Xotic XW-2 Wah - Metallic Blue
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Background
The Xotic XW-2 Wah Metallic Blue takes the vintage-inspired foundation of Xotic's original XW-1 Wah and refines it into a simpler, more plug-and-play design. Its voicing draws inspiration from the highly regarded Italian-built Clyde McCoy wah pedals of the late 1960s while incorporating Xotic's own custom-designed components and modern switching system.
Rather than providing multiple external tone controls, Xotic designed the XW-2 around a carefully tuned core wah sound with the philosophy of achieving maximum tone with minimal adjustment. The pedal's fundamental EQ and response are already dialed in, allowing the player to concentrate on the performance rather than continually adjusting controls.
At the heart of the XW-2 are a custom-wound inductor, proprietary wah potentiometer, and specially voiced circuit. Together, these components are designed to retain the musical, vocal character associated with vintage Clyde McCoy wahs while providing a response that extends beyond a strict vintage reproduction.
The XW-2 also features relay-based true bypass switching, adjustable treadle tension, an adjustable travel stop, a self-lubricating nylon pivot bushing, and a footprint approximately 20% smaller than a conventional wah pedal.
XW-2 vs. XW-1
Both the XW-1 and XW-2 are based around Xotic's interpretation of classic late-'60s Clyde McCoy-style wah tone, but the two pedals approach adjustability differently.
XW-1 — Maximum Adjustability: The XW-1 provides external Bias, Wah Q, Treble, and Bass controls, allowing the player to substantially reshape the wah's frequency response, sweep, and overall character. It is the better choice for players who want extensive control over their wah voicing.
XW-2 — Maximum Simplicity: The XW-2 eliminates the XW-1's external Bias, Treble, and Bass controls and uses a carefully preset EQ and circuit voicing. An internal Wah Q control remains available for adjusting the width and intensity of the wah response.
Which version should I choose? Choose the XW-2 if you want Xotic's vintage-inspired wah character in a simpler, ready-to-use format with minimal setup. Choose the XW-1 if you prefer to fine-tune the wah's bias, EQ, and Q response using dedicated external controls.
Internal Wah Q Control
The XW-2 includes an internal Wah Q control for fine-tuning the character of the wah effect.
Q determines the width of the filter peak and therefore affects how focused, pronounced, and vocal the wah sounds throughout its sweep. Adjusting this control allows the player to refine the intensity of the wah response without adding additional external controls to the pedal.
This provides a useful degree of personalization while preserving the XW-2's streamlined, plug-and-play approach.
Custom Wah Components
Custom-Wound Inductor — The XW-2 uses a custom inductor developed as part of its vintage-inspired circuit. The inductor is a major component in determining a wah pedal's frequency response, sweep, and vocal character.
Xotic Proprietary Wah Potentiometer — Xotic's proprietary wah potentiometer is designed to combine durability with the response and feel associated with classic wah designs.
Its taper is influenced by the distinctive curve characteristics of vintage ICAR-style potentiometers, providing an expressive and musical transition throughout the treadle's travel.
Custom-Voiced Circuit — The inductor, potentiometer, and circuit are designed as a complete system rather than as isolated components, giving the XW-2 its characteristic vocal response and factory-tuned EQ.
Adjustable Treadle
Adjustable Pedal Tension — The resistance of the rocker pedal can be adjusted using the hex nut on the treadle. This allows the pedal movement to be made looser or firmer according to the player's preference.
Adjustable Rubber Stopper — A rubber bumper located underneath the rear of the treadle can be shimmed to alter the pedal's physical travel range.
Self-Lubricating Nylon Bushing — The treadle pivot uses a self-lubricating nylon bushing designed to provide quiet, smooth operation while reducing mechanical friction.
Switching & LED Indicator
Gold-Contact Relay True Bypass — The XW-2 uses relay-controlled true-bypass switching with gold contacts. This provides a transparent bypass signal while avoiding the conventional mechanical switching arrangement found in many traditional wah pedals.
Xotic rates the relay switching system for a minimum of one million switching cycles.
LED Indicator — The LED located at the top of the pedal illuminates when the XW-2 is active.
The LED also functions as a battery-level warning. When battery capacity drops below approximately 50%, the LED begins to flash to indicate that the battery should be replaced.
Compact Design
Despite providing the feel and travel of a traditional wah pedal, the XW-2 has a footprint approximately 20% smaller than a conventional wah.
This makes it easier to integrate into modern pedalboards while retaining a substantial treadle and familiar wah-pedal operating feel.
Power
The XW-2 can be powered by a standard 9V battery or an external center-negative DC power supply.
The DC input uses a standard 2.1 mm × 5.5 mm center-negative connector. Xotic's current specifications list compatibility with regulated 9–18V DC external power.
When an external power supply is connected, the battery is disconnected from the circuit.
When operating from a battery, unplugging the cable from the input when the pedal will not be used for an extended period will help preserve battery life. Battery access is through the bottom plate.
Features
Vintage-Inspired Wah Voicing — Developed around the musical character of late-'60s Italian Clyde McCoy-style wahs while incorporating Xotic's own modern circuit design.
Factory-Tuned EQ — Designed to provide a carefully voiced wah response without requiring extensive external adjustment.
Internal Wah Q Adjustment — Allows the width and intensity of the filter peak to be fine-tuned while maintaining the pedal's clean external layout.
Custom-Wound Inductor — A proprietary inductor forms an important part of the XW-2's characteristic sweep and vocal response.
Xotic Proprietary Wah Potentiometer — Designed for durability, sensitivity, and an expressive ICAR-inspired sweep.
Gold-Contact Relay True Bypass — Provides transparent bypass operation with a relay system rated for at least one million switching cycles.
Adjustable Rocker Tension — Allows the treadle resistance to be tailored to individual playing preference.
Adjustable Travel Range —
