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Author Topic: Buffer Pedal  (Read 4011 times)

cnotold

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Buffer Pedal
« on: February 07, 2007, 12:11:31 PM »
I am looking to get a buffer for an addition to go with my pedals, I've read about HBE dos mos being a booster as well as a buffer, quite tempted to get one for myself. but everyone is telling me axess BS2 is by far the best buffer to get!!!! I hasve a HBE psilocybe and i am convinced that they make a wonderful product, but axess bs2 seems more of a quality product.

1.VHT Valvulator
2.Axess BS2
3.HBE Dos Mos

which one should i go for out of 3 i've listed above????



p.s what does BBE Sonic Maximiser do?? is it the same concept as buffer?
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BloodMountain

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Buffer Pedal
« Reply #1 on: February 07, 2007, 05:26:00 PM »
sorry to be a complete n00b, but whats a buffer pedal??? it must have something to do with valves, and i'm still trying to get my hands on an all-valve amp  :)

also, consider this post as a bump  :)

BM
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willo

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Buffer Pedal
« Reply #2 on: February 07, 2007, 05:36:49 PM »
A buffer pedal basically helps maintain the signal quality through long cable runs, something to do with impedance but I'm not going to try and explain the science as I don't really know.

I believe the Sonic Maximiser just emphasises certain frequencies and whilst it does help your tone, it isn't a buffer per se. I was torn between the BBE and the Antelope FX Morning Dew, and ended up going with the MDEQ as its also a parametric EQ and offers switchable true-bypass or buffered bypass (there's a switch on the inside for this).
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HTH AMPS

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Buffer Pedal
« Reply #3 on: February 07, 2007, 06:56:09 PM »
most effects have a fairly low input impedance (compared to mosfet pedals) so the signal is loaded down slightly.

mosfets have a very high input impedance and therefore present little loading on the signal resulting in a brighter tone (i.e. it lets more of your guitar's natural tone come through).

whether that is a good or bad thing depends on your rig.  if you have lots of pedals and you can hear a difference between your straight in tone and the tone through all your pedals, then a buffer might be worthwhile.

For most people with a few pedals it's not really worth worrying about imo.

Get a spec sheet with 'basic useage' suggestions for a mosfet like the BS170 and you have 99% of the mosfet booster pedals on the market at present.  Read up on the various ways of biasing them and see for yourself what sounds best.  Seriously, theres around £20 (max) worth of components in those pedals (and I'm including the box, switch, pots and knobs in that price too).  I'll make buffers for anyone who wants 'em.

 :twisted:
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TwilightOdyssey

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Buffer Pedal
« Reply #4 on: February 07, 2007, 10:51:51 PM »
An active buffer can improve your tone in very subtle, but cool ways. I use one all the time.

I use the HBE Dos Mos, as well as having a custom one made by HBE.
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willo

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Buffer Pedal
« Reply #5 on: February 07, 2007, 11:27:11 PM »
Ben, I meant to ask you - where in the signal do you use the buffered boost?

I used to place my old boost at the end of the chain so it didn't further drive the distortion pedals, but I'm wondering if there is a benefit to having a boost at the end of the chain as well (I'll have a buffer at the start too - and a fairly long pedal chain)?
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TwilightOdyssey

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Buffer Pedal
« Reply #6 on: February 08, 2007, 01:48:06 PM »
I use mine right up at the front.

Many times I use a buffer even when I have no other boost, OD, or pedals of any sort. It really works! I think you would be suprised at the amount of clarity you get from going guitar > buffer > amp. I'm all about the amp gain, myself. I use 2 pedals, maximum. But, a buffer has become part of my tone at this point.
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Catalyst77

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Buffer
« Reply #7 on: February 19, 2007, 08:37:26 PM »
Generally speaking most pedals such as boss will be EQd and Buffered on the way in and out.  I think youd only really need a buffer pedal if you had a pretty long line of effects and cables and you were going for True bypass pedals.

If you go to www.generalguitargadets.com they sell the pcbs, the one i made only cost me about £20 in parts, and only took 30mins to put together.
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the_bleeding

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Buffer Pedal
« Reply #8 on: February 20, 2007, 02:14:11 AM »
save yourself money.  Check out an MXR microamp or MXR linebooster... they work damn well, and you can even use them as an extra gain stage to drive your preamp harder.
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Elliot

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Buffer Pedal
« Reply #9 on: February 20, 2007, 12:22:58 PM »
I have an Award Session JD10 - which has a buffer feature and a whole lot more.  For £80 its very good.
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HTH AMPS

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Re: Buffer
« Reply #10 on: February 21, 2007, 12:03:45 AM »
Quote from: Benmartin1977
Generally speaking most pedals such as boss will be EQd and Buffered on the way in and out.  I think youd only really need a buffer pedal if you had a pretty long line of effects and cables and you were going for True bypass pedals.

If you go to www.generalguitargadets.com they sell the pcbs, the one i made only cost me about £20 in parts, and only took 30mins to put together.


many modern pedals have input AND output buffers but they're not typically setup for a high input impedace (an SD-1 and TS-808 are typical examples).  If memory serves me correct, a typical OD pedal will have in input impedance around 500k.

dedicated JFET and Mosfet boosters can make use of that type of device's inherant high input impedance and therefore present an easier load for your guitar (or preceeding effect).  Typical 'booster' input impedances are around 10M - you will notice more high end in your tone since the pickup is not being loaded down.

 :twisted:
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