The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The Electro-Harmonix Next Step Talking Pedal creates a talkbox-like, vowel-shaped guitar sound without a mouth tube. Rather than sending guitar sound through a tube to a player’s mouth, it uses two bandpass filters; a built-in fuzz circuit can be blended in for added definition and growl. EHX marks the pedal discontinued in 2020, so its current availability should not be assumed.
How the EHX Talking Pedal makes its sound
Electro-Harmonix describes the Next Step Talking Pedal as a rocking filter-type pedal. Its two bandpass filters reshape the guitar signal to produce a male-vocal quality and vowel-like sounds. A fixed fuzz circuit is built in and can be blended with the side-mounted scroll wheel.
The pedal uses EHX’s Next Step design: the player rocks the chassis to control the effect, with silent bypass switching and no footswitches, gears, or racks. EHX says a battery is included and a 9-volt power supply is optional. This is a filter effect that imitates some of the expressive character of a talk box; it is not a digital vocoder and does not route guitar sound through the player’s mouth.
How it differs from a traditional talk box
A conventional talk box uses a speaker driver and tube to carry an instrument signal to the performer’s mouth. The performer shapes the sound with mouth movements, and a microphone captures the result. The EHX Talking Pedal instead applies filters to the electrical guitar signal, so it avoids the tube-and-microphone performance setup.
#1 Best Overall
- The Talk Box contains its own amp and speaker driver for modern gigging convenience with Volume, Tone, and Gain controls to fine-tune your sound to taste.
- Classic talk box sounds in a self-contained unit , perfect for guitar, keyboards, and more.
- Built-in amplifier eliminates the need for an extra amplifier
- Comes with Tonebird bundle featuring Dunlop ECB009 power supply, 2- 10' Tonebird noiseless instrument cables, Dunlop plush microfiber wipe, polish, and 2 Tonebird noiseless patch cables
| Option | How it makes the effect | Performance setup and controls | Production status stated by manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electro-Harmonix Next Step Talking Pedal | Two bandpass filters; blendable fixed fuzz. | Rock the chassis; scroll wheel blends fuzz. No mouth tube. | EHX labels it “DISCONTINUED 2020.” |
| MXR Talk Box M222 | Speaker driver and tube carry the instrument sound to the mouth. | Requires a tube at the mouth and near a microphone; controls include volume, tone, and gain. Dunlop lists an 18-volt adapter and an eight-foot surgical tube as included. | The cited MXR product page describes the model; it does not establish current retailer inventory. |
| DigiTech Talker | DigiTech describes it as a digital vocoder, with six presets including a TalkBox preset. | Has an XLR microphone input; it does not use a traditional talk-box tube. | DigiTech describes it as vintage. |
| BOSS VO-1 | BOSS describes a vocoder with a Talk Box mode. | Provides a tube-free way to use a Talk Box-style mode. | Current availability is not established here. |
These products can all suggest vocal or talk-box-like articulation, but they do not make the sound in the same way. The MXR is a traditional tube-based talk box; the DigiTech Talker and BOSS VO-1 use vocoder approaches, while the EHX uses filters.
Is the EHX Talking Pedal still being made?
EHX’s product page labels the Next Step Talking Pedal “DISCONTINUED 2020,” which means the manufacturer says it is no longer in production. That status does not tell you whether a retailer has used stock or new-old-stock units today. Verify the item’s condition and seller details rather than assuming a listing is current or that a new unit is available.
Rank #2
- The Talk Box contains its own amp and speaker driver for modern gigging convenience with Volume, Tone, and Gain controls to fine-tune your sound to taste.
- Classic talk box sounds in a self-contained unit , perfect for guitar, keyboards, and more.
- Built-in amplifier eliminates the need for an extra amplifier
- Comes with Toneburd bundle featuring Dunlop ECB009 power supply, 2- 10' instrument cables, 2- MXR patch cables and 6- Dunlop assorted picks
Which kind of talkbox-like effect should you choose?
- Choose the EHX-style filter approach if you want to rock a pedal to shape vowel-like guitar tones and blend in fuzz, without a tube at your mouth.
- Choose a traditional talk box such as the MXR M222 if you want the mouth-shaped sound created by a driver and tube, and are prepared to position the tube and use a microphone.
- Consider a vocoder-based option if you want a tube-free setup that uses a microphone signal or a dedicated Talk Box mode. Check the manufacturer’s current product and inventory information before buying, since the cited DigiTech Talker is described as vintage and availability is not established for these options.
What did the Talking Pedal cost at launch?
MusicRadar’s September 13, 2012 launch coverage reported a U.S. list price of $121.20. That is a historical launch figure, not a current price or a guide to what a used unit should cost.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Contains its own amp and speaker driver
- Volume, Tone and Gain controls
- Sturdy, road-ready housing
- Model Number: M222
Rank #4
- The Talk Box contains its own amp and speaker driver for modern gigging convenience with Volume, Tone, and Gain controls to fine-tune your sound to taste.
- Classic talk box sounds in a self-contained unit , perfect for guitar, keyboards, and more.
- Built-in amplifier eliminates the need for an extra amplifier
- Comes with Tonebird bundle featuring Dunlop ECB009 power supply, Groovetech multi-tool, 10' instrument cable and 2 patch cables
Rank #3
- Talkbox Guitar Vocal Effects Pedal
Sources
- Electro-Harmonix: Next Step Talking Pedal
- MusicRadar: launch coverage, September 13, 2012
- Dunlop: MXR Talk Box M222
- DigiTech: Talker
- BOSS: VO-1
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
