Xploration • Curation • Recommendation
Casio delivers a surprise at NAMM with its Dimension Shifter Guitar Strap B-Bender style Expression Controller
We’ve had all manner of innovative expression controller devices over the years - including things like FOMOfx’s Virtual Jeff Pro.
It’s a massive surprise that a company not normally associated with guitar gear has brought out such a cool guitar accessory.
It kind of makes use of a B-Bender style mechanic - where pulling down on your guitar / strap stretches out the spring-loaded transmitter which finely senses the degree of force and movement - and sends those changes to the Pedal / Receiver element which is plugged into whichever pedal’s expression port.
There are 2 essential elements here - the strap-connected Expression Transmitter which is battery powered, and the mains-powered Pedal Receiver. You also get a protective silicon cover for the transmitter.
Both elements have onboard settings / parameters :
- Expression Transmitter Controls - Power Button, Reverse / Pairing Button, Sustain / Calibration Button.
- Pedal / Receiver Controls - 3 x Transmitter Type, Mode Switch : Pedal Expression / Transmitter Expression, Momentary / Latching Switch, Polarity Switch, Sustain Switch / Pairing
The Transmitter element looks like it should be compatible with my Schaller strap locks - seems like everything has been well considered here. And the Pedal / Receiver has 3 TRS options as mentioned - which should mean it is compatible with most brands of pedals - including Boss of course!
I’m not sure this is necessarily something in my imminent future - but it is undeniably cool - and should work well for most. I’m still quietly considering this!
It’s priced at $300 - which seems pretty reasonable for the amount of tech and flexibility you’re getting here.
You can read up more on the Dimension Shifter on the Casio Website.
Core Functionality & Motion Control
- Strap-Mounted Transmitter: A compact, lightweight unit connects between the guitar strap and the strap pin, using a spring-based system to detect motion.
- Motion-Based Expression: Pulling or moving the guitar neck compresses/extends the internal spring, allowing for hands-free control of wah, volume swells, delay time, feedback, and pitch shifting (similar to a B-Bender).
- Wireless Connectivity: Uses Bluetooth 5.1 to pair the transmitter with a floor-based receiver, providing up to 30 feet (10 meters) of range.
- Low Latency: The system operates with approximately 20ms of latency, designed for real-time performance.
Control & Calibration Features
- Adjustable Spring Tension: The transmitter's tension can be adjusted to match the guitar's weight and the player's preferred feel.
- On-the-Fly Calibration: A dedicated "CAL" button allows players to set the maximum and minimum range of movement, reducing accidental adjustments.
- INV (Invert) Function: Reverses the direction of the expression signal (e.g., pulling down can turn volume down instead of up).
- HOLD Function: Both the transmitter and receiver feature a "HOLD" button/switch to lock in a specific effect parameter value (e.g., freezing a wah position or sustaining a pitch bend).
- LED Indicators: The receiver includes an illuminated display for visual feedback on status and signal levels.
Compatibility & Connections
- Universal Compatibility: The receiver features a 1/4" TRS output jack with a three-way slide switch to match the polarity/wiring of most major effect pedal brands (Boss, Line 6, etc.).
- Dual-Effect Control: Can be used alongside a traditional foot-operated expression pedal to control two different parameters at once.
- Instrument Versatility: Compatible with electric guitars, bass guitars, and shoulder keyboards.
- Not MIDI/CV Compatible: The device is designed strictly for TRS expression inputs and is not compatible with MIDI or CV terminals.
Power & Specifications
- Transmitter Power: Operates on two AAA alkaline batteries with a battery life of approximately 20 hours.
- Receiver Power: Powered by a 9V AC adapter (AD-0913S).
- Dimensions (Transmitter): Approx. 1.97" x 1" x 4.72".
- Weight (Transmitter): Approx. 0.33 lbs (excluding batteries).
- Maximum Travel: The internal spring has a maximum extension of 20mm.
Demos
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