Vox just dropped a wah pedal that feels like it should have existed years ago! 🎛️ The V863 Custom Auto Wah blends classic Vox wah tones with a built-in auto-wah mode, making it one of the most versatile wah pedals we’ve seen in a while. Wah pedals have been a staple for decades, but Vox has finally created one that seamlessly switches between manual and automatic control—and the results are seriously cool.
Key Features of the Vox V863 Custom Auto Wah
- Classic Vox Wah Meets Auto Wah – Switch between traditional sweep and envelope-controlled auto-wah.
- Multiple Modes – Envelope follower, envelope generator, and standard wah.
- Customizable Sensitivity – Fine-tune attack, decay, polarity, and wah depth.
- T-Time Transition Control – Blend auto-wah with manual wah for seamless movement.
- Vintage Aesthetic – Classic Vox styling with a rugged, hammered-metal finish.
First Impressions & Standard Wah Mode
Out of the box, the V863 Custom Auto Wah looks like a classic Vox pedal, but the hammered-metal finish gives it a more rugged, vintage feel. The side-mounted controls immediately stand out, hinting at a level of control beyond a standard wah. “It looks like the classic Vox… oh hello, what’s this?” That’s when things got interesting.
Plugging it in, the standard wah mode delivers exactly what you’d expect from a Vox—smooth, expressive sweeps with that iconic vocal-like tone. It’s easy to forget how good a full-sized wah feels underfoot compared to mini alternatives. But where things get wild is when you switch to the auto-wah functions.
Auto Wah Modes – Envelope Generator & Envelope Follower
Switching to Envelope Generator mode takes foot movement out of the equation. Instead, the wah triggers automatically based on picking, no matter how hard or soft. “Regardless of how hard I’m picking, it’s going up a set amount of wah.” The side controls allow for serious fine-tuning—adjusting attack, decay, and sensitivity lets you shape everything from smooth sweeps to sharp, percussive filter movement.
Envelope Follower mode responds dynamically to playing intensity—the harder you pick, the more the wah opens up. This makes it perfect for funk-style auto-wah tones and adds another layer of expression beyond standard foot control.
T-Time Transition Control – Blending Wah & Auto-Wah
One of the coolest features is T-Time (Transition Time) control, which determines how quickly the pedal switches between standard wah and auto-wah. Set it low, and the wah instantly returns to auto mode when foot movement stops. Increase the transition time, and the wah effect lingers before fading back, creating a fluid and customizable response.
This is something no other wah pedal has done quite like this before—allowing players to seamlessly blend manual and automatic wah control.
Not Just for Guitarists
What sets the V863 apart is that it isn’t just for guitar players. The original Vox wah was inspired by trumpet player Clyde McCoy, and this pedal brings that concept full circle. With auto-wah functionality, it could be a game-changer for horn players who want expressive filter control without needing an expression pedal. Keyboardists will also love it for Stevie Wonder-style Clavinet sweeps, and its flexibility makes it a creative tool for all kinds of musicians.
Final Thoughts – Why Didn’t This Exist Sooner?
The V863 Custom Auto Wah takes everything great about a classic Vox wah and adds modern flexibility. It’s wild that it took this long for a wah pedal with built-in auto-wah to hit the market, but Vox nailed it. “Straight away, I am very taken by this… why has it taken this long for someone to do this in a product?”
Big thanks to Vox Australia for sending this one over—this was a fun one to check out! Would you add this to your board? Drop a comment below and check out our full hands-on demo on the Noisegate YouTube channel!
