EHX Attack Decay Demo - Auto Swell & Reverse Effects for Miles!

The Electro-Harmonix EHX Attack Decay is a super cool auto-swell, tape reverse pedal that combines a classic EHX circuit with an amazing polyphonic mode AND a fuzz! Check out this demo and let me know in the comments what you think.
#AmbientGuitar #AmbientGuitarMeditation #EHX
Follow Chords of Orion Music on:
Bandcamp: chordsoforion.bandcamp.com
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Chords of Orion Gear Recommendations:
www.amazon.com/shop/chordsofo...
Equipment used in this video (in order of the signal chain):
PRS SE-277 Baritone Guitar amzn.to/2Ys0KBr
Electro-Harmonix Attack Decay
Electro-Harmonix Grand Canyon Delay amzn.to/2IzwgIS
Avid Eleven Rack
Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 amzn.to/2es9elp
Apple Logic Pro X
Chords of Orion - Ambient guitar music for the mind and heart.
Bill Vencil - Guitars
Cloud video - Bill Vencil
Web: chordsoforion.com
Facebook: / chordsoforion
Instagram: / chordsoforion
Twitter: / chordsoforion
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure:
Chords of Orion is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for Chords of Orion to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
#AmbientGuitar #EffectPedals #EHX
Follow Chords of Orion Music on:
Bandcamp: chordsoforion.bandcamp.com
Spotify: goo.gl/LeHwJx
Apple iTunes/Music: itun.es/us/iPqNQ
Chords of Orion Gear Recommendations:
www.amazon.com/shop/chordsofo...
Equipment used in this video (in order of the signal chain):
PRS SE-277 Baritone Guitar amzn.to/2Ys0KBr
Electro-Harmonix Attack Decay
Electro-Harmonix Grand Canyon Delay amzn.to/2IzwgIS
Avid Eleven Rack
Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 amzn.to/2es9elp
Apple Logic Pro X
Chords of Orion - Ambient guitar music for the mind and heart.
Bill Vencil - Guitars
Web: chordsoforion.com
Facebook: / chordsoforion
Instagram: / chordsoforion
Twitter: / chordsoforion
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure:
Chords of Orion is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for Chords of Orion to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

[@thekindacooldad]

Artifacts not viewed as a flaw but as a characteristic. I’ve been trying to put that philosophy into words for years . Thank you 🙏🏼

[@victoreijkhout6146]

That bit at 5:30 is just brilliant. Pure psychedelic.

[@conradmacintyre]

I am absolutely baffled that only EHX can create a polyphonic envelope auto-swell... seems like something other companies could do. Been requesting "just the auto-swell from the POG" for years. This is great.

[@dumb445]

The Bob Ross of ambient music? Count me in

[@comrade_crab]

Yes, exactly! "Now let's put a little digital artifact right next to this stream..." Great demo.

[@frankie4197]

Anyone would be foolish to not consider that the highest of compliments.

[@prospectnyc]

Such a great pedal and finally a great demo for it! Thanks for not "shredding" incessentely and thanks for playing sweet chords and riffs. You r rule!

[@kaielisha3485]

You probably dont care but does someone know of a way to log back into an instagram account..? I was dumb forgot my login password. I would love any help you can give me!

[@karsynbraydon8137]

@Kai Elisha Instablaster ;)

[@kaielisha3485]

@Karsyn Braydon I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and im trying it out now. I see it takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@kaielisha3485]

@Karsyn Braydon it worked and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thanks so much, you saved my ass!

[@karsynbraydon8137]

@Kai Elisha No problem =)

[@efrazable]

7:48 when the bad connection hits your zoom call

[@SebastianAMP]

I love that broken digital artifact sound- reminds me of when I first started to record music and I plugged my modeling amp directly into the mic input on my computer.

[@legatomodi3522]

in poly mode with a bass it sounds somewhat like water running or birds chirping. its much more noticable on bass. the thing about that polymode is its tracking more than one note at once. classic mode mostly can only do one note at time. The artifacts is the pedal trying to figure out in all the noise what is the is a new note or not.

[@stratowhore9051]

Great video: visual presentation (background, product, presenter), sound quality, relevant comments, and MUSICAL playing.

[@jakeymadball]

Another brilliant review. Finally, someone who shows what a pedal can do rather than how 'well' they can play. Thanks fella.

[@stratowhore9051]

OUTSTANDINGLY LUCID DEMO! And the baritone sounds GREAT!

[@mickgreenwood7158]

Cheers for the review Bill. Got mine today. A lot to learn. Great value pedal though. Volume swells, fuzz, bowed effects, tremolo & comes with power supply. Thumbs up from me. All the best sir.

[@burado1974]

On my ever growing list of pedal a to purchase. Great review man.

[@fallprecauxionsmusic]

one in an incredibly long line of stellar demos. bravo!!

[@aliasdandavisofficial]

This pedal is complicated. The instructions are confusing. I needed to supplement them w/ some demo video. This is literally one of three that I've found at all useful. Thanks for posting this.

[@chordsoforion]

Glad it helped!

[@kfr5018]

Ya this made me understand the pedal after 1 watch. Thanks.

[@yetojesse]

I don't hit the like button much on these kinds of videos, but this one deserves it! Thanks for the info I needed ;)

[@RATTE71]

Great demo! I've been toying with the idea of adding this to my pedal arsenal. I bought the Mel9 a few months ago and love it. The fuzz tones on this pedal are really cool. Plus the Attack/Decay options are making me think I may purchase this pedal before the end of the weekend. Thanks for the great vid!

[@edenvincent4527]

did you end up getting it? I've spent so much time playing with this combined with the mel 9! The swelliest of swells

[@kahlrhoam6769]

I got mine! It’s awesomeness! Great demo, COO!

[@kimthompson5871]

This one is on my list . Great demo

[@Cordmichael]

I just purchased this pedal and the demo rings sense to terms like envelope,etc.After I tried get the basic effect as given in the manual without success,I will use the settings as you illustrated as real guidance.Previous to your demo I thought theunit might be defective!I'll get back to you.Thanks Again.

[@JakeSoffer]

Great demo! The Line 6 Echo Park nails this sound on the “swell” setting. The attack is fixed and doesn’t track 100% accurately, but that’s part of what’s cool about it.

[@d2vmusic]

Thanks for a great and very informative demo, sorry I missed it first time around.

[@cirezetroc1905]

Best uTube demo of this pedal. This box is a big time consuming saga

[@cirezetroc1905]

Please hone in the Tremelo

[@inkraktare]

Really nice guide man, many thanks 👍👍

[@StefanvanderKlooster]

Once in a lifetime experience: a big ballsy fuzz demo by Chords of Orion :-)

[@mykhedelic6471]

Excellent demo of functions and potential. Happy little guitars, happy little pedals. An Auto-Wah is similar to a Wah, but can be used for other purposes and I feel the same goes for this pedal in comparison to volume pedal applications. That EHX, somehow boutique creative with mass market availability.

[@shaofu424]

howdy i appreciate your perspectives and playing keep on keeping on \m/

[@zenwarfare70]

Great video. I am waiting for my pedal!

[@TheEmptySki]

@3:30 - finally an effects pedal that can emulate that sound I get when my sweatshirt sleeve is interfering with the strings!

[@danielcho2698]

I keep trying to tell myself "I don't need this pedal. I'm going to be financially responsible for once and show some restraint". Then I hear the fuzz... Great demo!

[@aliasdandavisofficial]

I broke down & paid full price for a new one (for what it does, pretty reasonable). It is totally worth it for the fuzz alone.

[@markhammer643]

Bought one yesterday, and one of the things I was able to nail was mimicking what the old Gretsch Controfuzz pedal used to do. That was a simple-but-interesting circuit that combined clean and fuzz in a way that got *more* distorted the longer you held the note. Set the blend at around 9:00, dial in a suitable harmonix tone/level, and an attack time just long enough and you can pick away clean but you'll get a tone that morphs from clean to dirty, without discernible swell, if you hang onto a note or chord.

[@chordsoforion]

Great tip. Thanks for sharing it!

[@markhammer643]

@@chordsoforion Here's another tip I just stumbled onto. As you might be aware, pretty much any analog octave-up fuzz can produce a sitar-like tone if you use the bridge pickup and pick near the bridge. Feeding such a signal to the Attack Decay, and adding just a smidgen of attack time to it makes it sound a little more sitar-like. And of course, sticking a pitch-shifter of any type in the send/return loop, and setting the blend and attack times just right gets you a sound that fades in the additional pitch as you hold the note. Having lotsa fun with the unit.

[@50Something]

Fascinating!

[@legatomodi3522]

You forgot to mention its damn affordable. I got mine for $125. You should try it with one of EHX polyphonic simulators like the Mel-9 or the EQD organizer. it takes away the pluckity clinky nature to the beginning of the note that seems to be a big indicator that its still a guitar playing.

[@edenvincent4527]

it's so great with the mel 9! 100% agree

[@Olegzyan]

sounds cool!

[@krolowczanasmuga]

I love the fact that you can play in poly mode, every note, playing fast is getting swell in contrast to other auto-swell pedals which offer only mono mode (and every single note playing over already resonating note sounds clear, whithout attack decay).

[@ryangunwitch-black]

It's really cool for drones too. Hit an open E and let it ring and swell while you play an arpeggio. Super cool.

[@xaulguevara1897]

good demo chief

[@lukewarren7857]

Thanks for your demo It helped me understand the small manual that came with ' new tools I also purchased EHX Blurst and learning how to insert in the effects loop~ both pedals have expression pedal inputs Wondering if Duel expression pedal also run each blurst/attack delay as a separate channel in my wet-dry-wet Three amplifier system

[@PilferMusic]

If this pedals sells a lot... they'll reissue this reissue with some added things... :) Sounds brilliant.

[@chrisnagy1429]

I'm happy that ehx keeps current with their stuff. They are being belittled by some with their own take-offs. I am confused by this one though. But it does sound more organic than many reverse effects out there. Sold.

[@legatomodi3522]

the avalanche run has a better reverse sound in my opinion. this Ehx is still awesome. if you have an organizer organ simulator or one of those synth polyphonic pedals EHX has like a MEL-9 or whatever, you can remove the pluckity clinky nature those have with a guitar playing.

[@PodOfHeat]

Fun little gadget.

[@FunkHitsTheFan]

Very spacey Jerry Garcia feels in the way you jam, awesome peace.

[@markferguson3745]

Like a lot of EHX stuff; want to like, but the sound isn't there.

[@Wolf_K]

I mostly use mine in regular mode with and without the Harmonix Fuzz (non polyphonic) as that’s where the original sounds are to be found. In poly mode there’s tons of digital artifacts, some are cool, some not. It’s the best pedal reissue in decades in my opinion. Edit: you can actually hear the digital artifacts in this demo. In standard mode it sounds just like the Original.

[@gilberterazo732]

Im buying this pedal because of you lol

[@hadleymanmusic]

I call first dibs on any and all horn pedals you guys come up with. I wanna remake some songs but do all horn parts on guitar.

[@johnnylance]

He didn't mention the three stored patches that you can call up.

[@fredericfournier5662]

Very nice. The blend knob is set on 100% effect during the whole demo. You should have tried a few mixed sounds.

[@mikec6733]

I would've liked to hear a little of what the wet dry blend might do, like a totally regular guitar tone with just a hint of the wacky stuff. Otherwise, thanks for a very good demo demo!

[@leftpastsaturn67]

I use the 'Dyna' setting on the EHX Oceans 11... works in a very similar way, you can change the attack & decay and set the effect to be triggered depending on your pick attack. And of course, you've got all the other reverb effects available in just the one pedal.

[@chordsoforion]

Nice!

[@FantasticExplorers]

Thanks for mentioning this, the Ocean's 11 is on my 'maybe buy' list and this helps it a little further up the list!

[@markferguson3745]

Had the O11, - twice,- and traded both times.Loved the features, hated the actual sound quality,- digital lo fi, two tastes that do not work for me.

[@binky777]

Gnarly af. Nice

[@marioroquebascunan4038]

Excelenta pedal.

[@musiceclipse]

Just got one for the auto swells, but looking forward to lots more fun, like fuzzy tape reverse

[@chordsoforion]

Great!!

[@stratowhore9051]

How do you use this pedal in an effects chain, especially the send/return. The manual (pp. 12-13) is incomprehensible on this point.

[@dagmerrie]

1:45 reminds me of "Out Like A Light" by 476-Hero :D

[@punker6506]

Do you see any reason why this pedal wouldnt work on bass?

[@RandallBrownStuff]

I'm kinda a fan of the artifacts.

[@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup]

This would be awesome on my electric violin!

[@gwb19]

Oh man most definitely. Did you ever try it or any other pedals?

[@guitarguy07]

I'm so glad you did this review! I wanted the pedal the moment I saw it, but now I definitely don't! I already own the Superego+ and the Attack Decay breaks very little new ground. The poly mode on the A/D is so disappointing when compared with the Superego+ in "Auto" mode. Also, the decay time on the A/D is sadly SO short! With the Superego+ the decay can be infinite! I understand that the pedal I'm referring to is twice the price, but JEEZ even the older Superego is better at producing similar effects. My advice is look at the Superego or the Superego+ before you buy this, you will at least know what you're getting into. Thanks again for a great demo, Bill!

[@PhantomLoco13]

Sounds like a Sitar with the polyphonic mode on.

[@brentleffel6573]

What settings do I use for my c6 lap steel to make it sound more like a pedal steel.

[@BogoEN]

Awesome demo (guitar sounds great also). One question: I was checking this out on Sweetwater and was confused when looking specs that said the bypass buffer was analog, but the loop return was digital true bypass... so I assumed this would have to be an all digital pedal, but does that mean there is some part of the signal chain that is analog?

[@chordsoforion]

Good question. Might be worth pinging EHX about this.

[@mcswing2001]

Can I use for a bass so when I release a note there is still a fading sound of it? So notes don't sound cut off immediately as it naturally is the instrument when you release a note.thanks!

[@NeuhausMusic]

I use this on bass, works great.

[@luanmisaelgomesdemoura6015]

Hello, I’m looking for a good pedal for auto swells, I have a pog2 and love the auto swells I can get from it, but I’m selling it because its big and I am only using for auto swells. I’m thinking about this attack decay, the TC Crescendo, or any other recommendations. Please help me😅

[@carlosnichols9483]

How does effects loop input/output work? I saw that you had both inputs and outputs plugged in???

[@DS-nw4eq]

If I know anything from this review, this guy can talk.

[@mdominic]

How does the swell compare to the TC Electric Crescendo?

[@bonusflaps1749]

Does using the "auto-swell" effect make it difficult to play to a click?

[@Brian_B505]

This is a fantastic demo of this unit's capabilities. Where do you have this in your effects chain?

[@chordsoforion]

It would have been after the compressor and distortion, but before the volume pedal. And then of course, delay, reverb, etc.

[@Dystopian63]

its cool. what string gauges you running on the barri? b2b?

[@chordsoforion]

I normally tune BEADF#B and use D'Addario EXL157 strings which are .014 - .068

[@GordiansKnotHere]

I'm having a hard time locating one of these right now. Have they been discontinued and is there any pedal similar that I can use?

[@erixoff]

A nice piece to make oneself Robert FRIPP soundscapes :-)

[@AndoniDiazPuerta]

Im about to buy this pedal... Do you think it can track speedy single note runs ala Holdsworth? Sounds like it can but I cannot hear any demo doing this one. Thank you for your great content 😊🙏

[@chordsoforion]

it all depends on how you have it adjusted. If you have a slow attack time, you will not be able to play fast runs.

[@CGCEifel]

Nice review Bill, ty. I wonder what happens if you put it behind the delay instead of before?

[@chordsoforion]

I don't think I would prefer it, as the delay would be affected by the envelope of the Attack Decay, but certainly would be worth experimenting if you think it would word for you.

[@CGCEifel]

@@chordsoforion I have 1 white spot left on my board. I think i'll go with this one and tell you what it did :-) Ty, have a good week.

[@relaxingelectronicmusic775]

cool..-

[@kfr5018]

Can I plug this into my True Tone power supply? If so, what spot is recommended? My only available spot is 100ma and I think I read it takes 140 - 150 ma. Thanks

[@chordsoforion]

Owners manual says 140ma @ 9vdc. www.ehx.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/attack-decay-manual.pdf

[@forever3797]

Hi Bill, not entirely related to this video, but in the interest of Frippertronics and Steve Reich, do you know of any looper, or stand alone effect that you can set to fade the loop's volume in and out so that each loop/layer is doing it's own thing and overlapping kind of like brickwork? Fripp has created similar effects with varying the volume of the initial attack, but I'm thinking more of ostinato type loops with clear articulation - more like Steve Reich. You can do these kind of things with flangers, phasers, autowah's and envolope filters but they all colour the sound of the loop - how about something for just plain volume? Love your work

[@chordsoforion]

Interesting problem. How about setting up the looper in its own effect loop path with a tremolo pedal behind it. You could set the tremolo up for a super slow cycle of volume change.

[@forever3797]

@@chordsoforion Cheers Bill I will look into that - that's gonna be a lot of trem pedals if I want this for each loop (and who wouldn't!). I don't know if you have any clout with companies but I suggest the effect I'm talking about could be an easy addition given that some multi effect pedal boards with loop functions also include time based effects like the ones I've already described so I imagine an ongong fade in/out effect for each loop would not be a difficult inclusion (however I'm no electronic expert). I forgot to mention that composer Steve Reich calls the effect of loops coming in and out over each other as 'phasing' but obviously he he writes in the dynamics for the performers to play live. Love your work and looking forward to CoO for 2020!

[@thelo-fidelityarchive597]

The artifcating sounds a lot like a low quality MP3. Kinda dig it in it's own weird way!

[@JKevinWolfe]

Bill, Technically not an envelope filter since it works with the volume envelope. Thanks for the review.

[@mikemorrisonmusic]

The Onion King can play!

[@okaxis]

In my experience Strymon Mobius's and GFI Synesthesia's can't beat EHX POG2's auto-swell. So I guess this must be the best auto-swell pedal in the market right now.

[@TheCleaner6969]

How would this be for emulating an ebow? I was looking at the Digitech Freqout. I can't justify $100 on an ebow when it only does one thing. I need it for a few songs like Heroes, Love Hurts, With or Without You, Since You're Gone. I know natural feedback was used on Love Hurts & Heroes but it's not realistic to do at bedroom volume.

[@chordsoforion]

The Attack Decay is a great pedal, but it is not designed to emulate an EBow. totally different thing...

[@TheCleaner6969]

@@chordsoforion Thanks for the info!

[@courtw4207]

Is he playing on 14’s???!!!!! Those are fucking cables, man.

[@chordsoforion]

Well, it is a baritone, so tuned B-B. .014-.068. They are actually quite comfortable.

[@rainypeople]

7:48 sounds like playing guitar and your WiFi wasn’t working well

[@Giovy-Perez]

HEY God Bless your soul, and your family in the name of Jesus! bless, I subscribed to your channel has been a blessing because I am looking for something I find a good review of you.

[@kenngrover4201]

My personal opinion, dude you remind me of "Bob Ross" the oil painter on PBS. It's like you're Bob Ross on guitar, I probably would LMAO to death, if you said something like, " And now I'm going to do a friendly little Squirrel cord right over have, see there he is ! I'm sorry cat, I've watch you alot, and when it came to my mind, I laugh so hard, it brought tear's to my Eye's, now everytime I see you,

[@ericportillo8277]

The weirder ehx makes fx, the cooler they sound

[@LeeVaiM]

But can he play the game of thrones theme song?

[@8L155]

FRIPP!!!!!

[@robertmailloux3720]

Like a Malekko Sneak Attack except less expensive.

[@cfibanez]

The Malekko has much more control over the shape and duration of the envelope. Plus, it had a really good tremolo. It also sounds much better and cleaner than this EHX pedal. The Malekko is in another level, quite frankly.

[@chordsoforion]

I am not familiar with the Sneak Attack. Does it have a polyphonic envelope follower, and does it have fuzz?

[@cfibanez]

No fuzz. It just shapes the attack and decay or your guitar tone polyphonically. The guitar signal remains analog, but the circuit shaping the envelop is digital.

[@cfibanez]

For fuzz, I would get a fuzz pedal (or two). I am not too keen on "do it all" pedals, and I think you are not too keen either.

[@cfibanez]

f you are into triggered and follower envelopes, and soundscaping using those, I think you ought to look at Meris ENZO. Definitely.

[@JCBigCat]

This is Ratatat in a box. Go listen to them if you don't know them!

[@stratowhore9051]

I'm not impressed by the demos so far -- yours is the third -- but your point about adding delay certainly enriches the pedal. I think adding an appropriate wah in front would increase possibilities, as well as an e-bow.

[@chordsoforion]

Agreed that the pedal by itself is somewhat limiting. Best used in the context of a larger signal chain. I went back and listened to this performance video I did using the Attack Decay and still really like the effect: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJbOf5t6lst3rMU

[@arno-luyendijk4798]

The big trouble with EHX is....any pedal I find seems to make my wishlist bigger....wish my wallet grew in the same pace!

[@CoenBijpost]

The artifacts are really to be expected. They artificially chop one note out of a soup of chord tones. That’s quite the operation, tbh. Long decays help alleviate it, because almost no note is played till the end.

[@JasonVanzant]

Tonality does not equal timbre, but rather tonal center

[@ukaszukasz7059]

Wtf? What it is?

[@stratowhore9051]

So the Attack Decay can't do reverse effects on it's own -- in this demo you're using the Canyon for the reverse effect.

[@chordsoforion]

Uh. I suggest you go back an listen to 1:02 for the reverse demo of the pedal itself.

[@SimonJohnOwen]

Kind of an Indian sound

[@carranen]

it seems like my guitar plugued on smartphone...

[@scottmartinezguitarandbass]

Do you have a gate on your guitar? Really, nothing you did on this video sounded good.

[@chordsoforion]

I guess "good" is in the ear of the beholder.

[@wintharrison3637]

@@chordsoforion the instructions you gave were very helpful - so that sounded good for sure! 😜

[@stratowhore9051]

The fuzz gets old quick -- I'd rather use a regular fuzz or turn the "Harmonix" down.

[@greg4272]

I like this guy! :) He thinks that shaking head and showing signs of trans, will make a crap sound good :) But I hope he gets well paid fot it, he is good :)

[@philosophicallyspeaking6463]

Classical wind and string musicians spend a life time trying to convincingly 'emulate' the human voice's natural...'proclivity', or inbred ability and tendency to attempt to 'conjure' music from a series of notes, such as might then come better to constitute a melody, by varying volume (louder as the pitch rises, and quieter as the pitch falls) and coloring, preferably only the ends of longer sustained notes with 'tasteful' vibrato (to spin out the intensity and retain the attention of the ear). Why don't guitarist do this? There is nothing...'subtle' about electric guitar music, which is a shame, because 'of itself', the instrument is capable of great nuance, but its all lost, buried under a clown-car of auditory hallucinogenic. Given the plethora of pedals available, I wonder then...is there actually a pair of pedals, a swell and a vibrato, that will give a slow moving melodic lead line the vocal characteristics and qualities I've mentioned, without recourse to a volume pedal?