Originally introduced back in 1980, the Electro-Harmonix Attack Decay pedal gives you synthesizer-like control over the attack and decay of the notes you play. Said another way, Attack Decay can create tape reverse effects, slow volume swells, notes that cut off abruptly, and even bowed-instrument effects. And unlike the original effect, you can engage poly mode to affect each note you play independently. Engage the built-in fuzz circuit for harmonic excitement. Place other effects like reverbs and pitch shifters in the send/return loop to affect just those signals. Especially if you’re into ambient or textural guitar techniques, there’s a lot of creativity to discover in the Electro-Harmonix Attack Decay effects pedal.

So how does it work?

Attack Decay applies a volume envelope to your guitar signal, with adjustable attack and decay times. In mono mode, you have one volume envelope that your signal passes through, which resets each time you play a new note or chord. In poly mode, each note or chord gets its own volume envelope. This allows you to create bowed-instrument sounds and other effects, especially when you engage the built-in Harmonix fuzz circuit. Sonically adventurous guitarists at Music Experience love experimenting by putting different effects in the send/return loop, which allows you to apply the volume envelope to affected signals while also passing your dry signal through.

What Electro-Harmonix Says...

The circa-1980 Electro-Harmonix Attack Decay is a sought after prize among vintage pedal aficionados. Originally called a Tape Reverse Simulator, it’s known for producing volume and reverse swells, backward tape sounds, artificially short staccato notes and bowed instrument effects. The new Attack Decay reinterprets the classic and keeps its cool factor, but adds some modern features for convenience and enhanced functionality. It can produce a single volume envelope like the original, or, with Poly engaged, put separate volume envelopes on each note you play. The built-in Harmonix fuzz is now a fully controllable distortion with gain, tone and volume controls. The effects loop allows the musician or sound designer to place the volume envelope onto whatever signal is present at the Return jack. Expression pedal/CV input and three user presets give the user total control over their Attack Decay!