CAE Wah Cry Baby Style Pedal - Versatile Dual-Voice Wah for Players

In this review the CAE Wah is presented as a professional-grade wah pedal for guitarists who need flexible tone shaping and onstage reliability. Developed with Bob Bradshaw of Custom Audio Electronics, the pedal's single biggest reason to buy is its dual Fasel inductors and built-in boost, which give players two distinct wah voices plus an integrated line driver for solos and presence without adding external boxes. The review focuses on sound, controls, and stage usability for serious gigging players and studio users.

Key Features

• Dual Fasel Inductors: Switchable inductors deliver either a high-end cut or a low-to-midrange growl, letting players tailor the wah voice to the song and guitar.
• Built-in Boost/Line Driver: The onboard MXR MC401 boost increases gain and presence for solos without changing pedal order or adding external pedals.
• Internal Q and Gain Controls: Accessible trim pots let players fine-tune the sweep intensity and boost amount for low noise and consistent levels with any amp.
• Stage-Ready LEDs and Kickswitches: Side-mounted kickswitches and bright LEDs provide instant visual feedback and easy engagement on dark stages.
• Durable Construction: True hardwire bypass and a long-life CTS potentiometer make this pedal roadworthy for frequent gigging and studio use.

Who It's For

The CAE Wah is aimed at touring musicians, session players, and tone-minded guitarists who want a versatile wah that covers classic cry baby tones and more modern midrange growl, with the convenience of an integrated boost. Players who use different guitars and amp settings will appreciate the internal Q and gain adjustments for tailoring the effect without trial-and-error patching.

It may be more pedal than a casual hobbyist needs if they only want a single vintage wah sound and never use a boost. Those looking for digital modeling features or preset memory should look elsewhere, since this is an all-analog, stompbox-centric design focused on hands-on control and rugged simplicity.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Versatile dual-voice design covers bright, cutting tones and darker midrange growl for a wide sonic palette.
• Built-in boost delivers reliable solo-level gain with low noise and easy engagement.
• Internal Q and gain pots provide precise control for matching the pedal to any rig.
• Sturdy build, true hardwire bypass, and stage LEDs make it dependable live.

Cons

• Analog, hands-on setup means no presets or digital recall for quick switching between complex rigs.
• The pedal's size and feature set may be overkill for players who only want a single classic wah tone.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The CAE Wah is a rugged, highly adaptable wah that justifies its place on a pro pedalboard: two distinct wah voices plus an integrated boost and fine-tune controls give players practical tone shaping and solo presence without extra clutter. For gigging and studio players who prioritize analog feel, low noise, and onstage clarity, it represents strong value and long-term reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the boost be used independently?
The side-mounted kickswitch engages the MXR MC401 boost independently from the wah voice, allowing boost-on solos or boost-off rhythm parts.

How do the dual Fasel inductors differ?
One inductor emphasizes high-end cut for brighter, vocal wahs while the other yields a low-to-midrange growl for thicker, funkier tones.

Is the pedal roadworthy for touring?
Yes. True hardwire bypass, a CTS pot, and a heavy-duty enclosure make it suitable for regular live use.