A/B switches. Info.? Channel Bridging e.t.c.

[sambo]

Okay so I've recently ordered a Ceriatone Plexi clone, and basically I'm just looking into the channel configurations and options.

I understand many plexi users bridge channels, although I have NO idea what this does. Can anyone explain what that's all about? I've tried googling it, but to no avail so far.

Secondly, (please forgive me shocking ignorance on this one), but will I be able to use an A/B switch on two of the 4 plexi inputs, to give me two usable channels?

If that's all kosha, then are there any particular A/B boxes worth looking at, or are they all pretty much the same? I assume I don't have to worry about anything like true bypass, as in theory surely an A/B box won't colour my signal much/at all. Or am I way off there?


I was looking into something like this cheap Behringer:


http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop/flypage/product_id/6385


According to the diagrams, this would let me plug two guitars in (good for on stage guitar-changes without having to swap any leads around!!!), and output to two amps (or in my case the two plexis channels hopefully?). Meaning the first switch will change between channels (effectively clean + crunch using the plexis volume controls I'm hoping... ), and the second will switch between guitars.

It seems like an awesome little box that will help me no end in the future. Is it all good in theory?


Cheers for any info and advice as always guys.

[noodleplugerine]

http://www.redonionsolutions.co.uk/

These guys were recommended to me recently - Look superb, all are true bypass, and the prices are good - And they look great!

That being said I've never used them - But would MUCH rather go for companies like this than Behringer...

[sambo]

Fan-bloody-tastic!!!!!!!!


http://www.redonionsolutions.co.uk/AB/DualAB.htm


Thanks for that, brilliant. :D

[hamfist]

I have used redonions a couple of times now. TJ, who runs it, is a dependable chap, and his boxes are straightforward, relatively cheap, and do exactly what they should do.
  Definately get true bypass switches always, for switching and loop pedals. All the Boss and Behringer type offerings are not TB and are buffered and potential tone-suckers.
  Remember if you will want the box to be good for using to switch BETWEEN AMPS in the future, then get the fully isolated outputs upgrade. This really is necessary to avoid hum, and for safety, in that application.
  For channel switching in your Plexi, the standard, non-isolated outputs version is fine.

[hamfist]

Sam, I just realised no-one actually answered your question about bridging (or jumpering) the channels.
  All it involves is patching a small lead between the low gain input of channel 1 and the high gain input of channel 2. You guitar would plug into the high gain input of channel 1.

  So guitar into top left input.

patch lead goes between bottom left and top right inputs.

  This allows you to run both channels of the amp at the same time, and mix them to your taste. It is a VERY useful thing  to be able to do.  The treble channel (1) is usually rather thin on its own. Whereas the normal channel (2) is usually too bassy on its own. But mixed together, to your own personal taste - magic !!
  Definately try jumpering the channels before spending money on an A/B pedal to switch between them. Personally I can't see anyone wanting to use them as two separate channels and switch between them. Your tastes may be very different to mine I know, but it could save you some money if you just wait and try the amp before buying an A/B pedal.

[sambo]

That's for all that!


That's absolutely everything I need to know, cheers.  :D

[hamfist]

That's for all that!


That's absolutely everything I need to know, cheers.  :D

Oops, please note, I messed up my rights and lefts in my original post (which I have now edited).
 The correct connections for channel jumpering is :-

"So guitar into top left input.

patch lead goes between bottom left and top right inputs. "

[sambo]

Yeah I assumed one set had to be the wrong way round. :)