Hotone Soul Press II

 The Hotone Soul Press II is a clever, gig‑friendly multi‑tool: lightweight, quiet, and packed with modes that make it far more flexible than a traditional wah or expression pedal. The feel is lighter than a full‑size treadle but for players who want maximum functioality in minimum space, it’s a killer option.

Hotone designed the Soul Press II as a true do‑everything pedal: wah, volume, expression, and volume + expression split mode. It’s compact, rugged, and surprisingly refined for its size. If you’re building a tight pedalboard or need a travel‑ready controller, this thing punches above its weight.

 Build Quality & Design

Construction

• Sturdy cast-metal chassis

• Compact footprint (significantly smaller than a Cry Baby or Morley)

• Smooth, resistance‑based treadle movement

• LED indicators for mode and sweep position

It feels solid, though the treadle is lighter than a full‑size wah—some players love that, others prefer more resistance.

Ergonomics

• Low profile

• Easy to operate seated or standing

• Rubberised treadle for grip

It’s clearly designed for modern pedalboards where space is at a premium.

🔊 Modes & Performance

1. Wah Mode

• Classic, vocal wah curve

• More modern and hi‑fi than a Cry Baby

• Not as aggressive in the upper mids, but smoother and more controlled

Great for funk, fusion, and expressive lead work. 

2. Volume Mode

• Active circuit = no tone suck

• Smooth taper

• Quiet operation

3. Expression Mode

• Works with most pedals and synths

• TRS output

• Adjustable range

This is where the Soul Press II really shines. It’s a superb expression pedal for:

• Delay time

• Reverb depth

• Filter sweeps

• Pitch shifting

• Synth parameters

4. Volume + Expression Split Mode

 You can control volume and send expression data simultaneously—ideal for:

• Swells while modulating delay feedback

• Controlling synth pads while adjusting output

• Ambient guitar textures

Very few compact pedals offer this.

 Real‑World 

Gigging

• Lightweight and reliable

• LED indicators are great on dark stages

• Wah mode is responsive even at low volume

Recording

• Expression mode is excellent for automation‑style sweeps

• Quiet circuitry = no added noise

Pedalboard Integration

• Small footprint

• Works well with digital modelers (Helix, HX Stomp, Headrush, Mooer, etc.)

 Strengths

• Four modes in one compact pedal

• Excellent expression control

• Active volume circuit with no tone loss

• Smooth, modern wah sound

• LED sweep indicator

• Great value for the feature set

The Hotone Soul Press II is one of the best compact multi‑function pedals available. It’s ideal for players who want:

• A small, reliable wah

• A clean, active volume pedal

• A flexible expression controller

• A single pedal that replaces three others

If you’re running a tight board or a digital rig, it’s a brilliant choice. If you want a vintage, gritty wah feel, you might prefer a full‑size Cry Baby—but for versatility and practicality, the Soul Press II is hard to beat.