The Electro-Harmonix Freeze is a widely popular sound retainer. It’s largely notable for its’ “latch” mode, allowing guitarists to add organ-like characteristic to their signal chain.
Most newer versions of the Freeze have a soft-touch switch installed, but many older versions used switches that have a loud, audible click. In this post, we’ll cover how to upgrade the older Freeze versions with a soft-touch footswitch.
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All About the Soft-Touch Switch Mod for the EHX Freeze
The soft-touch switch modification is a very simple one that involves removing the stock footswitch and installing a new soft-touch footswitch. Soft-touch switches take much less pressure to activate. So, not only does a soft-touch footswitch lessen the audible click, it also makes it easier to engage the effect.
If you don’t already have a Freeze, you can most likely find one on Reverb:
How do I know whether my Freeze needs this mod?
If you’re planning on using the Freeze in more intimate environments, then the audible click on older Freeze versions might be too loud and may take away from the ambiance of the performance.
Additionally, if you’re using it in other, more active, scenarios then consistency is more of a concern. You’ll want to be sure the switch engages, so the lower pressure a soft-touch switch needs to actuate may be the more appealing feature.
Does the Soft-Touch Switch mod change the tone?
No, the Soft-Touch Switch modification has zero influence on the tonal characteristics of the pedal. The focus is solely on the switching circuit.
Where can I get the Soft-Touch Switch modification?
Generally, a guitar effect modification shop will be able to perform the Soft-Touch Switch modification for the EHX Freeze. The Stompbox Electronics mod shop would be more than happy to modify your Freeze with a Soft-Touch Switch, along any other mods you might be interested in.
What tools do I need to perform the Soft-Touch Switch modification?
Soldering Station
You will need to solder together wire connections to complete the Soft-Touch Switch mod. The soldering iron you use doesn’t have to be the best in the business. There are two soldering stations recommended by Stompbox Electronics: the Weller WE1010NA and the Hakko FX888D.
Wire Strippers and Clippers
Part of the process of installing the new footswitch involves stripping the insulation to expose the copper wire for soldering. You may also opt to replace the wire altogether, in which case you’ll need to have both wire strippers and wire clippers.
Some options (Hakko CHP-170 and IRWIN Vise-Grip) are shown below, but please support your local hardware store.
For a screwdriver set, I use a basic Pittsburgh 6-piece set that I bought from my local Harbor Freight. You’ll need a Phillips head to open the back plate of the Freeze enclosure.
Solder Fume Extractor
Safety first when it comes to lead soldering.
Always solder in a well-ventilated area! To avoid inhaling solder fumes, it is advised to utilize a solder fume extractor. There are many to choose from; I personally use the Hakko FA400.
With that particular model, you need to solder close to the mesh filter for the fumes to be sufficiently extracted, so a pair of Helping Hands might be useful to hold the wire up and close to the filter.
What parts do I need to complete the Soft-Touch Switch Mod?
First, you will need a soft-touch switch to replace the current stock switch.
There’s a chance you’ll need to prevent switch bounce on the new switch, so two components may be required: a 10kΩ resistor and a 680nF capacitor. Note: these links are paid affiliate links, so Stompbox Electronics gets a kickback if you purchase them. Mouser and Tayda also carry these components.
Performing the EHX Freeze Soft-Touch Switch Mod
This is a great mod for beginners, but if you’re not confident in your abilities there is no shame in asking a friend for help or seeking out the services of an experienced mod shop.
The first step is to make sure you have the tools and parts ready for performing the mod. Please read the sections above if you need guidance on which parts and tools you will need. Once you have everything, you can begin to remove the backplate of the Freeze.
Once opened, what you see may differ from what is shown in the photos below. Old versions of the Freeze have a green PCB. Newer versions have a deep blue board. This mod applies to all versions.
Removing the Stock Switch
The next step involves removing the old footswitch. First remove the nut/fastener from the stock switch. Then, using the clippers, cut the two wires connecting the footswitch board to the main board.
IMPORTANT: cut the wires as close to the footswitch board as possible (shown below). This will ensure you have enough wire to reuse for the new switch. From there, you can fully remove the stock footswitch.
Preparing to Install the New Switch
Now you can install the new footswitch. For this modification, it doesn’t matter which wire is connected to which terminal on the footswitch.
Using wire strippers, strip the insulation from each wire so some of the wire is exposed for soldering. A couple centimeters is usually enough to wrap around the switch lugs.
Preventing Switch Bounce
A common problem when performing this mod is switch bounce. Here’s a great resource from Northwestern University explaining the concept.
To prevent switch bounce on new switches, it is recommended that an RC (resistor-capacitor) filter circuit is added to the Soft-Touch Switch mod. See below for how to build the RC filter:
Please follow the schematic below to install the debounce filter:
Installing the New Switch
The next step is to solder each of the wires to their own respective lugs, along with the debounce filter. See the infographic below for a visual:
First, take one end of the RC debounce filter and slip the lead through one of the lugs. Then, take one of the wires you stripped and thread it through the same lug. If it helps, loop the wire around the lug to keep it in place.
Next, apply solder to the lug. Again, make sure you are soldering close to a fume extractor and that you are soldering in an open environment.
Before continuing, be careful not to burn yourself. It’s easy to forget the lug you just soldered is now very hot, so wait a minute or two before you move on.
Next, take the other lead of the RC debounce filter, along with the remaining wire, and thread them through the second lug of the new switch. Apply the solder to adhere them.
You may want to further insulate the RC circuit with electrical tape so it doesn’t short out against the inside of the enclosure.
Testing the Pedal
The last step is to test the new switch. You don’t need to put the back plate on to test it, simply plug in the power supply and a 1/4″ plug into the input jack. Then, press the new switch to make sure it turns on the Freeze. You should also test it in Latch mode to ensure that single- and double-taps both function as expected.
After you’ve tested the new switch, you can safely put the backplate back on.
Meet the Author:
Hi, I’m Dominic. By day, I’m an engineer. By night, I repair and modify guitar effects! Since 2017, I’ve been independently modifying and repairing guitar effects and audio equipment under Mimmotronics Effects in Western New York. After coming out with a series of guitar effects development boards, I decided the next step is to support that community through content on what I’ve learned through the years. Writing about electronics gives me great joy, particularly because I love seeing what others do with the knowledge they gain about guitar effects and audio circuits. Feel free to reach out using the contact form!