Help with Boss RE-20 Space Echo

[Tibbonds]

Hey guys,

I picked an RE-20 up from ebay and it arrived today, but I think it has a problem.

There is an input volume pot with a peak level indicator. I understand exactly what this pot is for, and the manual suggests setting the input volume pot at the point where it just about lights up when you play really hard.

However, I can't get the peak level LED indicator to light up at all, not even when the pot is maxed.

The pot itself seems to be doing what it should, I'm thinking it's just the LED that isn't working.

My question is this: I'm using very low output pickups (Fender Custom Shop '54 single coils with a DC resistance of 5.9k), is the LED just broken, or is it possible that I'm not putting out enough signal to drive this into distortion?

I'm thinking when the pot is maxed out, it should be overdriving and lighting up with ANY guitar/pickup combo.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Help with Boss RE-20 Space Echo

Do you have a humbucking guitar to plug into it?

It might be a good idea to Email their customer service and describe the problem. They might know right away if the LED is burned out, or has a cold solder joint. I'm assuming you're using the proper power cord and quality cable going in?

 

[Thunder]

Re: Help with Boss RE-20 Space Echo

If the volume is working, it's most likely the light.

 

[Tibbonds]

Re: Help with Boss RE-20 Space Echo

I'm such a moron, I plugged my HB equipped Tele into it and manage to get it to peak, so there's nothing wrong with it. I'm just an idiot!

I genuinely thought there'd be enough on the input volume pot to be able to drive it with any guitar, but obviously not.

 

[Tibbonds]

Re: Help with Boss RE-20 Space Echo

On a side note, it sounds great.

Those people who said you can't get a dotted 8th subdivision are incorrect, you just need to set it to the right mode and tap 16ths rather than quarter notes.

 

[Tibbonds]

Re: Help with Boss RE-20 Space Echo

Ot 8ths. Can't remember, it was late when I figured it out!