Old Blood Noise Endeavors Expression Slider HK

An Expression Controller Designed as a Modern "Utility"

With the Expression Slider HK, Old Blood Noise Endeavors offers a different approach to expression control: instead of a foot pedal, you get a portable fader that is operated by hand, like a console slider. This version fits particularly well with the spirit of the brand's recent "Utility" products: simple, robust, and creative tools intended to unlock new uses on a pedalboard, in the studio, or in a hybrid setup.

The look is not left behind: the HK edition features a graphic design by Holey Kids, blending personality and DIY culture that perfectly matches OBNE's DNA.

Who Is It For, and In What Situations Should You Use It?

The Expression Slider HK is aimed at all guitarists, bassists, and electronic musicians who use pedals with expression inputs and want more immediate control than a potentiometer knob. No special technical skills are required: if you know how to connect a TRS cable and assign an EXP input, you're ready.

In the studio, it becomes a true performance tool: controlling a delay mix, chorus depth, tremolo speed, reverb amount, or filter cutoff during a take. On stage, it's an excellent way to adjust a parameter without bending over the pedalboard: placed on a stand, table, or strategic spot, it allows quick and precise movements between phrases.

It's also perfect for music styles where expression is part of the playing: ambient, post-rock, shoegaze, electronic, experimental rock, but also for more traditional contexts (blues/rock) whenever you want to make an effect "breathe" in real time (for example, pushing a delay feedback at the end of a measure, then instantly calming it down).

Note: this controller is made for the hand. The brand explicitly advises against foot use, as pressing it while standing could damage the device. In short: do not use it as a foot expression pedal.

Features and Design: Simple but Very Targeted

The principle is deliberately minimalist to remain universal and reliable: an expression slider that sends a variable value to your pedal's EXP input. The Expression Slider HK uses a 6.35mm TRS Jack connection whose tip is connected to the slider (wiper) of a 50K slide potentiometer, while the ring and sleeve are connected to the other terminals. This wiring makes it directly compatible with OBNE pedals and any device accepting a 50K expression signal with this configuration.

Its other strength is the feel: the slide potentiometer is described as "extra smooth", which helps achieve smooth rises and falls. Result: you can "draw" your modulations, finely adjust your effect mix, or move from value A to value B in one gesture, often with more reproducible precision than a round knob.

Finally, its compact format and lack of power requirement make it an easy accessory to integrate anywhere: on a studio desk, near a keyboard, on a pedalboard (if you have space), or even mounted on a mic stand to keep control at hand height. A simple TRS cable is all you need to connect it to your pedal's Expression input.

Sound

The Expression Slider HK does not alter the sound "itself": it does not color your signal and does not act as an audio effect, since it functions as a controller. However, it has a very tangible impact on your musicality: the way you evolve a parameter changes the perception of the sound. A fader often encourages more gradual movements, more "mix-like" transitions (like a console), and easier-to-repeat automations from take to take.

On a delay or reverb, you can create smooth swells (mix, decay, feedback) then instantly return to a subtle setting. On a modulation, it becomes a performance tool to shift from a subtle texture to a very pronounced movement. On pedals that hide functions in menus or secondary modes, an external controller like this can also make those parameters really playable, without breaking the flow.

Technical specifications

Effects	Volume / Expression, Remote Control	Use	electric guitar
Format	Desktop	Color	Multicolor

Graphic design by	Holey Kids	Control	expression slider
Output	6.35mm TRS Jack (tip connected to slider)	Recommended use	by hand (desk, studio, mounted on support depending on your setup)
Slide potentiometer	50K "extra smooth"	Not recommended	foot use (risk of damage if pressed)