The hybrid device integrates physical pedals with DAW plugins, operating in three distinct modes via USB-C connection.
Electro-Harmonix has released the Effects Interface Hardware Plugin, a piece of equipment designed to connect physical effects and gear with DAWs and plugins. The device operates in three modes, allowing guitarists to send DAW tracks through hardware pedals, route instruments through software plugins before returning to a pedalboard, or function as a standard audio interface.
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Three operating modes
Hardware Plugin Mode sends tracks or signals from a DAW through physical pedals and hardware processors as if they were software plugins. This eliminates the need for separate converters or direct boxes—the Effects Interface handles signal conversion via USB-C connection, treating external gear like native DAW plugins.
Pedalboard Mode reverses this approach, routing an instrument into the DAW, processing it through software plugins, then sending the signal back out to continue through a physical pedalboard chain. This effectively turns plugins into hardware pedals that can be positioned anywhere in a traditional signal path.
Audio Interface Mode operates the Effects Interface as a conventional 2-in/2-out USB audio interface, providing standard recording and monitoring capabilities when the other modes aren’t needed.
Bridging two worlds
The Effects Interface addresses a longstanding challenge for guitarists who work in both hardware and software domains. Typically, if you want to record a track with digital plugins and then add the character of a physical delay or reverb pedal, you need re-amping setups or complex routing. Similarly, incorporating your favourite software processors into a live pedalboard has traditionally meant bringing a laptop on stage.
By handling both directions of signal flow through a single USB-C connection, the Effects Interface removes these barriers. Guitarists can commit tracks through hardware without leaving the DAW, or access their plugin collection from a pedalboard without additional computers or interfaces cluttering the stage.
The device joins EHX’s broader hardware lineup, which spans everything from compact effects pedals to sophisticated processors. For players who’ve accumulated both physical pedals and software plugins over the years, the Effects Interface offers a practical way to use both without compromise.
The Effects Interface Hardware Plugin is available now. More information is available here. For local enquiries, head here.
