I got another VP Jr 25k and it did the exact same thing as the 1st one. I exchanged it for a Moog EP-3 and it works quite well! The only thing I did not try with the VP’s was to try a different TRS cable. I don’t see how the cable could have caused this problem. Although I’d prefer the VP pedal as it feels great, the Moog is pretty good – I’m happy!
