Old Blood Noise Endeavors Expression Ramper

A "utility" pedal designed to multiply the possibilities of your pedalboard

The Expression Ramper is not an audio effect per se: it is an expression control generator. Where a classic expression pedal requires foot control, the Expression Ramper allows you to program two values (A and B) and automatically move the targeted parameter between these two points. The result: you instantly "awaken" often underused functions on delays, reverbs, filters, tremolos, pitch shifters, loopers, or multi-effects that have an expression input.

In a modern chain, it's the kind of compact tool that saves space and opens up a huge playground: morphing between two settings, repetitive sweeps, gradual transitions between two textures... without adding noise or coloration to the signal, since everything happens on the control side.

Who is the Expression Ramper for, and in which styles does it make a difference?

The Expression Ramper is aimed at guitarists (and more broadly musicians using pedals) who like to sculpt the evolution of a sound over time: ambient, post-rock, indie, electro, shoegaze, worship, experimental, but also funk and rock whenever a filter, phaser, or tremolo benefits from moving regularly.

In live situations, you can trigger a ramp between two "presets" of the same parameter (for example reverb depth, delay mix, filter frequency) with your foot while keeping your hands on your playing. In studio, it's a quick way to achieve coherent, repeatable animations and explore "sweet spots" that are hard to hold with a classic expression pedal.

Controls, modes, and compatibility: a simple yet very powerful approach

The core concept relies on two expression settings (A and B) and movement between them. You choose the shape (triangle, square, one-shot) to define how the value moves: smooth back-and-forth, sharp toggling, or a single transition. The speed control adjusts the movement's pace, ranging from subtle tremors to more pronounced cycles.

The footswitch activates the movement on the fly: perfect for launching modulation during a passage, then immediately returning to a stable setting. An LED indicates the current setting, handy on stage for visual control.

Regarding integration, the output is configurable to adapt to the most common expression inputs: TRS, reversed polarity TRS, or TS. The Expression Ramper is initially configured as tip-active TRS (compatible with Old Blood Noise Endeavors devices), but can be reconfigured to tip-active TRS, ring-active TRS, and TS via internal jumpers. By default, the unit comes with a 50K digital potentiometer ; this component is socketed and can be replaced by a 10K (MCP41010-I/P) or 100K (MCP41100-I/P) value if your gear requires it.

Sound Character

The Expression Ramper adds no distortion, no coloration, and does not directly alter your signal: its sonic impact depends entirely on the pedal you control. Where it becomes "musical" is in the sensation of movement: progressive evolutions that give breathing to a reverb, a regular filter sweep without an expression pedal, a delay mix swelling during a chorus, or a modulation depth shifting from a subtle shimmer to a fully pronounced effect. The response is precise and repeatable, ideal for creating a playing signature and clear transitions between two intensities.

Technical specifications

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

Shapes	triangle, square, one-shot	Digital potentiometer supplied	50K (socketed, replaceable)
Movement activated by footswitch	modulation on the fly or ramp between two settings	Replacement options	10K (MCP41010-I/P) or 100K (MCP41100-I/P)
Configurable expression output	TRS, reversed polarity TRS, TS	Power supply	not included
Factory configuration	tip-active TRS (compatible with Old Blood Noise Endeavors devices)	Required power supply	9V AC adapter with 2.1mm connector and negative center polarity
Reconfigurable via internal jumpers	tip-active TRS, ring-active TRS, TS	Consumption	10 mA