The GLEEMS Long Range Laser expression pedal by LEEMS Industries LLC

The GLEEMS Long Range Laser expression pedal was built from the ground up with accessibility in mind. If regular expression pedals have failed you for any reason the GLEEMS might be worth a try. It shoots laser beams(really!) at a 45 degree angle to determine how far away you are (up to a few feet away). Based on the distance between you and the pedal, a corresponding voltage is allowed through to any pedal connected to the GLEEMS using a standard TRS( aka Stereo) cable. In addition to unlocking expression to more people in more situations, the GLEEMS can unlock new ways to use expression such as pointing the pedal at a musical collaborator or even your audience.

A momentary footswitch allows you to cycle through 2 banks x six modes of operation. The modes vary in behavior and sensitivity to cover as many situations as possible. The modes are sepearated into two banks

Bank 1
When you turn on the GLEEMS using the left foot switch, you enter Bank 1. In Bank 1 there are 6 modes that all react to motion in front of the sensor. In Bank 1 pressing the right momentary foot switch advances to the next mode. The knob in the middle of the pedal adjusts sensitivity in some way but that means different things for different modes. For Push Mode and Push/Pull Mode CCW requires vigorous movement, CW detects subtle movement. For Wah Modes, Sine Mode and Square Mode CCW requires a small distance to use the full expression sweep, CW gives you a larger distance to work with. In Wah Modes, Sine Mode and Square Mode, waving something very close to the sensor resets the starting point. This is signified by a Red, Blue, Green light sequence. Push Mode and Push/Pull modes do not require a starting point because they measure change in distance not absolute distance. Experiementation is the best way to understand the difference between modes in Bank 1.

Bank 2
If you turn on the GLEEMS while holding down the right momentary foot switch, you enter Bank 2 (this is indicated by a Red, Blue, Green light sequence). Bank 2 contains 6 different wave forms that automatically run without use of the sensor. In Bank 2 twisting the knob advances to the next mode. This frees up the right momentary button for tap tempo. While in Bank 2 you can tap the right momentary switch to increase or decrease the speed of the waveform.

Modes
Bank 1
(Blue) Push Mode measures acceleration toward sensor, decays
(Green) Push/Pull Mode measures acceleration toward or away, decays
(Red) Wah Mode maps distance to expression low to high, no decay
(Yellow)Wah Mode maps distance to expression high to low, no decay
(Magenta) Sine Mode ( sensor changes speed)
(Cyan) Square Mode ( sensor changes speed)

Bank 2
(Red) Sine Wave
(Green)Sawtooth Wave
(Blue)Triangle Wave
(Cyan)Square Wave
(Magenta)Random Flicker
(Yellow)Rattlesnake wave

The GLEEMS works great with wahs and filters as well as time based effects like delay, reverb, univibe, spinning speaker, flanger, chorus, anything with a expression input.

Frequently Asked Questions:
-Does it work with my pedal?

The GLEEMS uses the most common wiring and resistance (10k Ohm) for expression pedals. Send us a message before buying to let us know what pedal(s) you intend on using the GLEEMS with. We can check for compatibility

-Does it work in the dark?

Yes! Ambient light can effect the performance of the GLEEMS but for the most part it works fine in the dark because it uses lasers

-Are the lasers safe?

The GLEEMS uses a laser that operates within "Class 1" safety limits. That means it's safe to the naked eye. According to wikipedia: "A Class 1 laser is safe under all conditions of normal use. This means the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) cannot be exceeded when viewing a laser with the naked eye or with the aid of typical magnifying optics (e.g. telescope or microscope)."

-Can I see the laser?

Not with the naked eye. However you can see it if you record it on a slow motion camera. It appears as a purple light.

-Can I use a battery?

No. The GLEEMS can only be powered by a standard 9 volt DC center negative power supply

More technical details about the modes sensor modes.

Push mode, Push/Pull Mode
Measures change in velocity of movement. This means the measurement is not relative to a fixed point in space. So you can feel free to move around. Great for guitar players standing up.

Wah modes, Sine Mode, Square mode
Measures absolute distance from a fixed point in space, which can be easily re-calibrated. This gives you less freedom to move around. Great for playing music in a seated position.