Electro Harmonix SYNTH9

A Tribute to Iconic 70s/80s Keyboards, Pedalboard Style

The SYNTH9 follows in the tradition of Electro-Harmonix pedals capable of transforming a guitar signal into new textures, here with a decidedly "vintage synth" approach. The 9 presets draw inspiration from iconic analog colors (pads, leads, strings, synthetic basses) and immediately evoke the aesthetic of legendary productions, from art-rock and synth-pop to the most cosmic funk. If your references range from ELP to Kraftwerk, through Joy Division, P-Funk, or Peter Gabriel, you'll find that spirit right from the first notes.

Who Is It For, What Styles, and In What Context?

The SYNTH9 is aimed at guitarists and bassists who want to add a genuine synth layer to their playing without changing instruments. It suits both intermediate musicians (instant presets, clear settings) and creative studio artists seeking polyphonic textures and "keyboard-style" bass lines.

It excels particularly in pop, rock, electro, new wave, funk, prog, but also in ambient when combined with delay or reverb. Live, it becomes a formidable tool to fill space (pads, strings) or trigger synth leads. On a pedalboard, it ideally works at the start of the chain to maximize tracking accuracy.

Controls, Routing, and Setup Tips

The interface is designed for straightforward sound dialing: two volumes (DRY and SYNTH) allow balancing the guitar/bass and synth texture, while CTRL1 and CTRL2 change functions depending on the preset (color/tone, attack, modulation, intervals, vibrato speed, portamento, etc.). The 9-position selector grants access to diverse worlds: OBX, Profit V, Vibe Synth, Mini Mood, EHX Mini, Solo Synth, Mood Bass, String Synth, and Poly VI.

For best performance, place the SYNTH9 first in the chain, then add modulation, delay, and reverb. Avoid putting distortion/overdrive before the pedal; if you want to dirty the sound, place the overdrive after the SYNTH9. Note: an internal compressor is active on synth sounds, stabilizing attack and improving note clarity.

Sound Characteristics

The SYNTH9 offers an "analog"-styled palette: expressive leads that cut through the mix, wide pads and strings to thicken choruses, and deep, funky synth basses. The sound is intentionally musical and inspiring, with a very immediate playing feel when the input signal is clean and well-defined. By adjusting the DRY/SYNTH mix, you can go from a total keyboard-style transformation to a subtle blend that retains the guitar attack for better stage presence.

Technical specifications

Effects	Synthesizer	Type	sector
Technology	Digital	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Purple

9 presets	OBX, Profit V, Vibe Synth, Mini Mood, EHX Mini, Solo Synth, Mood Bass, String Synth, Poly VI	Bypass	buffered bypass
Usable tracking range	up to around the 23rd fret on the high E string (guitar) and up to the open A string (bass)	Input impedance	1M?
Knobs	DRY VOL, SYNTH VOL, CTRL 1, CTRL 2	Output impedance	500?
Input	6.35mm Jack	Dimensions (W x D x H)	102 x 121 x 89 mm
Dedicated DRY output (intact signal via buffer)	6.35mm Jack	Required power	9.6V DC
SYNTH output (DRY/SYNTH mix)	6.35mm Jack	Consumption	100 mA