5 Best Volume Pedals for Swells

Best volume pedal for swells

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In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best volume pedals for swells.
I’ve compared performance, features, design, and cost to determine which is the best.

What is the Best Volume Pedal for Swells?

IMAGE RECOMMENDED PRODUCTSPRODUCT FEATURES
Best
Dunlop DVP4 Volume (X) Mini
  • Smooth and comfortable action
  • Pedal tension can be adjusted
  • Simultaneous tuner and expression connectivity
Hotone Soul Press Micro Volume Pedal
  • Three-in-one volume pedal
  • Uses active circuit technology
  • Control range can be manually adjusted
Premium
Boss FV-500H Foot Volume Pedal
  • Ultra-tough aluminium die-cast frame
  • Adjustable pedal resistance
  • Lossless sound at high volumes
Ernie Ball 40th Anniversary Volume Pedal
  • Legendary Ernie Ball durability
  • Ideal for smaller pedal boards
  • Addition of a Kevlar cord
Budget
Ernie Ball 6180 VP JR 250K Volume Pedal for Passive Electronics
  • 250 ohms is ideal for passive guitars
  • Rugged and reliable construction
  • An included Micro Taper switch

The Best Volume Pedal for Swells Reviewed

Dunlop DVP4 Volume (X) Mini Pedal

FEATURES RATING PRICE
FEATURES
  • Smooth and comfortable action
  • Pedal tension can be adjusted
  • Simultaneous tuner and expression connectivity
OUR RATING
PRICE
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Dunlop DVP4 Volume (X) Mini Pedal Review

4.9

In terms of the best volume pedal for swells, the compact design of the Dunlop DVP4 Volume (X) Mini takes the cake. The size of the DVP4 and its excellent responsiveness have enabled this pedal to remain in a class of its own.

This device offers big things in a small package. This pedal is equipped with an auxiliary output that allows you to combine expression and tuner connectivity simultaneously. Regarding its size, the DVP4 can be an excellent option if you have limited real estate within your current pedal board.

Smooth and adjustable tension settings will not dampen or weaken the output. Most importantly, the DVP4 is built to last, which is ideal if you are heading out on the road!

Hotone Soul Press Micro Volume Pedal

FEATURES RATING PRICE
FEATURES
  • Three-in-one volume pedal
  • Uses active circuit technology
  • Control range can be manually adjusted
OUR RATING
PRICE
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Hotone Soul Press Micro Volume Pedal Review

4.8

Why not combine expression, wah, and volume within a single pedal? If you have been looking for such an option, many pros feel that the Hotone Soul Press Micro Volume Pedal represents the best volume pedal for swells.

From lush harmonics to vocal sweeps and traditional wah effects, this unit pedal has it all. Unlike most passive volume pedals, the Soul Press has adopted active circuit technology.

This is a fancy way of saying that you will be able to create killer sounds without sacrificing volume or clarity. Its ridiculously small size is another benefit not to be ignored.

The three-in-one nature of this pedal is impressive in and of itself. When we combine active technology and personalized controls, it is clear why Hotone is one of the pack leaders!

Boss FV-500H Foot Volume Pedal

FEATURES RATING PRICE
FEATURES
  • Ultra-tough aluminium die-cast frame
  • Adjustable pedal resistance
  • Lossless sound at high volumes
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Boss FV-500H Foot Volume Pedal Review

4.8

High impedance is the name of the game with the Boss FV-500H Foot Volume Pedal. This pedal is built like a tank, and it’s housed in a heavy-duty die-cast aluminum frame.

Whether referring to the flexible nature of this pedal or the ability to create seamless volume swells, the Boss FV-500H will not let you down.

The Boss FV-500H will enable you to create seamless swells thanks to its ultra-smooth movement. Also, the torque (physical resistance) of the pedal can be adjusted to suit your needs.

As you might have already guessed, this latest Boss iteration is built to last, and it can endure an incredible amount of wear and tear.

It’s also worth noting that the FV-500H can be used as a mono pedal if required.

Ernie Ball 40th Anniversary Volume Pedal

FEATURES RATING PRICE
FEATURES
  • Legendary Ernie Ball durability
  • Ideal for smaller pedal boards
  • Addition of a Kevlar cord
OUR RATING
PRICE
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Ernie Ball 40th Anniversary Volume Pedal Review

4.7

Of course, any review of the best volume pedal for swells would have to mention Ernie Ball. This manufacturer has been providing quality products for 40 years, and the latest Ernie Ball 40th Anniversary Volume Pedal is just as impressive.

First and foremost, this limited edition model offers a handful of impressive bells and whistles. Its internal Kevlar cable is much more durable when compared to past models. A VP Junior housing makes it ideal to fit within even the smallest of pedal boards.

The natural swell ramp provided by this 40th-anniversary model is said to be one of the best in the business. While many guitarists have fallen in love with the accurate volume controls, it is just as important to mention that Ernie Ball is synonymous with durability.

If you are a fan of this designer and if you tend to trash more generic pedals on a regular basis, this 40th-anniversary model could be the best volume pedal for swells currently on the market.

Anyone who is a fan of Ernie Ball’s durability and versatility should be seriously pleased with what this pedal has in store.

Ernie Ball 6180 VP JR 250K Volume Pedal for Passive Electronics

FEATURES RATING PRICE
FEATURES
  • 250 ohms is ideal for passive guitars
  • Rugged and reliable construction
  • An included Micro Taper switch
OUR RATING
PRICE
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Ernie Ball 6180 VP JR 250K Volume Pedal for Passive Electronics Review

4.5

The Ernie Ball VP JR is another strong contender for the best volume pedal for swells if space is at a premium. This is also a great option if you have been looking to mimic the swell effects of steel guitars.

The 6180 VP JR has also been engineered to work with passive instruments; ideal if it might be difficult to find a power source on occasion. Not only can you manipulate the volume for different parts of a song, but smooth manual controls ensure that feedback is kept in check.

A patented Micro Taper switch also allows you to adjust this pedal’s resistance for maximum comfort and responsiveness.

In terms of passive instruments, this is indeed one of the best volume pedals for swells on the market.

Choosing the Best Volume Pedal for Swells

So, we can now see that there are numerous volume pedals that can achieve stunning swell effects.

If you hope to make the most informed choice, be sure to take into account the sound that you are looking to achieve, the available space on your current pedal board, durability, and personalization.

Feel free to examine each of the options above in greater detail to learn more!

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