VoiceLive 3 supports various control devices such as expression pedals and the Switch-6. However, when these devices are used together, the system may sometimes report an impedance error, causing the pedal to stop functioning. This article helps you understand the cause and provides a quick, technically correct solution.
Why does VoiceLive 3 show an impedance error?
An impedance error occurs when VoiceLive 3 cannot correctly detect the impedance of the connected control device. This issue is related to how the control port identifies impedance:
- The VoiceLive 3 processor uses a single detection circuit to identify either high or low impedance.
- SWITCH-3 and SWITCH-6 are both high-impedance devices.
- Some expression pedals on the market use low-impedance designs.
- When high-impedance and low-impedance devices are connected together, the system cannot distinguish them, resulting in an error.
Therefore, SWITCH-3 or SWITCH-6 can only be used together with high-impedance expression pedals.
How to fix the impedance error (correct technical procedure)
1. Disconnect all pedals and footswitches
Remove all expression pedals and footswitches from the control ports on the VoiceLive 3.
2. Connect the expression pedal and calibrate
- Connect the expression pedal to the correct control port.
- Perform the calibration process in the VoiceLive 3 settings menu.
3. Disconnect the expression pedal
This step allows the system to store the impedance value of the expression pedal before configuring other devices.
4. Select the correct footswitch mode
Enter the settings menu and select the appropriate mode:
After selecting the correct mode, connect Switch-3 or Switch-6 so the system can correctly recognize the footswitch impedance.
6. Reconnect the expression pedal
Once Switch-3 or Switch-6 has been properly detected, reconnect the expression pedal. The impedance error will disappear if the pedal is high-impedance.
Important notes
- Switch-3 and Switch-6 are always high-impedance devices.
- If used together with an expression pedal, the pedal must also be high-impedance.
- Low-impedance expression pedals will always cause errors when connected alongside Switch-3 or Switch-6.
Conclusion
The impedance error on VoiceLive 3 is not a hardware failure, but a result of impedance mismatch between Switch-3, Switch-6, and expression pedals. By using the correct type of pedal and following the proper setup procedure, the system will operate stably. If you need advice on choosing a compatible expression pedal, contact a trusted supplier for accurate guidance.