New Electro-Harmonix POG3, the best polyphonic octave pedal?

Since its launch in 2005, Electro-Harmonix’s POG series has established itself as a benchmark in polyphonic octave generators . Today, the New York-based brand strikes back with the release of the POG3, a pedal that pushes even further the sonic possibilities and versatility that musicians the world over adore.

Polyphony with even more voices

At the heart of POG3 is an ultra-fast tracking engine and perfect polyphony operating over four octaves. The big news? The addition of a sixth voice, an upper fifth (+5th), to the classic voices already present in POG2: DRY, -2 OCT, -1 OCT, +1 OCT and +2 OCT. Each voice can be individually mixed using dedicated sliders, offering unrivalled sonic flexibility.

This wealth of voices makes it possible to create tones ranging from the jangle of a 12-string guitar to six-voice organ sounds. The POG3 is capable of generating enveloping stereo effects thanks to panning potentiometers for each voice, enabling them to be precisely positioned in the stereo field.

Advanced effects and controls

POG3 doesn’t just offer a wide variety of voices. It also features a vastly improved effects section. The famous ATTACK, which creates subtle swell effects (gradual rises in volume or loudness) or dramatic swell effects, is still present, but is now accompanied by a multi-mode filter with envelope control and Q adjustment (an audio filter for controlling the width of the affected frequency band), offering even more advanced sound-shaping possibilities.

In addition, the DETUNE section has been enriched with a SPREAD setting, adding a new stereo effect to the already well-known function. All these controls can be stored in the 100 available presets and controlled via expression pedal, USB-C (for connection to a computer, via EHXport software) or MIDI, opening the door to even more creative performances.

POG3’s new features don’t stop there. Electro-Harmonix has integrated innovative expression modes such as the aptly named Freeze (which holds a note or chord indefinitely, creating a suspension effect), Glissando (generates a fluid transition between two notes or chords, similar to a glide), and Warp (which transposes your signal by +/- 2 octaves. )

Total control through simplified operation

One of the highlights of the POG3 is undoubtedly its revised and improved user interface. Thanks to a new, high-visibility OLED display and the “NavCoder”, an intuitive navigation wheel, setting parameters and managing presets becomes child’s play. The interface makes it easy to save, reorganize and edit presets, either directly on the pedal or via the EHXport application, available on PC and Mac.

INPUT GAIN, reminiscent of the original POG, also makes a comeback, allowing you to add a touch of saturation to your signal for a richer, punchier sound.

The addition of three separate outputs (LEFT, RIGHT, DIRECT OUT) enables even finer management of sound space, whether in concert or in the studio.

In short, the POG3 is a pedal designed for professional musicians looking for a complete and versatile tool.

Retail price: €599
More information on the Electro Harmonix website.