School One on Buffers /Line Boosts

[MetalManiac]

One would like to know more about Buffers and Line Boosts. One knows that a Buffer is supposed to restore lost signal integrity for long cable runs or multiple effects. One also knows that Buffers are supposedly discouraged for germanium and Silicon Fuzz effects. One has been led to understand that the Buffer should be used after the guitar and before the effects chain. One could easily become confused about an added line Boost to preserve signal strength throughout the chain of effects. One is led to believe that a "Clean Boost" buffered pedal, as opposed to a buffered pedal only will provide a line boost to effects in the chain, and also buffer the outputs from signal degradation, meaning restored top end clarity..moreover, one assumes that the search for a buffer and line boost together would involve finding the most tonally neutral/transparent pedal. One may consider the Timmy ,which one could come to believe is more of an overdrive, but with a good Clean boost function and one may also know about the The Xotic effects RC Booster, which is a buffered /line booster which one could have some concerning doubts about the overall transparency of the pedal, and all "clean booster ' buffered pedals for that matter. One might eileve that it may be best to sek a pure line Buffer, like the one from "Toadworks", but that would leave open the question about an additional signal Booster
One may reasonably believe that a good pedal like the Zvex Super Hard on could do a good transparent line boost with gain set to nil, however one may be concerned about whether the Super Hard On is buffered or not.
As you may see, one can quite easily become confused on this topic, and thats what would lead one to seek clarification.



One has looked at using a plain Buffer, such as the Toadworks unit

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: School One on Buffers /Line Boosts

I try to understand all that mumbo jumbo, but find that using high quality cables into a good amp without all the BS is where I'm happiest.

Yeah, I have a pedalboard, and almost all of it is true bypass, with a clean signal straight to the amp. Sometimes I think people overthink everything, and buy stuff that just colors the tone. Personally, I think they'd be better off buying high end cables....and eliminating tone sucking FX.

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: School One on Buffers /Line Boosts

Personally, I think they'd be better off buying high end cables....and eliminating tone sucking FX.

Sounds too simple. Its got to be more complicated than that.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: School One on Buffers /Line Boosts

even one true bypass pedal in the chain sounds different to just a cable. BUt in the real world it really doesn't matter - its barely noticeable.
Re: clean boosts....none of them are "transparent" because your signal runs thru an amplifier one way or another, and they all have tonal characteristics.
Re: buffers etc.
guitar -then straight to fuzz - then buffers (morley wahs have a good one built in) - then other tb pedals is the norm.
I have a really nice 18v boost and buff by MI audio (buffers when effect is off), but in all honesty it isn't really a big deal if you only use a couple of tb pedals. Maybe if you have a bunch of pedals, then all together they might affect things so a buffer may come in handy.
However.....a whole bunch of non true bypass pedals and you have some serious tone sucking and some are worse than others. For example while a boss sd1 is not too bad, a boss ce3 or a phaser really makes a difference. However, they all have buffers built in, so a nice sexy boutique buffer will not really help because of the high frequency loss - once lost it can not be replaced.
I agree with Jonesy. Nice (short) cables and few (good quality or true bypass) pedals is the way to go.

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: School One on Buffers /Line Boosts

I agree with Jonesy. Nice (short) cables and few (good quality or true bypass) pedals is the way to go.

Yeah, Joneser is generally right whether he is or not . Great info. Thanks.

 

[Morior]

Re: School One on Buffers /Line Boosts

According to my bass playing little brother, the census in some bass forum he hangs out at (very likely to be talkbass) is that a GOOD buffered pedal is superior to a true bypass pedal.