

Effects	Sound Generator, Effects, Low Pass filter	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Multicolor

Circuit	analog	AUX IN input	6.35mm Jack (processing of an external audio source via the resonant filter)
Audio	mono	EXT TRIG input	6.35mm Jack (external triggering via non-MIDI pad / clock / pulses)
START	starting point of the frequency sweep	EXP/CV input	6.35mm Jack (real-time filter control)
STOP	end point of the frequency sweep	OUTPUT	6.35mm Jack
TIME	duration/speed of the sweep	Chassis	die-cast metal, designed for intensive use
RESONANCE	intensity of the filter resonance (Q)	Dimensions	4.75 x 4 x 2.25 inches (approximately 121 x 102 x 58 mm)
DECAY	duration of the triggered sound's envelope (fade out)	Power adapter included	9.6V DC / 200 mA
VOLUME	output level	Required power supply	9.6V DC (also works with optional 9V battery, not included)
TRIGGER push-button	built-in manual triggering	Consumption	22 mA