I've recently purchased the new Flashback 2 delay from TC Electronic and have come across an issue that I haven't before concerning buffers.
When I engage the pedal, there is a significant volume boost, even with delay level control at minimum. This was with the internal dip switch on the pedal set to true bypass.
I tested the pedal straight into a Yamaha THR10 with a 10ft cable from pedal to amp and a 3ft cable from guitar to pedal. I also ran the 10ft cable straight from guitar to amp as a comparison. The volume and tone sounded the same whether I went straight to amp or through the pedal with the pedal off. If I engaged the pedal, the volume was noticeably louder.
Switching the internal dip switch to buffered bypass keeps the volume levels the same whether the pedal is on or off but, even when the pedal is off, the volume is louder than plugging straight into the amp.
I checked this with TC customer support ( who were quick to respond and gave a detailed reply) and they said this was normal and is all to do with impedance.
I always knew buffers had an impact on high-end tones but wasn't aware they impacted on volume too.
Is volume boost a fundamental part of buffer circuits or is it down to the design of the individual buffer circuit how much boost the designers build in?
Comments
Effects for Me & my Monkey YouTube channel Facebook Fretboard's "resident pedal supremo" - mgaw
So it shouldn't make things louder or quieter, and it shouldn't make things bassier or trebblier or middier. However, in an electric guitar setup a buffer first in the chain may well result in more treble making it from the guitar to the next stage.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Thanks to all for the comments.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I s'pose it could eliminate the tap dance when it's solo time....
I'll have to experiment with it in a chain of pedals...
Unless the cable is definitely faulty, the best solution is just to use the pedal buffered.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein