Latvia-based innovators Gamechanger Audio have just launched a new and improved version of their popular sustainer unit. Built around an entirely new engine, the Plus Pedal II introduces an intelligent automatic layering function, advanced performance controls and expanded connectivity, all of which the company say extend its capabilities to a wider range of instruments and performance contexts.

Renowned for its ability to create rich, organic, and endlessly evolving soundscapes, the original pedal has proven to be one of Gamechanger’s most popular products. The new version introduces a new Spectral Sampling algorithm that combines real-time audio capture with spectral resynthesis to preserve the true timbre, dynamics, harmonics and character of the input signal. It’s said to be capable of handling a huge range of inputs including electric guitar, vocals, flute, saxophone, violin, cello, acoustic instruments and experimental sound sources with equal accuracy and musicality. 

The new engine is joined by Auto Layer Catch, a new mode in which the pedal continuously monitors incoming audio, identifies new note events, and adds them to the active sustain pool automatically. Users can rest a foot on the brass pedal and perform freely without needing to manually triggering each new layer — the result is said to be closer to playing a piano with a sustain pedal than operating an effects unit. A dedicated Layers knob allows for precise control of the active layer count from a single sustained note to ten simultaneous harmonic layers, while an Infinite Mode continuously folds older layers into new ones to allow for endless stacking.

Tweaks have been made to the pedal’s interface, too: dedicated Catch and Hold switches define exactly how new notes enter the sustain pool and how active layers behave while the pedal is engaged; Rise and Decay knobs shape the fade-in and fade-out characteristics of each individual layer; and users can apply dynamic, evolving filtering and harmonic resonance to the sustained signal using Tone and Resonance controls. 

There’s also a new effects loop that allows external processors to be patched into the pedal’s signal path at three distinct points, along with an optional external footswitch that unlocks three operating modes: WET, which removes the dry signal from the main output for pure sustained layer output; LATCH, which holds the pedal in a continuously active state without requiring physical engagement of the brass pedal; and HIDE, which temporarily removes the dry signal whenever the brass pedal is pressed.

• Layer Control: Select between one and 10 discrete layers, or choose Infinite for endless stacking.
• Auto Layer Catch: Rest your foot on the pedal and play freely. New notes are automatically caught and layered with natural, musical decay — no tap required.
• Resonator: Active layers interact and evolve, generating beautiful fundamental harmonic movement in high or low register.
• XLR Input & Built-in Mic Preamp: Studio-grade capture for any instrument or microphone source.
• Smart Effects Loop: a three-position switch for instant routing of external effects Pre, Mix or Post — before, inside or after the Plus Pedal II’s engine.
• Gradual Optical Control: Smooth, expressive sustain with a natural, responsive feel rather than binary on/off switching.
• Visual Feedback: An elegant circular LED display shows active layers in real time.
• Advanced Hold & Decay Release: Deep control over how layers enter, decay and behave over time.
• Optional Extra Footswitch: Three powerful modes: Wet, Latch and Hide

Video of PLUS PEDAL II | by Gamechanger Audio | Out Now!

The Plus Pedal II is available now, priced at $€399.

gamechangeraudio.com/plus-pedal-ii