Hotone - SP-20 Soul Press II

The Hotone SP-20 Soul Press II pedal replaces several pedals on its own by combining volume, wah, volume/wah and expression functions. If you like to save space on your pedalboard without sacrificing versatility, it’s definitely worth a closer look. Switching between modes is simple, allowing you to quickly adapt the pedal to your playing style. It remains compact whilst offering a larger surface area for more natural foot movement.

The active volume circuit prevents the signal loss that can occur with some passive volume pedals. In wah mode, the Q and WARM/CLASSIC controls let you adjust the filter’s bandwidth and frequency range. This allows you to achieve a smoother wah or, conversely, a more pronounced one, depending on the track. The status LEDs constantly indicate the pedal’s position, which is a real bonus when the lights go down on stage.

The independent expression output allows you to control the parameters of other compatible pedals or processors. A dedicated output for the tuner means you don’t have to integrate it into the main audio chain. The Soul Press II operates in True Bypass mode to allow the signal to pass through uncoloured when deactivated. It can be powered by a 9 V mains adaptor or a 9 V battery, and the expression mode works even without a mains power supply.

The chassis combines an aluminium body with a steel shaft to withstand repeated use. The textured surface improves grip underfoot, even during the most energetic passages. Weighing just 500 g and measuring 81 × 162 × 51 mm, it fits easily onto most pedalboards.