AB-boxes

[Indie P Bass]

I got my Vox and Marshall, right? and a Boss AB-2, right? So, anyway, whenever I'm on the Vox (channel A) the volume of the vox is lower than if I do it direct, about... a third of the normal volume, I also hear the tremelo making "thuds" in speed of the tremelo. The Marshall hums a little more when I use the AB box, also, but nothing major, like in the Vox's case. I was wondering why this is and what I can do to counter it. Thanks.

EDIT: It only does it when the Vox is on channel A, when the Marshall is on Channel A, it is quieter. Thanks.

 

[Al.C]

Re: AB-boxes

Here is the answer to your problem.
http://www.frampton.com/switcher.html
I purchased an inexpensive A/B switch and gave up on it. Had noise and signal loss. Dumped the two amps and bought a new amp instead. However with your recent acquisitions a good A/B switch is a must.

 

[Indie P Bass]

Re: AB-boxes

no way... there's gotta be a less espensive way... like, something I can put between my Marshall and AB-box or something... I don't have the money to drop 400 on an AB-box...

So... it's a grounding problem? Is it that the amps are grounded to each other, so amp A gets the noise? Couldn't I get a second powerchord for my Marshall and break off the third prong to unground it, then the Vox will ground both amps? Do you get what I mean?

EDIT: the prong break off idea didn't work... so, what about planet waves? could I get two cords with ground on both ends and use them between the AB and amps?

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: AB-boxes

This can be a problem when running stereo setups. I've found it's best if your A/B switch isn't run off a common power source...use batteries, if it's powered.

I wouldn't break the ground on the Marshall. You'd probably add more problems. I'd use GC or Sam Ash's return policy to try out about 2 or 3 more A/B boxes. If those less expensive options don't pan out, you may be forced to spend about $200 on a Lehle Amp Switcher or the Framptone.

 

[mrid]

Re: AB-boxes

EDIT: the prong break off idea didn't work... so, what about planet waves? could I get two cords with ground on both ends and use them between the AB and amps?

NEVER DO THAT! You could set up a ground differential between the amps and shock yourself!

 

[Indie P Bass]

Re: AB-boxes

NEVER DO THAT! You could set up a ground differential between the amps and shock yourself!

well, too late, and I didn't get shocked... but, still. This is upsetting. What AB boxes can you guys suggest I use that aren't super expensive?

I'm kind of liking the Startouch ones, how are those?

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: AB-boxes

GREAT!!! I just got my Marshall back & haven't had the chance to A/B mine using a Morley A/B/Y...I hope I don't have the same problem, but it sure looks like I might!

Anyway, the Lehle 1@3 looks like a winner....Tonebone also makes a switcher in the $200.00 range.

I was curious as to why the Tonebone was so expensive compared to the Morley...I guess now I know!

 

[some_dude]

Re: AB-boxes

http://www.axess-electronics.com/_bs2.htm

You could use one of these to eliminate your hum and volume drop problems.

Then, you could use some kind of loop selector rigged up to do

A in -> A out
B in -> B out


Or, you could look into those Lehle or Tonebone units or something (I know nothing about these units as I'm into rack based switching).

 

[Indie P Bass]

Re: AB-boxes

Thanks for the advice, I'll check out the Axess peice. But, does anyone know about the Startouch aB boxes? It looks as though that would be a good choice.
http://www.startouchpedals.com/

 

[msplines]

Re: AB-boxes

This might help, but only might. I have had problems when using my Marshall in combination with other amps with a simple A/B box without any electronics:
Make sure that the amps transformers are not next to each other if the amps are close together.
Check that the cables you are using are good quality, are not microphonic and not switched polarity.
Try reversing the polarity to one of the amps on the mains plug - I don't know why this should make a difference, but it has done in a couple of situations for me.
Best of luck and don't take the earth connection off!

 

[Hellion]

Re: AB-boxes

Marshall makes an AB box that I've had good luck with, plus you can choose between A or B and A&B. DOD makes a really decent one, too. My guess is there's a problem with your A/B box.

 

[Guitarist]

Re: AB-boxes

I've had a Morley and it did the same thing to me...if you find a solution, be sure to tell me! Speed!

 

[Indie P Bass]

Re: AB-boxes

Make sure that the amps transformers are not next to each other if the amps are close together.
Check that the cables you are using are good quality, are not microphonic and not switched polarity.
Try reversing the polarity to one of the amps on the mains plug - I don't know why this should make a difference, but it has done in a couple of situations for me.
QUOTE]

How do I go about doing this stuff?
Oh, I use Planet Waves instrument cables, which ground at one end, could that be a reason that it is doing this? Do I need cables that are either grounded on either end or what?
Also, How do I reverse polarity of the amps on the mains plug?
I'm willing to try anything that wont cost an arm and a leg.

 

[Pandemonium]

Re: AB-boxes

http://www.barberelectronics.com/LaunchPad.htm

 

[Indie P Bass]

Re: AB-boxes

I'm definately at my wit's end here... I'm pretty much on the verge of breakdown becuase of this stupid idea of mine. Probably should have just saved me money and just gotten a Line 6 or something. God.

Anyway, it's probably the AB box, cuase, when I plug the Vox into line A without a line going into the box or the marshall plugged in, I still here the Vibra-trem "thudding" and a lot of buzz. When I plug the Marshall into this channel, it actually gets quieter (becuase of reduced input) so, I think I'll pit up a morely pedal, and if it works, I'm taking the Boss Pedal back. Or if any of you know a way to fix this... or could explain this to me, that'd be great. I'm using a Boss AB-2 switch.

 

[msplines]

Re: AB-boxes

How do I go about doing this stuff?
Oh, I use Planet Waves instrument cables, which ground at one end, could that be a reason that it is doing this? Do I need cables that are either grounded on either end or what?
Also, How do I reverse polarity of the amps on the mains plug?
I'm willing to try anything that wont cost an arm and a leg.[/QUOTE]
The cables should be OK. To reverse the polarity of the mains supply to one amp, if it's a moulded plug, you should cut it off (preferably the one you broke the ground off) and buy another screw fit type and try reversing the leads (live and neutral for AC NOT the earth). This type of stuff is very suck-it-and-see, it's not rocket science. move mains and wallwart cables and transformers away from the signal chain and each other and see if the buzzing is reduced. If all this does nothing, pay and pray

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: AB-boxes

Well, I gave it a shot today with the Morley A/B/Y....same thing....won't work.......



D A M N I T A L L A N Y W A Y !!!!!! :yell: :yell: :yell:



So, the Lehle 1@3 or the Tonebone Switchbone???

 

[mrfjones]

Re: AB-boxes

voodoo labs make an amp selector that sounds pretty good.

 

[Indie P Bass]

Re: AB-boxes

ok... damndest thing... I opened the AB-2 and put it back together, and now it works just fine... how odd.

 

[gordon_39422]

Re: AB-boxes

I have been using the Morley ABY pedal and never had the grounding problem. I am running through a Furman power Conditioner as well, s o that may be why. A pal of mine uses the Switchbone and swears by it. I have to concur. He uses a Fender Twin Amp for cleans and slight overdrive, and a old JCM 800 for his brown sounds. The Marshall HAS to be cranked to get that sound, so it was hard to match the sounds. The power boost circuit in the Switchbone enabled him to push the Fender harder without having to alter his tone and kept them closely matched. Just another suggestion. i know this pedal weighs in at $229, but it certainly solved his problems and simplified his rig. Priceless!!