Is the Electro Harmonix Mono Synth polyphonic?

No, as the name suggests, it is a monophonic synthesizer. It is designed to track and process one note at a time, making it ideal for lead lines rather than chords.

Do I need a special pickup to use this pedal?

No special pickups or MIDI modifications are required. The pedal works with a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable connected to a regular electric guitar.

How many synth types are available on the pedal?

The pedal features 11 different synth types. These can be selected using the primary rotary knob on the face of the unit.

Can I save my own settings on the Mono Synth?

Yes, the pedal allows you to save one preset for each of the 11 synth types. This allows you to recall specific 'Control' and 'Sensitivity' settings for each sound.

What is the typical price for this unit?

The typical price for the Electro Harmonix Mono Synth is approximately £113. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.

What does the Sensitivity knob do?

The Sensitivity knob adjusts how the pedal reacts to your playing dynamics. Correct adjustment is essential for ensuring the synth engine triggers reliably based on your picking strength.

Can I blend my original guitar signal with the synth sound?

Yes, the pedal has independent 'Dry Vol' and 'Synth Vol' controls. This allows you to mix the pure guitar signal with the synthesised sound to maintain clarity or create layered textures.

Does the pedal have a built-in expression pedal input?

The EHX Mono Synth typically includes an expression pedal input. This allows for real-time foot control over the 'Control' parameter for dynamic performance effects.

How does this compare to the Behringer Neutron?

The Behringer Neutron is a semi-modular standalone synthesizer that does not require a guitar to function. The EHX Mono Synth is an effects pedal specifically designed for guitar players to trigger synth sounds via their strings.

Is this pedal suitable for bass guitar?

Electro-Harmonix produces a specific 'Bass Mono Synth' voiced for the lower frequencies of a bass guitar. While the standard Mono Synth will work, it is optimised for the frequency range of a standard electric guitar.

What kind of power supply does it require?

The pedal generally requires a standard 9V DC power supply. It is recommended to use the EHX 9.6DC-200mA power supply often included with the unit.

Can the Mono Synth be used with other instruments like the Yamaha YDS-150?

While designed for guitar, any monophonic line-level instrument could theoretically trigger the pedal. However, dedicated wind synths like the YDS-150 have their own internal engines and do not typically require a guitar synth pedal.

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Electro Harmonix Mono Synth Guitar Synthesizer

The Electro-Harmonix Mono Synth is a compact guitar effects pedal designed to transform a standard electric guitar signal into various monophonic synthesiser sounds. It provides guitarists with a collection of lead synth voicings without the need for specialised pickups or MIDI modifications.

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Overview

The Electro-Harmonix Mono Synth is an effects pedal that allows guitarists to access a wide range of synthesised textures. Unlike traditional guitar-to-MIDI systems that require a Hexaphonic pickup, the Mono Synth works with a standard instrument cable. It is designed specifically for lead lines and monophonic playing, meaning it tracks one note at a time to generate its output.

Functionality and Control

The pedal features a user-friendly interface centred around a 11-position rotary dial, which allows the player to select from various synth types.

Key controls include: * Dry Vol: Controls the level of the unaffected guitar signal. * Synth Vol: Adjusts the output level of the synthesised sound. * Sensitivity: Calibrates how the pedal responds to the player's picking dynamics. * Ctrl: Adjusts a specific parameter for each of the 11 synth types, often governing filter sweeps or modulation rates.

Additionally, the pedal includes a preset function, allowing users to save and recall one setting for each of the 11 synth types.

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Sonic Character

The Mono Synth is described as a tool for creating 'seductive synth masterpieces,' offering sounds that range from vintage analogue-style leads to modern, aggressive textures. The character of the sound is highly dependent on the selected synth type and the 'Control' knob setting. Because it is monophonic, the pedal excels at articulated melodies, providing a thick, saturated tone that deviates significantly from a standard guitar signal.

Market Context and Alternatives

Within the broader synthesizer market, the Mono Synth occupies a niche focused on ease of use for string players. While devices like the Behringer Neutron or Oberheim OB-X8 provide deep, modular, or polyphonic synthesis for keyboardists, the Mono Synth serves as a 'Synth Salvation' for guitarists who do not wish to learn a new instrument interface. Other alternatives in the digital or wind synthesis space include the Yamaha YDS-150 or the Yamaha MX49 II, though these require different playing techniques compared to the guitar-centric EHX pedal.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Electro Harmonix Mono Synth polyphonic?: No, as the name suggests, it is a monophonic synthesizer. It is designed to track and process one note at a time, making it ideal for lead lines rather than chords.
Do I need a special pickup to use this pedal?: No special pickups or MIDI modifications are required. The pedal works with a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable connected to a regular electric guitar.
How many synth types are available on the pedal?: The pedal features 11 different synth types. These can be selected using the primary rotary knob on the face of the unit.
Can I save my own settings on the Mono Synth?: Yes, the pedal allows you to save one preset for each of the 11 synth types. This allows you to recall specific 'Control' and 'Sensitivity' settings for each sound.
What is the typical price for this unit?: The typical price for the Electro Harmonix Mono Synth is approximately £113. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.
What does the Sensitivity knob do?: The Sensitivity knob adjusts how the pedal reacts to your playing dynamics. Correct adjustment is essential for ensuring the synth engine triggers reliably based on your picking strength.
Can I blend my original guitar signal with the synth sound?: Yes, the pedal has independent 'Dry Vol' and 'Synth Vol' controls. This allows you to mix the pure guitar signal with the synthesised sound to maintain clarity or create layered textures.
Does the pedal have a built-in expression pedal input?: The EHX Mono Synth typically includes an expression pedal input. This allows for real-time foot control over the 'Control' parameter for dynamic performance effects.
How does this compare to the Behringer Neutron?: The Behringer Neutron is a semi-modular standalone synthesizer that does not require a guitar to function. The EHX Mono Synth is an effects pedal specifically designed for guitar players to trigger synth sounds via their strings.
Is this pedal suitable for bass guitar?: Electro-Harmonix produces a specific 'Bass Mono Synth' voiced for the lower frequencies of a bass guitar. While the standard Mono Synth will work, it is optimised for the frequency range of a standard electric guitar.
What kind of power supply does it require?: The pedal generally requires a standard 9V DC power supply. It is recommended to use the EHX 9.6DC-200mA power supply often included with the unit.
Can the Mono Synth be used with other instruments like the Yamaha YDS-150?: While designed for guitar, any monophonic line-level instrument could theoretically trigger the pedal. However, dedicated wind synths like the YDS-150 have their own internal engines and do not typically require a guitar synth pedal.