The latest release from pedal veterans Electro-Harmonix places a 2-in/2-out audio interface inside a stompbox chassis, and makes it possible to run route DAW audio through hardware pedals — or integrate DAW plug-ins into a pedalboard setup.
The company say that the Effects Interface is the first device of its kind, and has been purpose-built to seamlessly integrate physical guitar effects with a DAW. There are three modes of operation on offer:
- Hardware Plugin Mode: Send tracks/signal from a DAW through pedals/hardware in the same way as using a software plug-in.
- Pedalboard Mode: Run an instrument into a DAW, through plug-ins, and back out to a guitar rig signal chain, effectively turning plug-ins into pedals.
- Audio Interface Mode: Use the Effects Interface as a traditional 2-in/2-out USB audio interface.
In Hardware Plugin Mode, users are able to load up an instance of the accompanying Effects Interface plug-in, and have their DAW track’s audio routed through their favourite external pedals — the signal is routed through the unit’s local I/O via its USB-C connection. Pedalboard Mode then takes the opposite approach, making it possible to route the incoming guitar signal through DAW plug-ins before returning it to the pedal’s output. Take a look at the video below to see it in action.
Pricing & Availability
The Effects Interface is available now, priced at $359.
