Home
... Musical Instruments
Guitar Pedals & Effects
Looper Pedals
Electro-Harmonix
Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer

Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer main image

Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer image 2

Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer image 3

Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer

^# 5

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$125.00 to $150.60 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (130)

3 Critic Reviews

17 Reviews

Find out who is using Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer

21 community setups

190 wishlisted

484 saved

Page last updated Jul 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 10 stores. Prices updated July 7, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.5 (43)

$150.60

View Deal

4.5 (13)

$150.60

View Deal

4.6 (270)

$150.60

View Deal

5.0 (118)

$132.14 81 available New

$90.00 27 available Used

View Deal

4.0 (23)

$150.60

View Deal

5.0 (2)

$150.60

View Deal

$150.60

View Deal

4.6 (415)

$125.00

View Deal

£120.00

View Deal

$150.60

View Deal

Average Price: $140

Standard/Professional

$100

$301+

Price Tier

In the Looper Effects Pedals category, Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Introducing the Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer, a unique pedal that lets you hold onto your sound. This innovative device captures any note or chord at the press of a footswitch, bringing a whole new dimension to your musical expression. Whether you're striking a chord or playing a solo, the Freeze Sound Retainer enables infinite sustain, allowing you to create a sonic tapestry that's uniquely yours.

Switch between three selectable decay rates including a latch mode for smooth, liquid-like tonal transitions. The true beauty of this pedal lies in its ability to let you play over your sustained sounds, essentially acting as an extra musician in your band. It's not just about holding a note or chord; it's about creating a world of sound where your music can live and breathe.

Key Features:

Real-time sample capture with perfect looping
Latch mode for infinite sustain at the press of a momentary switch
Fast decay mode
Slow decay mode
Smooth tonal transitions between captures
Included 9.6V DC 200 power supply
Handles input gains from pedalboards
Controller for effect level
Fast, slow and latch settings for versatility in sound creation
Durable and compact, perfect for any pedalboard
Freeze and hold your guitar's notes and chords for as long as you like.

With the Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer, you'll have the power to freeze and hold your sound, creating a sonic landscape that's entirely your own.

Owner's manual

Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer User Manual

Product specs

Pedal Type	Sample
Inputs	1 x 1/4"
Outputs	1 x 1/4"
Power Source	9V DC power supply (included)
Height	1.4"
Width	3.2"
Depth	5.6"
Weight	1.4 lbs.

FAQs

What does the Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer pedal do?: The Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer pedal captures and sustains a note or chord indefinitely when activated. It offers three modes: Fast, Slow, and Latch, allowing for immediate or gradual sound decay, or continuous sustain.
Is the Electro-Harmonix Freeze suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Electro-Harmonix Freeze is ideal for live performances, offering real-time sound capture and sustain capabilities that can enhance ambient textures and create dynamic soundscapes.
Can the Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer be used with bass guitar?: Absolutely, the Electro-Harmonix Freeze works well with bass guitars, providing the same sound-retaining features to enhance bass performances with sustained notes or chords.
What power supply does the Electro-Harmonix Freeze require?: The Electro-Harmonix Freeze requires a 9V DC power supply, which is included with the pedal, ensuring it is ready for use right out of the box.
How does the Electro-Harmonix Freeze differ from other looper pedals?: Unlike traditional looper pedals that record and playback entire phrases, the Electro-Harmonix Freeze focuses on sustaining individual notes or chords, allowing for unique soundscapes and ambient effects.

Videos

Add video

EHX

Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer (EHX Pedal Demo)

EHX

Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Electro Harmonix FREEZE - Pedal Review

EytschPi42

They Built My DREAM GUITAR EFFECT PEDAL! (Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer Review)

David Wallimann

Electro-Harmonix FREEZE - EHX Pedal Demo & Review

The Tone King

Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer Pedal

Ben Coombs

Electro Harmonix The Freeze Sound Retainer | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Electro-Harmonix FREEZE Sound Retainer Product Demo

Music City

Electro-Harmonix - Freeze Sound Retainer (Demo/Tips and Tricks)

All of Mars

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Adds significant flavor to performances, especially with other effects
Exceptional for sustaining harmonics and notes in solos
Enhances creativity and inspiration in music creation
Simple to use, with straightforward functions like Latch, Slow & Fast modes
Quality build, expected from Electro-Harmonix
Versatile for different musical styles, from ambient to rock
Non-clicky footswitch in new versions for silent operation
Works well with other pedals for expanded soundscapes
Buffered bypass ideal for the end of signal chains
Unique in holding notes with minimal decay

CONS

Initial learning curve perceived as a one-trick pony
Abrupt sound stoppage without a fade-out option
Limited sound variability and control options
Some users report a loud, clicky footswitch in earlier models
Can be invasive in the mix if not carefully managed
Effect level regulator may develop noise over time
Power supply sensitivity reported by some users
Some musicians feel it could be replicated by apps for its price/functionality
Lacks the additional features of more expensive models like Super Ego+
Some desire for more features to enhance utility

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer.

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Placing the Freeze before modulation pedals allows capturing entire modulation cycles, creating distinct layers between frozen and live sounds.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

While the Superego+ offers additional features like gliss and layering, the Freeze is appreciated for its simplicity and ease of use in sustaining sounds.
Source
0 0

Unlike the Oceans 11 reverb pedal, the Freeze sustains a true copy of the original signal, not just the reverb, offering more pronounced sustain capabilities.
Source
0 0

The Superego+ offers versatile effects like pitch shift, tremolo, and more, but its knob-based control system can be cumbersome for quick adjustments during live performances.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The Freeze's latching capabilities allow it to be used creatively in post-rock projects to sustain extended notes and create drone effects.
Source
0 0

The Freeze is praised for its ability to sustain a note or chord as an expressive solo component, allowing for simultaneous lead and rhythm playing.
Source
0 0

Using a solid-state amp with the Freeze helps capture clean drones effectively, as the aim is not to push tubes but to layer effects over a stable signal.
Source
0 0

The EHX Freeze allows for creating layered chord voicings, dense note clusters, and shifting pedal tones, enhancing jazz and ambient performances.
Source
0 0

Splitting the signal with an ABY or tuner allows the Freeze to run into its own amp, maintaining clean pad sounds while applying distortion separately to the main signal.
Source
0 0

Positioning the Freeze after dirt pedals but before fuzzy distortion can create unique crackly, bubbly fuzz drones, ideal for experimental or doom metal sounds.
Source
0 0

For rhythm players, the Freeze can be latched just after chord changes to provide fuller soundscapes in a three-piece band setup.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Owners recommend swapping the stock footswitch for a soft-click version to enhance performance, especially during quiet, ambient sessions.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The Freeze pedal's soft switch feature is now standard, eliminating the click sound that was distracting during low-volume ambient performances.
Source
0 0

The Freeze pedal includes adjustable fade times, a feature not immediately obvious to some users, enhancing control over sound transitions.
Source
0 0

The EHX Freeze captures a brief loop upon activation, and the volume of the frozen notes varies depending on when it is triggered during the sound's decay.
Source
0 0

Owners note the usefulness of placing the Freeze pedal before a looper in the FX loop to create ambient, layered sounds with chorus, delay, and reverb.
Source

User experience

0 0

Some users report unusual sounds when the Freeze is placed after overdrive, suggesting careful chain placement is crucial for intended effects.
Source

Critic Reviews

Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer is a fascinating addition to any pedalboard, offering unique sustain and looping capabilities. It's ideal for musicians looking to craft lush soundscapes and drones, thanks to its ability to capture and sustain guitar sounds at the stomp of a footswitch. The pedal features three modes—Fast, Slow, and Latch—providing versatility in sound manipulation. However, the lack of an expression pedal input for controlling the effect level might be a letdown for some. Despite its niche appeal, the Freeze is a creative tool that can add depth to non-traditional guitar sounds.

positive

Full Review

Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer Pedal Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer is praised for its innovative and intuitive design, offering musicians a unique way to sustain notes or chords indefinitely. It features simple controls that deliver a range of sound-retaining effects, appealing to players across genres. The Freeze is especially noted for its ability to inspire creative compositions and soundscapes without being gimmicky. However, its reliance on a power supply, as opposed to a 9-volt option, may be seen as a limitation for some. Overall, it's a compelling tool for those looking to expand their sonic palette.

positive

Full Review

Electro Harmonix Freeze

soundonsound.com

The Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer is a compact pedal offering a unique effect that effortlessly sustains a note to create a smooth, organ-like drone. Its simplicity is its strength, with a straightforward design featuring a single knob and a three-way toggle switch for operational modes. Despite its practicality and ease of use, the pedal's lack of options to mute the dry sound or route signals to separate outputs could limit its appeal for some. While it's a bit of a one-trick pony, the Freeze excels at what it does, making it a valuable tool for guitarists seeking to add ambient textures.

positive

Full Review

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 17 Reviews and 130 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

jesse_laycock

200

over 9 years ago

Interesting pedal!

This is an interesting pedal that i do use often, primarily when i go for huge crazy ambient sounds. I will often use this with reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, distortion, and volume swells.