The Oscillator Devices VOLT is a MIDI controllable voltage source, designed to starve analog guitar pedals. Dial in the output voltage on two independent outputs ranging from the input voltage down to 1V. When set to maximum (9V), the voltage control circuit is disabled and the output is supplied directly from the input voltage.
The expression pedal input allows control over the outputs via an expression pedal. The output’s range can be set and different expression modes allow the expression range to be controlled by the knob.
Features:
- MIDI-controllable voltage source
- Control the output voltage from 9V down to 1V
- Disable the voltage control circuit to supply the output directly from the input
- Expression pedal control
- Expression pedal calibration
- Adjustable expression pedal range
- Fully supported by the WebMIDI Interface
- Compatible with all MIDI 1.0 compliant controllers
- High-quality Neutrik sockets
- Developed and built by Oscillator Devices in Germany
Voltage Starve
Supplying analog guitar pedals with less voltage than they’re designed for (called voltage starve), can create interesting effects. Probably most popular is the gated effect when starving a fuzz pedal. The reason for this is that by reducing the supply voltage the headroom of the circuit is lowered and thus it either clips at lower volumes, or parts of the circuit overdrive that aren’t meant to be.
So, the obvious choice are fuzz pedals. Their simple design makes them very responsive for starving. But also overdrive and distortion pedals can work great. Some pedals change their character fundemantally, whereas other pedals only get a bit quieter.
A word of caution
Do not use the VOLT with digital pedals. These kinds of pedals need a stable supply voltage and, in the worst case, get damaged when not supplied with sufficient voltage.
Voltage Outputs
Both voltage outputs can be controlled independently, when using MIDI control. When using the expression pedal, both are always controlled, but they can have different range and direction.
The outputs are, like the inputs, center negative “Boss-Style” connecters and can deliver up to 70mA.
Expression Control
The VOLT doesn’t necessarily need MIDI to use it. You can control both outputs with an expression pedal connected to the expression input. Expression Control has three modes:
- Full Range: The expression pedal moves from 1V (heel) to 9V (toe).
- Heel limited by knob: The expression pedal moves from knob position (heel) to 9V (toe) <- Default
- Toe limited by knob: The expression pedal moves from 1V (heel) to knob position (toe).
In addition, the maxmimum heel and toe positions can be limited, so the expression pedal doesn’t move to the full 9V and/or 1V. With the invert function the pedal direction can be inverted. It’s possible to calibrate the expression pedal, so you’r always using the full range.
All these settings can only be done via MIDI. Use the WebMIDI Interface for easy configuration. You need a MIDI interface for your PC or Mac, such as any cheap USB MIDI interface.
Knob Control
The VOLT features a knob that serves two purposes.
- Overrides the voltage on both outputs when turned, to find the sweet spot for your pedal.
- Limit the range for the expression pedal (see section Expression Control).
MIDI Connection
The MIDI connections are assigned according to the official MIDI specification of MIDI TRS using MIDI TRS Type A, like pedals from Boss or Wampler. A 1/8″ (3.5 mm) stereo jack plug is used.
Documentation
| Document | Version | Download |
|---|---|---|
| User Manual | VOLT 1.0 (November 2025) |