Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $239
Standard/Professional
$70
$251+
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Description
EHX QTron Envelope Filter for Bass guitar. This filter effect generates an impulse-driven wah-wah sound, or a quack on each impulse. The impulse is controlled by the volume and dynamics of the input signal. The effect responds to volume and playing dynamics. It boosts one specific frequency and suppresses all others. It responds to the dynamics of the input signal. The effect is often used in the funk genre, or fusion with funk. The original QTron is green. Later versions were mainly orange and blue coloured. There are also mini versions and the plus model with extra filter controls.
Product specs
| Brand | Electro-Harmonix |
| Model | Q-Tron Envelope Filter |
| Finish | Silver / Black / Teal |
| Year | 1990s |
| Categories | Filter and Wah Pedals |
FAQs
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What type of effect does the Electro-Harmonix Original Q-Tron produce?
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The Electro-Harmonix Original Q-Tron is an envelope filter pedal, which creates dynamic, auto-wah effects that respond to the intensity of your playing.
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Is the Electro-Harmonix Original Q-Tron suitable for bass guitar?
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Yes, the Electro-Harmonix Original Q-Tron works well with bass guitars, providing rich, funky filter effects that enhance low-end frequencies.
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What are the main controls on the Electro-Harmonix Original Q-Tron?
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The Electro-Harmonix Original Q-Tron features controls for mode, range, drive, and Q, allowing users to shape the filter effect's response and intensity.
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Does the Electro-Harmonix Original Q-Tron require a specific power supply?
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The Electro-Harmonix Original Q-Tron typically requires a 9V DC power supply for optimal performance, but always check the manufacturer's specifications for confirmation.
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How does the Electro-Harmonix Original Q-Tron differ from other envelope filter pedals?
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The Electro-Harmonix Original Q-Tron is renowned for its responsive dynamic range and versatility, offering multiple filter modes that can adapt to various playing styles and instruments.
Videos
The Gear Files
Electro Harmonix Q Tron Demo/Playthrough
Electro Harmonix Q Tron Demo/Playthrough
The Gear Files
Electro-Harmonix Q-Tron Envelope Filter pedal demo
Sam Brawn Music
Original Vintage EHX Q-TRON + Fender JAZZ BASS ’75 RI MIJ
Bart FUNK Bass
Electro Harmonix Q-Tron Envelope Filter
Pedal Sessions
Reviews
PROS
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Sounds closest to a Mu-tron, unparalleled auto-wah quality
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Versatile, offering a range of sounds once dialed in
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Maintains full bass response, doesn't compromise on tone
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Recognized and used by professional musicians like Flea
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Superior to competitors like the MXR M-82 in performance
CONS
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Requires patience and skill to find the right settings
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Some settings produce unusable sounds
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Input and output jacks can be stiff, making cable connection difficult initially
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Electro-Harmonix Original Q-Tron.
Mods and upgrades
Comparisons
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The Electro-Harmonix Original Q-Tron is favored over the Micro Q-Tron for achieving Jerry Garcia's envelope filter sound, but some turn to DIY Mutron 3 for closer emulation.
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The Digitech Bass Synth Wah offers a more versatile filter experience, ranging from auto wah to synth drone, and is easier to use than the Q-Tron.
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The Q-Tron Plus offers more controls and flexibility compared to the Micro version, potentially providing a closer match to Moog envelope filter sounds.
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For those prioritizing exact Moog-like filtering, consider waiting for potential Behringer releases, although timelines are uncertain based on past release patterns.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Combining a phaser, like the MXR Phase 90, before the Q-Tron creates a unique and dynamic sound effect, which pairs well with tape delay after the Q-Tron.
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Tap tempo auto wah can create rhythmic LFO sounds or slow atmospheric sweeps, especially effective when paired with delay.
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The Q-Tron can approximate John Frusciante's envelope filter tones, especially for those seeking a "Dani California" vibe without investing in a Moog.
Source
Build quality
Value and pricing
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Prices have significantly increased, with some shops listing them at $375 compared to previous sales around $100-$150, indicating rising rarity or demand.
Source
Features and functionality
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 11 Ratings
1391
Best sounding envelope filter
I have bought the three envelope filters that Flea used: the DOD FX25, FX25B and the original green EHX QTron. The QTron sounds way fuller. Both DOD’s lack bass response. The EHX doesn’t let the bass tone suffer from the filter effect. There is a reason only the original green QTron is still on Flea’s pedal board.
Artist usage
Add artist
At around 6:00 into this video, Flea's tech shows the Electro Harmonix Q Tron pedal used in Flea's pedalboard during the I'm With You Tour. It looks to be an old style of this pedal.
“We have the Electro Harmonix Q Tron Envelope Filter, which he uses in a few songs here and there and sounds really nice. We use that on Sir Psycho Sexy.”
In this instagram post you can spot the (vintage) EHX Qtron
Listed on Reverb.com in November 2020.
In a series of social media clips (like this one), Danielle demo'd the riffs from Little of Your Love. She specifies in the post that she runs through a EHX Q-TRON
According to gear section on his website, Kadlecik uses the Electro-Harmonix Original Q-Tron pedal.
In a photo from Bardo Pond Photography, Bardo Pond's Electro-Harmonix Original Q-Tron is visible next to their Deluxe Memory Man, showcasing its role in their effects setup.
The pedal can be seen on this picture found at https://kohntarkosz.blogspot.com/2010/05/jannick-top-nantes-clinic-may-6-2010.html .
Album Usage
The Electro-Harmonix Original Q-Tron has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Electro-Harmonix Original Q-Tron, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
Show yours
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