Mission Engineering EP1-L6 Review
Our Verdict and Summary
With expression pedals you have pretty basic functionality, so we're also looking to construction and compatibility for our review. With the EP1-L6, it nails the construction side, and adds a lot of versatility if you're working with Line 6 pedals.
I didn't test the EP1-L6 with non-Line 6 pedals, so I need to make sure that's clear. Moreover, I haven't seen any documentation that says it's compatible with non-Line 6 pedals.
It's also going to offer different functionality depending on the firmware. So if you're using something like the Line 6 HX Stomp, I'd recommend getting everything updated.
To test, I used my old Line 6 DL4, with no firmware involved.
But this covered the basics. Your functionality will depend entirely on which pedal you're using. These Mission Engineering expression pedals are better for the more complex Line 6 units, like the Helix and POD GO.
Read more: Best guitar pedals overall
Comparison Table
We don't give ratings to expression pedals, but we've still included this table so you can see some options that are in a similar price range.
Pedal | Model | Rate | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mission Engineering EP1-L6 | n/a | |
 | Lehle Dual Expression | n/a | |
 | Boss EV-1-WL | n/a | |
 | Fender EXP-1 Mustang | n/a |
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The EP1-L6 is built like a rock and is compatible with most Line 6 pedals that support an expression connection.
Mission Engineering EP1-L6 Price Guide
Prices updated Mon, September 25th, 2023.
Sweetwater Pricing
Price Alert
Price History
Price History for Mission Engineering EP1-L6 Expression Pedal for Line 6 Product - Black Finish
Statistics
| Current Price | $139.00 | September 22, 2023 |
| Highest Price | $139.00 | August 4, 2023 |
| Lowest Price | $139.00 | August 4, 2023 |
Last price changes
| $139.00 | August 4, 2023 |
Functionality and Use Cases
Here's list of the Line 6 pedals that are compatible with the EP1-L6:
- Helix
- Helix LT
- HX Effects
- Pod HD 500
- Pod HD 400
- Pod X3 Live
- Pod XT Live
- Pod Studio KB37
- Toneport UX8
- M13
- M9
- M5
- DL4 Delay
- FM4 Filter
- DM4 Distortion
- MM4 Modulation
- FBV Shortboard MkII
If you're using something like the Helix, you can set up multiple expression pedals, like you see in the demo video below. For example, you could use the Helix expression pedal to control volume, while assigning the EP1-L6 to control the mix of an effect.
You could also divide duties between wah and volume.
I've found the mix control to be the most logical and applicable use of an expression pedal, aside from the obvious wah or volume. In the DL4 I don't have wah, but I was able to tweak volume, mix, and delay tempo.
For Line 6 pedals with pitch shifting effects, you can configure the EP1 like a whammy pedal.
All of this is pretty basic and easy to set up, especially with the Line 6 Helix pedals.
An expression pedal is sort of like having an extra tap tempo control. It certainly makes life easier, especially for playing live.
Depending on the pedal you're pairing it with, the EP1 can control volume, wah, pitch, tempo, or the wet/dry mix of your effect.
Feel and Construction
I need to add here:
The only wah pedals I've ever used for an extended period of time are the switchless Morley wahs, which kickback on their own and engage the second you step on them. This has made conventional wah pedals like the Crybaby feel incredibly strange to me.
That's the case with volume and expression pedals as well. This means there's automatically going to be an awkward feel.
But that's a me problem.
I can tell you that the pivot is really smooth and the construction is solid. I doubt you'll have any issues with back and forth movement. It's also pretty easy to "settle" on a point if you want to dial in a more specific setting.
Price and Value
I've always thought that volume and expression pedals are over-priced. Even wah pedals, being such a simple technology, seem high to me.
Check the current price point in the above table for updated numbers, but at the time of publishing this review, the EP1 was selling for about $140 new. This is actually in line with a middle tier price range, if you look at comparables.
I'd like to see the EP1 closer to $100, but you can't really blame Mission Engineering for charging what the market will sustain.
Some of the Boss expression pedals clip $150.
It works as advertised and the price is what it is.
It's heavy in your hands but rolls pretty smooth. No real complaints with this one.
Review Wrap Up and Questions
The ideal fit for the EP1 is pretty clear. Line 6 pedal owners, especially the Helix series, will benefit a lot from a capable expression pedal. Since there's already a lot of tweaking that requires your hands, the EP1 can make some of it foot-controllable.
There's also a lot of value here for live performers, which is true of any expression pedal.
Mission Engineering is really be putting some work into their expression pedals, and I like their look a lot more than the Boss and Fender variations.
The ES1 just looks more "guitar" than some of the other brand's expression pedals.
Overall, there's very little to complain about here.
If you have questions about our EP1-L6 review, drop them in the comments section below.
We'll see you there.
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Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Effects & Roundups
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Effects & Reviews
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