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Need a recommendation: Signal buffer (pedal)
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 2:39 pm
by Pinkycramps
I need to put a buffer on my pedal board. I've got about 40ft of cable to overcome (20 out-20 back).
My path is guitar -> wireless (X2) in rack, to a GCX then out to board for wah, vol, Boss FB2, then back into GCX. I am using the buffer on the GCX to send to the board, but I need one for the return trip just ot keep my signal as clean and pure as I can with a setup like this. Any good recomendations?
Re: Need a recommendation: Signal buffer (pedal)
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 3:09 pm
by gb74
The VHT (now Fryette) Valvulator is made for that specific application. It is a great sounding buffer.
Re: Need a recommendation: Signal buffer (pedal)
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 3:21 pm
by Pinkycramps
Oh that thing is huge though...
I'm looking at like the Cornish LD-1, or the JHS, but these things are pricey for just a darned buffer....
Re: Need a recommendation: Signal buffer (pedal)
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 3:37 pm
by gb74
My other recommendation would be the Strobotuner, it has an excellent buffer, and of course it's a great tuner, but it's expensive too.
Now that I think of it, your BF2 also has a solid buffer... are you actually notificing a decrease in sound quality??
Re: Need a recommendation: Signal buffer (pedal)
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 3:41 pm
by phrophus
I wanna say that Empress just came out with a buffer and a buffer+, which has a built in boost that's switchable. Could be awesome as the most awesomest jar of almonds in the world. Prolly really expensive knowing empress.
Re: Need a recommendation: Signal buffer (pedal)
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 4:52 pm
by Pinkycramps
Re: Need a recommendation: Signal buffer (pedal)
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 6:14 pm
by Pinkycramps
guitarbilly wrote:Now that I think of it, your BF2 also has a solid buffer... are you actually notificing a decrease in sound quality??
Hmmm. Well, the FB2 isn't on the board just yet. I ordered it, and should get it Monday. Got to help with feedback on a couple of songs that use it... at lower volumes and gain. My understanding is that it is really a type of OD pedal, and that OD's cause some sort of impedance issue, so you want the buffer AFTER the OD? Now I'm wondering...
Either way, the answer (right now) is yes. especially on clean tones, I do notice some loss of clarity and presence. It just gets a bit darker as opposed to when I don't run to the pedal board and back. It's not really bad or unlivable... but, if I can drop a buffer on the board and fix it... I'm gonna. That is... so long as the buffer isn't $300 or worse... then it's not worth it to me.
Maybe the FB2 will have a positive impact. I was thinking it was going to make things worse, not better. Maybe not by your comment... that could be good news!
Re: Need a recommendation: Signal buffer (pedal)
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 7:07 pm
by colejustesen
Re: Need a recommendation: Signal buffer (pedal)
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 7:36 pm
by Pinkycramps
Now that looks freaking perfect!
For the money, I can't go wrong, unless it somehow would make my tone worse. If it made even a tiny difference for the better... it couldn't hurt to try that thing!
thanks for that one!
Re: Need a recommendation: Signal buffer (pedal)
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 7:39 pm
by colejustesen
Pinkycramps wrote:Now that looks freaking perfect!
For the money, I can't go wrong, unless it somehow would make my tone worse. If it made even a tiny difference for the better... it couldn't hurt to try that thing!
thanks for that one!
It sounds great, and it is super small! There are some videos on the YouTube showing its effectiveness, and it is effective!
Cole
Re: Need a recommendation: Signal buffer (pedal)
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 9:15 pm
by Juri
Why do you need another buffer? Your Boss FB2 should already have a decent buffer.
Re: Need a recommendation: Signal buffer (pedal)
Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2013 8:31 am
by J.R.
I have the T1M buffer (the dual input/output one so I can put it at the beginning and the end of my pedalboard) and its great. I wasn't expecting to hear much of a difference if any but I was very surprised at how much clearer it made made sound. Ultimately removed it from the board because it made my fuzz sound kinda 'off' though.
Re: Need a recommendation: Signal buffer (pedal)
Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2013 1:40 pm
by Pinkycramps
Update: ordered and recieved the T1M. Man, that was fast. Between ordering and receiving it, I got the FB-2 in the mail, and put it on the board. (tangent: that pedal kicks big ass! Love that thing!) I didn't realize that it would act as an effective buffer really, and now that my signal is going straight to my board, THEN to my rack, (As opposed to wireless to the rack, out to the board and back) I'm not really seeing the need for this thing as much now. I'm going to put it on the input to my board just to hear what it does, but I'll likely not need it now. Glad it was cheap.
I do have a "B" rig pedal board that it might come in handy for though....