The Electro-Harmonix STRING9 String Ensemble Effect Pedal is a compact, polyphonic stompbox with nine classic string sounds and five controls to transform your guitar tone into everything from epic orchestras to cutting lead strings with zero modifications, special pickups, or MIDI implementation. Relying upon the same technology powering all EHX 9 Series pedals, the STRING9 also features the signature freeze effect from the EHX Freeze pedal, allowing for infinite sustain on three of the pedal presets.

Independent effect and dry volume controls allow you to dial in your perfect mix, while dual outputs enable you to simultaneously send the dry signal at unity gain, along with your mixed signal. The nine included string sounds range from symphony ensembles to warm vintage synths and samplers, and track your guitar accurately all the way to the 23rd fret without any special mods or guitar settings. And for when you are feeling truly adventurous, the freeze algorithm can be used to attain huge soundscapes and lush textures that can sustain for as long as you need. Whether you are looking to simply enhance your tone with new sounds or become a veritable string ensemble virtuoso, the STRING9 from Electro-Harmonix can be a great addition to any pedalboard. 

9 Classic String Ensemble Sounds    Auto and Manual Freeze Function    Dual Outputs: Dry and Effect    Fully Polyphonic Tracking    4 Rotary Knobs and 1 Rotary Switch    High-Impedance Input Preserves Tone    Multifunction Footswitch for FX & Freeze    Bypass Mute Internal DIP Switch    Includes Universal 9 VDC Power Supply    Compact and Rugged Form Factor

The polyphonic EHX STRING9 features nine sounds from classic string ensembles and machines, selected by a rotary switch. This includes:

• SYMPHONIC: Recreates the sound of a large symphony orchestra with an octave-down effect at the lower range of the guitar for a thick sound. 
• JUNE-O: Emulates the string sound from the legendary Juno analog synthesizers
• PCM: Captures the sound of a small string section sampled by a vintage PCM keyboard, resulting in a warm vintage string sound
• FLOPPY: Emulates an Orchestron optical disk playback sampler, including the warble of the original
• AARP: Emulates the famed ARP Solina string synthesizer
• CREWMAN: Emulates the Crumar Performer analog string and brass synthesizer; like Pink Floyd in a box
• ORCH FREEZE: Orchestral sound with the EHX Freeze effect
• SYNTH FREEZE: String synthesizer sound with the EHX Freeze effect
• VOX FREEZE: Mellotron choir and strings sound directly from the EHX MEL9 with the EHX Freeze effect

The STRING9 pedal features a single mono Hi-Z input, but features two distinct outputs. The dry output jack outputs the signal from the input jack using a buffer circuit, which helps maintain signal clarity during long cable runs or busy pedalboards, and the dry output signal is always present whether in effect or bypass mode. The effect output jack outputs the mix set by the dry and effect volume knobs. By default, this output sends the buffered input when in bypass mode—but, by flipping the DIP switch inside the pedal from dry to mute, this output will instead be muted in bypass mode. This is handy when sending the STRING9's effects to a different amplifier or mixer channel and when you don't want to hear your guitar from that amp while in bypass.

At first glance the STRING9 controls might seem quite simple, but hidden inside the pedal's five rotary controls is a diverse range of tonal flexibility. Besides dedicated dry and effect knobs which control input gain and effect gain respectively, each of the nine string sounds selected by the 9-position rotary switch contain their own custom preset controls. From octave switching, to sustain/release time, to filter envelope and much more, every ensemble sound has been given it's own vital control function, while simultaneously cutting down on pedal clutter and keeping the unit as compact as possible.

Straight from EHX's signature Freeze pedal, the freeze function allows the STRING9 to hold notes and chords far longer than a guitar sustain would typically allow, creating atmospheric and creative sounds. Combine the STRING9 string ensemble sounds with the Freeze algorithm for beautiful pads, ethereal soundscapes, and truly innovative tones that will last as long as you need them, even the full length of a song. This effect comes in two flavors—Auto, which holds your notes and chords until a new one is played, and Manual, which holds any notes or chords played, indefinitely. Both Freeze functions can be activated or deactivated with a single stomp.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Does the XK-3 operate properly under Windows 10?

A: Yes. Use our free Macroworks software (available on XKeys.com) for programming.

Q: 2. IS THIS ITEM WORKS WITH THE EUROPE AC POWER?

A: The Voltage, on this GraLab Model 300 Electro-Mechanical Darkroom Timer would be - 120V/60/Hz.

Q: 3. Will this X-keys XK-3 Rear Hinged Foot Pedal work with Sony Transcription Software?

A: The pedals can be custom programmed to work with nearly any application that is operated by mouse.

Q: 4. Does this pass phantom power through?

A: Yes. All three styles of Whirlwind MicMutes will pass phantom power for use with condenser type microphones. Thank you.

Q: 5. Does this item include the attached expression pedal and cable to the xk3 keyboard?

A: Yes this includes the EXP-100F pedal that is pictured.

Q: 6. How much these weight and what’s the measurements

A: The Pedal Board is 42 x 37 x 6" and weighs 55 lbs.

Q: 7. Can this connect to a ballast required enlarger? The Opemus 5 to be exact?

A: The Gra-Lab timer can be used to time any item that has a standard house hold plug.

Q: 8. I'm seeing some Q&A here regarding various devices, but here is both a Q and A regarding the Whirlwind Micmute PTD:Does this device pass phantom power, even when muted, so that condenser mics may be used?

A: Phantom will pass as the mute position shorts pins 2 and 3, but the unit is likely to pop when used with phantom. For truly silent switching , use the MicMute PX.

Q: 9. Is the pedal mechanically quiet? My present pedal makes a loud clicking sound when stepped on.

A: Yes, the SP-2 is mechanically quiet and construction is solid. It will not create a loud clicking sound when you step on the pedal.

Q: 10. Can I use them with my XB3

A: This is not compatible with the XB3.