Our review
The M-Audio SP-2 is an extremely affordable, lightweight sustain pedal built for use with MIDI controllers or electronic keyboards. It comes with a generous cable length of 6ft and connects to a wide range of devices with its ¼” jack cable. It might have been nice to have a detachable cable, but at this price point it’s hard to complain.
The pedal weighs in at 400g, so it’s packable and light enough to travel with. The build is solid, and the pedal doesn’t slide around the floor when you play it. The non-slip grip worked well for me on both carpet and wood, giving the pedal a sturdy feel while playing. The teardrop style is preferable to the more lightweight SP-1, which seems plasticky by comparison.
With its natural feel and responsive playing style, the SP-2’s soft resistance feels exactly like the pedals of an acoustic piano. I tested with a MIDI controller and a digital piano, and the pedal gave an expressive performance throughout. The half-damper option is a nice touch and allows for even more creativity in your playing style.
The SP-2 versatility means it will work with all makes of keyboard and controllers that take a ¼” inch input. It’s also cheaper than similar sustain pedals like the Roland DP-10, while offering the same build quality and including a polarity switch.
Final verdict
For the price of meal in a restaurant, you can get a solidly built, responsive sustain pedal that brings analog warmth and expression to your digital keyboards. The M-Audio SP-2 is an essential addition to any home studio, rehearsal space, or live recording setup.