Electro Harmonix SYNTH9

A Tribute to Cult Keyboards of the ’70s and ’80s, in Pedalboard Format

The SYNTH9 follows in the footsteps of Electro-Harmonix pedals capable of transforming a guitar signal into entirely new textures, here with a resolutely “vintage synth” approach. The 9 presets draw inspiration from iconic analog colors (pads, leads, strings, synth basses) and immediately evoke the aesthetic of legendary productions, from art rock and synth-pop to the most spacey funk. If your influences range from ELP and Kraftwerk to Joy Division, P-Funk and Peter Gabriel, you’ll find that spirit from the very first notes.

Who is it for, which styles, and in what context?

The SYNTH9 is designed for guitarists and bassists who want to add a genuine synth layer to their playing without switching instruments. It is equally suited to intermediate musicians (immediate presets, clear controls) and creative studio users looking for polyphonic textures and “keyboard-style” bass lines.

It is particularly at home in pop, rock, electro, new wave, funk and prog, but also in ambient music when combined with a Delay or reverb. Live, it becomes a formidable tool for filling out the sonic space (pads, strings) or triggering synth leads. On a pedalboard, it works ideally at the beginning of the chain to maximize tracking accuracy.

Controls, Routing and Setup Tips

Operation is designed to get you straight to the sound: two volume controls (DRY and SYNTH) let you balance the guitar/bass signal and the synth texture, while CTRL1 and CTRL2 change functions depending on the preset (color/tone, attack, modulation, intervals, vibrato speed, portamento, etc.). The 9-position selector provides access to a wide range of sonic worlds: OBX, Profit V, Vibe Synth, Mini Mood, EHX Mini, Solo Synth, Mood Bass, String Synth and Poly VI.

For best performance, place the SYNTH9 first in the chain, then add modulation, Delay and reverb. Avoid placing distortion/overdrive before the pedal: if you want to dirty up the sound, place the overdrive after the SYNTH9. Note that an internal compressor is active on the synth sounds, stabilizing the attack and improving note definition.

The Sound

The SYNTH9 offers a distinctly “analog” palette: expressive leads that cut through the mix, expansive pads and strings for adding thickness to a chorus, and deep, funky synth basses. The sound is deliberately musical and inspiring, with an exceptionally immediate playing feel when the input signal is clean and well defined. By adjusting the DRY/SYNTH mix, you can move from a complete keyboard-style transformation to a subtle blend that preserves the guitar’s attack for better presence on stage.

Technical specifications

Effects	Synthesizer	Type	sector
Technology	Digital	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Purple

9 presets	OBX, Profit V, Vibe Synth, Mini Mood, EHX Mini, Solo Synth, Mood Bass, String Synth, Poly VI	Bypass	buffered bypass
Usable tracking range	up to approximately the 23rd fret on the high E string (guitar) and up to the open A string (bass)	Input impedance	1M
Knobs	DRY VOL, SYNTH VOL, CTRL 1, CTRL 2	Output impedance	500
Input	6.35 mm jack	Dimensions (W x D x H)	102 x 121 x 89 mm
Dedicated DRY output (unaltered signal via buffer)	6.35 mm jack	Required power supply	9.6V DC
SYNTH output (DRY/SYNTH mix)	6.35 mm jack	Current consumption	100 mA