XSONIC AIRSTEP Kat EX Edition Smart MIDI Controller Footswitch

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Guitar Pedals

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EQ

While Ed Sheeran primarily relies on the natural sound of his acoustic guitar and vocals, he occasionally uses EQ (Equalization) to shape and enhance his tone during live performances or in the studio. EQ pedals or onboard preamps can allow him to adjust the frequency response of his guitar signal to suit the acoustics of different venues or to achieve specific tonal characteristics. Here’s how EQ might be utilized in Ed Sheeran’s setup:

1. **Tonal Shaping**: EQ can be used to adjust the balance of frequencies in the guitar signal, allowing Ed Sheeran to shape his tone to his liking. For example, he might boost the midrange frequencies to bring out the warmth and presence of his acoustic guitar, or cut certain frequencies to reduce any harshness or mud in the sound.

2. **Feedback Control**: In a live setting, EQ can help control feedback by notching out problematic frequencies that might cause the guitar signal to feed back through the amplification system. This can be particularly useful when performing in venues with challenging acoustics or high volume levels.

3. **Room Correction**: In situations where the venue’s acoustics are less than ideal, EQ can be used to compensate for any deficiencies in the sound. By adjusting the EQ settings, Ed Sheeran can tailor the guitar tone to sound more balanced and natural, regardless of the room’s acoustic properties.

4. **Matching Gear**: EQ can also be used to match the tone of Ed Sheeran’s guitar to the sound of other instruments or equipment in his setup. For example, he might adjust the EQ to complement the tonal characteristics of his vocal microphone or to blend seamlessly with backing tracks or other instruments.

Overall, while EQ may not be a central component of Ed Sheeran’s guitar effects setup, it can still play a valuable role in shaping his tone and ensuring that he achieves the desired sound in different performance environments. Whether used subtly for tonal shaping or more aggressively for feedback control, EQ allows Ed Sheeran to tailor his guitar tone to suit his musical vision and performance needs.

Expression

Expression pedals allow real-time control over specific parameters on compatible guitar pedals, such as volume, delay time, modulation depth, or filter sweep. Used with an expression input, they let players shape effects dynamically with their foot, adding movement and performance control that cannot be achieved with fixed knob settings.

MIDI

MIDI pedals use the Musical Instrument Digital Interface standard to communicate with other guitar pedals, effects units, and hardware. They allow control over presets, parameters, and switching across multiple devices from a single controller. MIDI integration makes it possible to build complex, synchronised pedal setups while keeping control simple and consistent.

New

This is brand new, fresh in, and a UK warranty is included. New Gear always comes from trusted UK music retailers.

Pitch

Pitch pedals alter the frequency of your guitar signal, changing the perceived note or adding harmony. They can shift notes up or down by fixed intervals, create harmonies, or produce dive-bomb and whammy-style effects without a tremolo arm. Pitch shifters and harmonisers are great for thickening solos, simulating multiple guitars, or experimenting with creative, otherworldly sounds that expand your tonal range.

Volume

Volume pedals control the output level of a guitar signal using a foot-operated treadle. They allow smooth volume swells, dynamic control during playing, and easy muting between songs. Volume pedals can be placed at different points in the signal chain to either control overall loudness or adjust gain and drive behaviour when positioned before distortion or overdrive pedals.

Wah

Wah refers to an expressive filter effect that sweeps through a range of frequencies, creating a vocal-like “wah” sound. Controlled in real time with a foot-operated treadle, it allows players to emphasise different parts of the frequency spectrum as they play. Wah pedals are commonly used for lead guitar, funk rhythm work, and expressive solos, responding closely to picking dynamics and foot movement.