Old Blood Noise Endeavors Expression Ramper X3

An OBNE "Expression LFO" designed to multiply your EXP-compatible pedals

The Expression Ramper X3 is not an effects pedal in the "audio" sense: it is an expression movement generator. Its idea is simple and incredibly creative: instead of manually controlling an EXP input with a classic expression pedal, you define two positions (A and B), then choose how the value moves between these two points.

This X3 version goes further by combining three Rampers in a single unit, with sync options to make multiple effects breathe together (or, conversely, create expression polyrhythms). The result: your pedals equipped with an expression input (delay, reverb, shimmer, pitch, filter, bias fuzz, looper, multi-effects, etc.) become much more alive, without adding a single note.

Who is the Expression Ramper X3 for, and in which styles does it make a difference?

This controller is aimed at guitarists, bassists, and pedalboard tinkerers who already use effects with an EXP input and want to take it to the next level: ambient, post-rock, shoegaze, electro, experimental, worship, but also rock and pop whenever you want to automate a parameter (mix, feedback, pitch, decay, filter...).

In live settings, it allows you to secure precise movements (always the same A/B) while keeping your hands on the instrument. In the studio, it is a sound design tool: you can evolve a feedback, open a filter, move a tone, or raise a shimmer in a repeatable, synchronized, and sometimes intentionally random way.

Controls, modes, and synchronization: an ultra-flexible expression mechanism

Each Ramper has settings to define point A, point B, and speed via the Rate control, then a Shape selector to choose the movement shape: Triangle (linear sweep), Square (instant jumps), 1 Shot (one-way), as well as Smooth Random, Sharp Random, and 1 Shot Random to introduce unpredictability while staying between A and B.

Rampers II and III add a Sync selector: ALL copies the output of Ramper I (fully synchronized movement), RATE synchronizes only the speed (A, B, and Shape remain independent), and OFF lets each Ramper operate independently. In RATE mode, the Rate control also defines tempo subdivisions: 1/4, 1/2, 1x, 2x, 3x, and 4x.

Ramper I (green) includes a TAP button to lock the tempo. It also has an input configurable via an internal DIP switch: either TRS expression input, external tap tempo via footswitch, or "Tap Away" mode. A Tap Out output sends tempo pulses (3.3 V) to synchronize external pedals to Ramper I.

Finally, the EXP outputs are configurable (TRS, inverted TRS polarity, or TS) to improve compatibility across brands. The footswitch can operate in on/off or momentary mode to trigger a movement only while pressed.

The Sound

The Expression Ramper X3 does not color your signal: it does not process audio. Its "sound" is the movement it imposes on your effects' parameters. In Triangle mode, you get smooth LFO-like sweeps (perfect for a breathing reverb mix, an opening filter, or an oscillating pitch). In Square mode, the effect becomes more "step": a clear alternation between two states, ideal for switching from a subtle delay to an extreme delay, or from a dark tone to a bright tone. In 1 Shot mode, you create controlled transitions (feedback rise, shimmer swell, gradual filter opening) without having to manage an expression pedal with your foot.

The random modes bring organic modulation: Smooth Random for smooth, musical drifts, Sharp Random for unpredictable jumps, and 1 Shot Random to trigger, with each press, a different destination between A and B. It's an excellent way to make ambient, drone, or texture more alive while staying within a "safe" range you have defined.

Technical specifications

Effects	Remote Control	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Multicolor
Type	sector

Shapes	Triangle, Square, 1 Shot	Output	Tap Out
Random shapes	Smooth Random, Sharp Random, 1 Shot Random	Dimensions	9.8 x 12.3 x 6 cm
Synchronization of 3 Rampers	ALL / RATE / OFF	Weight	426 g
Subdivisions in RATE mode	1/4, 1/2, 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x	Designed in	USA
Tempo	built-in tap, external tap, and Tap Out output (3.3 V pulses)	Manufactured in	USA
Configurable EXP output	TRS, inverted TRS polarity, or TS	Power supply	not included
Footswitch	on/off or momentary	Required power supply	9 V DC center negative (2.1 mm jack)
Bypass	true bypass	Consumption	32 mA (measured); recommend a power supply capable of 50 mA
Outputs	3 x expression output (6.35mm TRS Jack format)	Battery operation	no
Input	Tap/Expression (configurable via internal DIP)