EHX Attack Decay - Push The Envelope... off a cliff

Envelope effects are usually reserved for filters, and maybe a dynatrem or dynamics-based-tremolo if you're feeling trippy. The Electro-Harmonix Attack Decay Reverse Tape Simulator (to use its full name) works on volume alone, but as you'll see here, there is MUCH that can be done with this digital pedal's knob combinations.
All music by me.
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro / Demo Jam 1
1:50 - The Basics
3:14 - Volume Swell and Reverse Effect
4:36 - Tremolo and Banjo Effect
6:14 - Demo Jam 2
7:30 - Effects Loop
8:47 - Fuzz (HarmoniX) Effect
9:38 - Poly Mode
11:02 - As A Practical Effect for Your Board

[@_stitch]

Great write up on a pedal that I find very hard to explain. I have one, and I love it. I was fortunate enough to own an SG-1 back in the day - it was fine, but didn't do quite what I wanted, and they were so hideously valuable I was better cashing in. I replaced it with the inimitable Dod FX15 Swell - hideously rare, almost as expensive, and impossible to repair due to the LDR it uses being long out of production, which did more what I wanted. I sold that a few years back for the same reason, and in my latest pedalboard incarnation with a volume pedal found myself missing those old effects, and stumbled on some videos of the attack decay. It does everything I could want and more besides, you are not exaggerating that the options on this thing are vast. Credit surely to the designers at EHX. I think a lot of people write them off as just banging out Muffs, Clones and Stones, but a lot of their latest pedals have some very, very clever features in them and there's some really well thought out user integration like the presets you mention. My favourite feature I could never talk to anyone but pedal nerds about is that in preset mode; if you move a knob the LED's light up telling you the current knob positions do not match that of the preset. As you move the knobs around they speed up or slow down so that you can find the original setting - say you had a great preset in slot 1, but you want to tweak it very slightly, or copy your presets over to another pedal, it lets you find those knob positions. My TC Electronic Nova Delay has a display and it can't tell me what my settings are on my favourite patches. They really have thought of everything.

[@TheOGGameChanger]

love the preset light reference!!! that manual is fantastic and very descriptive as well; when i got it years ago i'd read it for hours just to comprehend all of the different aspects of the pedal. my favorite pedal since the day i got it!

[@PedalChainsAddiction]

Another great video! I love the poly mode on this one. It’s been on my board for a couple of years now. Push it into an EQD Transmisser and you’ve got a gorgeous string section facsimile. It really is an underrated gem. Please continue to produce such interesting content and showcase great devices and builders. Thanks for doing what you do!

[@markhammer643]

I have one of these, and have to say it is one of THE most underrated EHX pedals. As a "tape reverse" simulator, one of things it captures nicely is the manner in which harmonic content changes after a string is picked/strummed. Normally, strings produce the MOST harmonic content during pick attack, and that harmonic content subsides soon thereafter. That means that if you want to simulate a recorded guitar being played backwards, you have to not only have the volume swell, but you also need to increase the harmonic content in reverse. Back in the day, forty-some years ago, I would try to fake backwards tape using my Univox compressor, into my MXR Envelope Filter, and then into my MXR 6-band EQ I'd set the compressor for moderate compression but high output, the filter for slowest possible attack (made a bit slower by the compressor), roll the 3 lowest sliders on the EQ all the way down and the 3 higher sliders all the way up. Remember that the filter starts its sweep at the bottom, and then moves upward. With the lower EQ bands fully reduced, the start of the sweep would be almost inaudible. Then, as the sweep moved upwards, it would get louder. And because the MXR 6-band can be easily overdriven, as the sweep reached its highest point, the resulting tone would not only be louder, but grittier as well. The Attack Decay aims for the same thing, but does a better job. Feeding its output to a filter moves you into synth territory. If you feed it with an octave-down fuzz, and THEN into a filter, you're definitely in synth territory.

[@Digitalmindseye]

I really enjoy mine. It sounds really cool on lap steel for that volume pedal style swell. EHX crams so many extras in there…you cover it very well. Your explanation of the fx loop is great too. Your channel is top notch. Coolest, tastiest demo jams on YT, period. I wish you many more subs.

[@StompboxBreakdown]

Absolutely agreed, EHX killed it with this. I was so focused on making my guitar sound like a lap steel, I hadn’t considered what an actual lap steel might sound through it. Glad you like the channel, I appreciate the compliments, and thanks for subscribing!!

[@LP-123]

Love your videos, man -- your passion for the gear shows. And, frankly, your jams/style and approach feels like mine a bit too. It's nice to see a non-pro pro showing off the gear. It's real and honest. Keep up the amazing work!

[@StompboxBreakdown]

Thank you so much, Loren!

[@glennmichaelthompson4112]

Great video on the EHX Attack Decay. This box seems practically endless on the variations one can come up with. Having the effects loop is brilliant, and the control pedal capability can bring you into all kinds of new territory. Your video was very well explained, succinct and you touched on all the important points. Liked and subscribed ! Thanks for a solid overview!!!

[@StompboxBreakdown]

Thank you so much! I really enjoy this pedal a lot, it gets used quite a bit when I'm writing for my own stuff. The backwards vibe and string-like swell let you do things with guitar that are tricky to pull off with just the volume knob.

[@marchaney]

I guess that due to the fact that this pedal is once again on my wish list, this was a well done and convincing video! Thanks.

[@StompboxBreakdown]

I aim to please. Hope you get it and enjoy it!!

[@Samana009]

Good that you showed more of the potential of this pedal. It will never leave my board.

[@gradypatterson1948]

The naming of the fuzz effect "harmonix" is a nod to the past, as Electro-Harmonix' first pedal was the Axis fuzz pedal (aka the 'Foxey Lady') 🙂

[@sandyturner1911]

WOW! Thanks so much. This is a really great demo of the things you can do, with this pedal. You really made this simple, and easy to see.

[@StompboxBreakdown]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@SS-gx7tg]

That trick with the delay in the effects loop is awesome. Great chan!

[@TheBrotherChamp]

This has been the best review of this pedal I have seen!

[@StompboxBreakdown]

Thank you so much!! They put a lot into this pedal, so I tried to put a lot into the video

[@anthonysablan8650]

This is by far the best demo of the attack/sect I’ve heard yet.

[@StompboxBreakdown]

Thanks! I really enjoy this pedal, lots of potential

[@timharbert7145]

Smashing demo. Thank you so much for your work

[@StompboxBreakdown]

My pleasure, thanks for watching

[@amylou7991]

Nice!! Have been mulling over this one + the Blurst for fun times!

[@stevencoleman9013]

Great video! I absolutely LOVE this pedal.

[@StompboxBreakdown]

Thanks! I love this pedal too, so much you can get out of it

[@pvillez]

Great review. Thank you!

[@pauldeatherage6112]

Nice paul and i love the pickgaurd on your bass looks awesome, nice work sir

[@StompboxBreakdown]

Thank you! I forget where I got the idea for the pickguard but I agree, everyone thinks it’s a fancy custom or something … it’s just a regular Mexican Jazz Bass with a beefed up Fender bridge.

[@davidsummerville351]

Mine should be arriving Monday. Can't wait. Thanks for the info.

[@StompboxBreakdown]

Awesome!!!! Enjoy it

[@fallprecauxionsmusic]

that was a damn good review, dude!! thank you for that. seriously!!

[@sierragold]

I've been looking at this pedal, so REALLY enjoyed this review. Sick jams! The Kilobyte pedal looks intriguing as well... btw, I just realized you wear the beanie only when playing bass lol!

[@EricTheCleric93]

Dude yes. This pedal is so much cooler than it might seem on the surface - which, like you said, you barely scratched. Setting the decay very short allows you to make staccato notes, which is particularly interesting/useful with monophonic synth-type pedals. Try it with the Game Dual setting on your SY-200 and a single repeat delay! Instant Oracle of Ages/Seasons.

[@Thecoachco]

Thank you ,for myself I think you explain how to use this amazing box better than the rest , my favorite aside from all the tweaks is the fuzz distortion,if you like it dirty like me,its the dirtiest sound ever with incredible sustain

[@StompboxBreakdown]

It really packs an interesting punch. One of my favorite pedals in a long long time

[@bradlinville1295]

Best review of thus pedal Ive seen

[@StompboxBreakdown]

Thanks Brad!

[@leandrocesarmaccan5655]

Maybe my first favorite effect was a phaser, a Digitech Hyperphase. My second one is the shimmer, the Boss Ps-3. And my dreamed effect was something i saw on a vst plugin, i call it Datamosh, but is called something like FFT Vocoder phase Noise reduction... and this pedal does it, it's like audio degradation in video calls. In the manual of the attack decay refers to "bubbles" i think. Love this video!

[@Lomoholga2]

This is easily the most underrated and ignored pedal of the major manufacturers in the past 10 years.

[@al271987]

The “banjo” face has to be a new favorite of mine.

[@StompboxBreakdown]

Hahaha, totally making banjoface a thing

[@tomheineman4369]

I think your videos help the company understand its own pedals

[@StompboxBreakdown]

Thanks! I think the folks at EHX kinda know what they’re doing. ;)

[@Thecoachco]

In memory of Elizabeth Reed is a good example of using the volume effect

[@MYGAS21]

I always thought that envelope pedals are a must for a guitarist. SImply because the envelope is a basic characteristic of any sound. So my first pedal of sorts was the PIGTRONIX Philosopher King. I love it for the cv inputs it has but the EHX Attack Decay even though without cv inputs, does what the PK does but more accurately, it's polyphonic, has a watery artifact that someone might find useful AND it has that magical effect loop. I really think you should do a part 2 and expore the amazing hacks that can be done with it. It is an essential part of my rig right now and use the effect loop to delay the attack of a ring modulator inorder for the initial note to come through first. I'm oversimplifying since there is alot more to it, but I only want to give an example that might spark some ideas for other uses, were someone would need to envelope the attack of an effect, over his initial tone. If that makes sense. You did something like that with the delay in the FX loop but maybe it needed more exploring. I'm saying this because if not you ...who else?

[@henriquecorreia9917]

have one and I love it... good show

[@fedir_sh]

For the very first time this box looks... strange, maybe )) But with demo and your explanation it's work really great. Thanks!

[@craigswensen434]

Awesome!

[@andrewadair1443]

Great Video- Love the demo songs! - I have a GT1000 core that does slow attack well but not the polyphonic mode- have to find one of these and try it out to see if its worth adding.

[@ShaighJosephson]

The EHX Platform compressor covers some of it, but no tremelo, delay, and it has boost instead of fuzz... Both come in handy for emulating stringed instruments...

[@R1GAMBLER]

rad

[@shadowcat4372]

This would be so cool on a lap or pedal steel

[@lorincowell6944]

A little Leslie West in every box.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

I have one of those. Every other week I wanna sell it.

[@mantashaft]

I've wanted this pedal since it's reintroduction. I dig pedals that can open up tons of possibilities with every other tone I have. I haven't bothered to look into it yet, but I was curious if there were similar pedals from other manufacturers. I didn't hear eveything you said because I'm working 🤫, but I"m assuming the Boss Slow Gear was maybe it? Ok, forget what I said I took a quick google and see a TC Electronic Crescendo. I haven't looked at this pedal ever. In sum, great video. 🤐

[@hey-jax]

I'm writing up between this and it's smaller version, the EHX Pico. Does anyone know if Pico can also do the tremolo effect? I don't have a trem pedal and would be good to have that function in the same pedal for space.

[@mindseyemusicreview]

The way the attack and sustain in your second guitar backing track it sounds like road rash from Sega genesis or like how cool I remember the guitars in that game baing

[@StompboxBreakdown]

Haha, check out my newer video on the Roland GR-1 Guitar Synth, I specially say that my into jam sounds like Road Rash on Sega Genesis

[@Lomoholga2]

Anyone know how to shape the character of the attack and decay? 12:10

[@maxonmendel5757]

I bet P stands for preset

[@amylou7991]

Very interesting pedal. Saving up for a Mod Rex and hoping not to be thrown off course by this one!! Nice G+L Asat too.

[@StompboxBreakdown]

Thanks! Yeah, I need to bust out that G&L some more, it’s a joy to play. Enjoy whatever pedal you wind up with!!

[@amylou7991]

@@StompboxBreakdown Now getting tempted by the Boss SL 2...

[@junkheadyamiken]

13:22 hmm and i thought the dry blend invention on compressor pedals is innovative. I always thought that what im not hearing still colours my signal too much. Now i have a even less "less" sounding sound. I really thought it makes my playing better.

[@halukkiran]

I am actualy Having a corn But Sweetcorn🌽🌽🌽

[@pauldeatherage6112]

Love that last tune makes me want to smoke a joint

[@wighttoan]

You get a lot for your cash in this pedal. Mine new was $160cad. The distortion is a Big Muff circuit. Big Muffs go for just over $100cad.

[@chrismiller5875]

Strike as a swell machine

[@pauldeatherage6112]

✋

[@jettt1761]

Love the video! What’s the guitar you’re using at 6:22? Super cool!

[@StompboxBreakdown]

Thank you so much! That’s a Reverend Jetstream

[@eti313]

Cool video! May I ask: what is that blue screen with the sea life floating around on it? It has round corners, so I'm intrigued.

[@StompboxBreakdown]

It’s a jellyfish aquarium. Don’t worry, not real. There’s lots of them for sale online, just look up “jellyfish lava lamp”. That one is from Sharper Image, I believe.

[@eti313]

@@StompboxBreakdown Thanks!

[@allenanderson4911]

The tremelo is a little like a leslie speaker to my ear....warbbeling

[@wjdavey3]

❤️🎶🎵🎸🎶🎵🙏🎶🎵🍀❤️😎

[@TheLordcasio]

Are you based in Kingston, NY? I keep noticing your t-shirts.

[@StompboxBreakdown]

Yup! Around there, anyway

[@TheLordcasio]

Ah man, we got meet up and nerd out on pedals. You go to Tubby's much?@@StompboxBreakdown

[@xenod1066]

What is the scale/mode in the first jam?

[@StompboxBreakdown]

Hey sorry for the late reply on this. It’s just Am to E, then an F E G turnaround. Solo is just noodling in C pentatonic (mostly).

[@geemac7267]

What is that on your Tshirt? BSP, eight days in the game? I'm confused. LOL It looks like the guy from Flight of the Conchords.

[@StompboxBreakdown]

Eight deep in the game. An amazing music venue that unfortunately is no more.

[@geemac7267]

@@StompboxBreakdown I see. Thanks for clearing it up.

[@johneberle5468]

For a real treat stick a night wire behind this.

[@waynegram8907]

STOMPBOX BREAKDOWN, why not do a video lesson about various amplitude modulation pedals that do reverse tape effects. The Boss Slow Gear , Mooer Slow Engine, Behringer Slow Motion, TC Electronic Crescendo, etc The SWELL TIME of the ramping is the difference from all of them.

[@conorkane4203]

Lamest use of this pedal. However thumbs up brother.

[@philosophicallyspeaking6463]

I have a question. Classical wind and string musicians spend a life time trying to convincingly 'emulate' the human voice's natural...'proclivity', or...inbred ability...or...obligation 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 phrase rises in pitch, and quieter as the pitch of the phrase descends), and then coloring (preferably) the end of sufficiently 'long' 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 hallucinogenics. Given the plethora of pedals available, I wonder then...is there actually a trio of pedals, a swell, a vibrato, and a reverb, that will give a slow moving melodic lead line the vocal characteristics and qualities I've mentioned, without recourse to a volume pedal or performance intervention? This seems a good start!