Behringer FCV100 Ultra-Flexible Dual-Mode Foot Pedal Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I added this to my wish list based on my want to have a volume pedal and an expression pedal for other guitar pedals, the positive reviews on this site, and the low cost. I was hesitant to add it based on what I have been told and seen others type about the quality (rather lack there of) of Behringer products, especially effects pedals. I want to address a few areas of this pedal to debunk a few myths possibly about the OEM, explain the versatility of the pedal at the price point, and its problem points.
1. Construction
When I recently received this as a gift, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality and construction. One of the major complaints on build quality refered to plastic cases versus metal construction like a BOSS, MXR, Electro Harmonix or other pedal OEM. This pedal is made of a surprisingly decent thickness metal base plate and lever plate, both of which are covered in a hard rubberized plastic covering and the mid section which houses the electronics and serves as the fulcrum point, is a thick plastic shell. The pedal functions smoothly as intended, the input/output jacks are inset to extend approximately 1/8th of an inch and the minimum volume know is smooth and nice quality. The only component that I would have wanted to be designed differently is the normal/CV mode switch. This switch is for operating the pedal either as an in-line volume pedal or as an expression pedal. The switch itself is a slide type switch with raised portion on the face of the switch to grip your finger tip; however, the switch sits flush with the side of covering so it can be difficult to engage for someone with large fingertips or without long fingernails. A slight issue, but ideally your not going to be using that switch repeatedly, so maybe the thought was to keep it from accidentally being engaged during operation, so it is a good and bad thing.
2. Features
As described, the pedal features stereo inputs and outputs for controlling the volume of up to two instruments at once in normal mode, or using as an expression pedal in CV mode. There is also a minimum volume knob so that when rolled off you can setup the pedal for rolling off enough volume to keep the amp from saturating to overdrive but still be audible (a pseudo clean to dirty channel type setup). The pedal can be run off of a 12V AC adapter (not included) or a 9V battery. Unfortunately, none of my other pedals use a 12V AC adapter (nor are many other pedal made that require a 12V AC adapter) only 9V AC and 18V AC adapters. Another issue is changing the battery is more cumbersome than need be. The base plate has to be removed by loosening a screw on the bottom surface, sliding a metal tab out at least partially and then sliding the rest of the pedal out from the base plate. Once the battery has been changed, I have had to attempt putting back together the pedal a few times in order to get it to line up correctly into the base plate. Not a big problem by no means, just kind of frustrating when there was more than enough room to put in a battery door either on the bottom or side of the pedal.
3. Operation
The pedal functions great in either mode. I have primarily used the pedal as an in line volume pedal so I will be reviewing that mode of operation primarily. I do not hear the tone loss that others have commented on; but then again I am not obsessively picky about tone to every little particular nuance like some out there are. I believe the vast majority of guitarists out there would not notice any appreciable tone loss from this pedal, my signal is as clear as it is without it. The pedal is noiseless as would be expected of an expression/volume pedal. One major drawback for me with this pedal, the main negative and why I had to rate the pedal 3 stars, is the range of the pedal is excessive to where it is uncomfortable to play the full range. The angle appears to be between 25 and 30 degrees with in the "toe up" position, which is uncomfortable to my foot to play sitting and standing. While it is great that as much of a range was provided, it is a drawback for me, would have liked a slightly lesser angle. The pedal is still well usable for me, I just have to adjust my foot when operating it near the "toe up" portion of the range.
Summary:
This is an incredibly versatile pedal at an incredibly low price, with a few drawbacks that, at least for me, are liveable.
Pros:
Stout Construction
Stereo Inputs/Outputs
Dual Mode operation
Minimum Volume Knob
Light Weight
Slide Switch inset to prevent accidental engagement
Price, Price, Price
Cons:
Battery Change more difficult than should be
Non standard AC adapter (12V)
Uncomfortable Range of Operation
Slide switch maybe difficult for some to operate

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Get louder, get quieter, or get modulated with the FCV100 foot controller. This versatile pedal works equally well as a volume pedal or a modulation pedal.

Routing Options Galore The FCV100 can accommodate two mono or one stereo instrument via dual 1/4-inch INPUT jacks. By switching into NORM mode, the FCV100 is capable of controlling the volume of two individual instruments. In CV mode the FCV100 can control modulation and volume levels of other musical instruments by connecting OUTPUT 2 to the volume or modulation input of the instrument. In CV mode, when OUTPUT 2 is in use, INPUT/OUTPUT 1 can still be used for controlling the volume of another instrument, similar to NORM mode.
It's Easy! Once you have determined your hookup configuration, simply depress the pedal to increase sound, then rock back on your heel to decrease the sound. By turning the MIN VOL control, you can determine the minimum volume you wish to achieve.
Powering Options You can power this pedal with a 12 V DC Power adapter (not included) or a 9V battery.
What's in the Box Behringer FCV100 Pedal, User's Manual

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