What does the Electro-Harmonix Pico Attack Decay pedal do?

This pedal simulates the unique sounds of a tape reverse effect and volume envelope manipulation. It allows you to create swells, fades, and reversed audio textures, transforming your guitar or other instrument's signal into ethereal soundscapes or percussive stabs. It's perfect for adding unique ambient or experimental textures to your music.

How do the controls on the Pico Attack Decay pedal work?

The Pico Attack Decay features intuitive controls to shape your sound. The Attack knob adjusts how quickly your note swells in, while the Decay knob controls the fade-out time. The Sens knob adjusts the threshold that triggers the envelope. The Blend knob mixes your wet and dry signals. A Mode button allows you to switch between Mono and Poly modes, which apply the volume envelope differently to single or multiple notes.

What kind of sounds can I create with the Pico Attack Decay?

You can achieve a wide range of effects, from violin-like swells and bowed instrument sounds to percussive, staccato notes with a quick attack and decay. Engaging the Reverse function adds classic tape-reversed sounds, creating backward melodies or ambient washes. It's a versatile tool for experimental guitarists, synth players, and sound designers.

Is the Pico Attack Decay pedal analog or digital?

The Electro-Harmonix Pico Attack Decay is a digital pedal. This allows it to precisely recreate complex volume envelope effects and the unique characteristics of tape reverse simulation in a compact form factor. Its digital processing ensures consistent and reliable performance for all your creative sound explorations.

What are the power requirements for the Pico Attack Decay?

The Pico Attack Decay pedal requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is conveniently included with the pedal. This ensures you have everything you need to start creating unique sounds right out of the box. Its compact size makes it easy to fit on any pedalboard.

Electro-Harmonix Pico Attack Decay Tape Reverse Simulator Pedal

Name: Pico Attack Decay Tape Reverse Simulator Pedal
Brand: Electro-Harmonix
Rating: 4.5 (9 reviews)

Volume Envelope Manipulation Effects Pedal with Mono/Poly Modes

Item ID: PicoAttack

Electro-Harmonix Pico Attack Decay Tape Reverse Simulator Pedal

$ 136 .90

In Stock!

Ask An Expert Our Expertly trained Sales Engineers are ready to help!

(800) 222-4700 Email

What is a Sales Engineer?

Have one to sell?
Check out Sweetwater's Gear Exchange!
Learn More

$ 136 .90

Push the Volume Envelope!

This article was Written By

Our Product Research Team

Get to know them!

The Pico Attack Decay comes with a message to all who desire its compact charms: captivating swells and luscious volume envelope effects await! From a design introduced in 1980, Electro-Harmonix brings you a smaller, more compact version of the Attack Decay. Dubbed the Pico Attack Decay, you’ll find the same classic synthesizer-like control over the attack and decay of the notes you play. With this pedal-born magic in tow, you can experiment with tape reverse effects to slow volume swells to bowed-instrument effects. Like its forebears, the Pico offers users two modes: Mono and Poly. Don’t let its intuitive exterior misguide you, however, the Pico Attack Decay is filled with powerful volume sorcery. Sweetwater agrees the Electro-Harmonix Pico Attack Decay is as enjoyable as it is inspiring!

Simplified controls, powerful tone

The Pico takes the envelope effect from the reissued Attack Decay pedal and repackages it into a smaller chassis. Sweetwater guitarists have found the smaller chassis does not affect the powerful nature of this pedal’s effects. Plus, you can still rock the boat with a selection of Mono and Poly modes. Mono applies a single volume envelope to all the notes you play. On the other hand, Poly applies a volume envelope to each individual note — this is an excellent tool to craft cascading swells or leads with spirited attack that smooths out.

As for the knobs, start with the Attack to set your volume envelope’s swell/fade-in speed and the Decay to set the fade-out speed. A high Attack setting will bequeath you with languid volume swells, while a high setting on the Decay will give you artificially staccato notes with synth-esque swagger. Sens can adjust the threshold that triggers the envelope. Plus, you’ll have a blend control for tweaking your level of wet vs. dry signal. With four knobs and a Mode button, the Pico Attack Decay carries everything you need to get in, get out, and travel light. It’s about time you found a pedal you could get creative with!