EHX 8-step - anybody using one?

[Jero]

I'm having a hard time understanding what this pedal really does..

Does it mean you can only hook up ONE pedal to the 8 step by using the expression pedal input of the pedal ? How is it possible to hook up several pedals to the 8step...?

Sorry if my question is dumb !!!

Just think about 8 step as an expression pedal. It can control only one effect pedal and you'll need something like Expressionator to hook it up to three pedals.

Yeap, it essentially puts 8 knobs on whatever parameter the exp of your pedal controls, and allows you to sequence through them.

[retinal orbita]

I'm having a hard time understanding what this pedal really does..

I'm glad I wasn't the only one going "wtf is this thing.... "

[sonidero]

Attention freaks and geeks, this baby connects to another device and delivers sequencer control over parameters that respond to expression pedals or CV generators like oscillators, filters, delay parameters you name it. Set your tempo with the Rate slider or Tap Tempo footswitch, or sync to a drum machine or DAW via MIDI clock. Six Tap Tempo Divide modes provide rhythmic diversity. This thing is a tweaker’s delight!

[Muse FTW]

I wonder if these work with Whammy's.

[sonidero]

I wonder if these work with Whammy's.

NOTE: Compatible expression inputs must accept a voltage source as the controlling signal. The expression input should also allow for an expression pedal TRS plug with the following connections: Sleeve = Heel, Ring = Toe, Tip = Wiper. The expression voltage present on the Ring of the TRS plug sets the maximum range of the controlling signal; this Ring voltage must be between 2VDC and 9VDC.

If it takes voltages between 2vdc and 9vdc it should work...

[Joab]

I'm using one and I'm having a heap of fun with it.

I'm running it mainly into either my Synthmonger Pulsemonger or Strymon Mobius. Vids, check it!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDIo1mzjD1g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSlXoK6p8KY


I've got a mate building me a CV Patchbox. I can chuck all my expression pedals into it (8 inputs) and have them routed to any combination of 8 pedals with expression inputs. Basically a giiiiiiiant expressinator. Keen!!

[digi2t]

Works great with the Schumann PLL, except when you stop the sequence from running, the CV of the step it stops on is continuously output. Subsequently, you can here the tone generated by the 4046 in the audio, all the time. Not good.

I am really impressed with the unit though, especially all the MIDI capability, which works well with my rig. I've decided that I'm going to mod the unit to cure the constant CV output on stop problem. I'll have a toggle switch to switch between the modded function, and original, just in case I need it for another application where constant CV output running or stopped is needed. This is something that EHX should have thought of before putting on the market.

[digi2t]

Well, after having posted on the EHX forum about my constant CV output dilemma, and not having received any replies to date, I've gone ahead and modded my unit to provide the performance I require.

I installed a toggle and relay, and now I can switch between two modes; constant output on stop sequence (original), or kill CV output on stop sequence (mod). The toggle allows for different application flexibility, and the relay kills the CV output when I stop the sequencer. That way, I don't get any voltage hitting the 4046 in the PLL, and causing any unwanted tones from bleeding into the audio.

For the tech heads, here are some pics of the job;

Small perf board, with toggle, relay, and jumpers;




Jumpers to the CV output jack.


Relay is powered by the "PLAY" LED;


Complete overview;


Mode toggle;


Video of the two modes in action;
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDxBXTF2oi4[/youtube]

Works like a charm!

As you can well imagine, any warranty that may have existed before, is now null and void. If you're going to perform such a mod, be aware of this fact.

[leaves turn]

You do good work, man.

[digi2t]

You do good work, man.

Thank you sir. I just don't get why EHX didn't do this from the get go. Stupid simple option. Not impressed with their forum either. I posted over a week ago asking for input on this, and not one person replied. Shame.

Nice piece of kit though.

[sonidero]

Yeah that is a nice clean mod... There are a lot of things that EHX doesn't really think out...

Good sounds on that demo...

[odontophobia]

thanks for the video and mod pics dude!
it's crazy to think of the oversight like that, then again, you can only test on so many pedals.

[Joab]

That's such a clean mod!! Very well done

[digi2t]

Thanks to all for the kind words. If anybody wishes to know the details on the mod, please PM me. I'll be more than happy to break it down for you. It's not that complex, but it does require the proper relay, as well as a bit of dexterity, and a good soldering iron. It does involve removing the board from the enclosure, but the results are more than worth the trouble IMHO.