True Bypass vs. True Mechanical Bypass vs. Buffered Bypass etc.: an explanation

[RLee]

Re: True Bypass vs. True Mechanical Bypass vs. Buffered Bypass etc.: an explanation

The Micro Amp is definitely NOT true bypass unless you modded it. Stock MXR pedals are simple bypass.

I think you're right... it's got a DPDT switch, but one pole is used for the LED, so unless they're using active switching, it's simple bypass. But, I always have it on (so I always have at least one buffer in my chain), so it doesn't matter in this case.

 

[Sporky McGuffin]

Re: True Bypass vs. True Mechanical Bypass vs. Buffered Bypass etc.: an explanation

The problem with Pete's article is that he's using unrealistic amounts of cable - who really uses ten pedals with 2 feet of cable between each pedal?

 

[kramer.geetar]

Re: True Bypass vs. True Mechanical Bypass vs. Buffered Bypass etc.: an explanation

True, but a lot of people use 6 or more pedal. even if the length between the pedals was only a foot its still adds up I think.

 

[Sporky McGuffin]

Re: True Bypass vs. True Mechanical Bypass vs. Buffered Bypass etc.: an explanation

It does, but not to anything like the same extent. I'd suggest most people with lots of pedals use patch cables around 15cm or so (6"). That's 15 feet of cable less for ten pedals.

 

[Uk Ant]

Re: True Bypass vs. True Mechanical Bypass vs. Buffered Bypass etc.: an explanation

Ok, so as a roundup for us non experts what we have learnt is:
Buffered bypass is not all tone sucking badness and can, in certain cases, be useful or even an improvement.
Be careful using buffered bypass pedals in front of those that need a non buffered input.
Simple bypass is really a bit rubbish, but some people probably like it.
True mechanical bypass can suffer from clunks when operated, but there are ways and means to reduce this but does offer the 'purist' signal path.
'True bypass' using relays still has components around if not directly connected to the signal path but does reduce the chance of big clunks at operation.

Just to add my own thoughts, in a more general manner, you can worry all you want about assorted aspect of your signal path to get your ideal uber tone like no one else, but just remember when you play live in a beat up club with bad acoustics being miked up by a sound man with only one arm and half an ear it won't matter that one of your pedals is buffered or not and the odd clunk from that tube screamer clone you built ya self wont' really matter to the crowd.
Studio is different, but live just keep it simple... even you won't notice if some one swapped out ya drive pedal from a buffered to a mechanical true bypass while ya weren't lookin.

 

[Sporky McGuffin]

Re: True Bypass vs. True Mechanical Bypass vs. Buffered Bypass etc.: an explanation



I think that an excellent round-up.

I also think - despite my very minor niggles - that RatherDashing's posts are an excellent and appropriately-detailed description of the various bypass schemes in use.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: True Bypass vs. True Mechanical Bypass vs. Buffered Bypass etc.: an explanation

I think you're right... it's got a DPDT switch, but one pole is used for the LED, so unless they're using active switching, it's simple bypass. But, I always have it on (so I always have at least one buffer in my chain), so it doesn't matter in this case.

Yes, the second half of the switch turns the LED on and off.

Old MXR pedals with no LED had a SPDT foot switch.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: True Bypass vs. True Mechanical Bypass vs. Buffered Bypass etc.: an explanation

I think that an excellent round-up.

Agreed.

I also think - despite my very minor niggles - that RatherDashing's posts are an excellent and appropriately-detailed description of the various bypass schemes in use.

Thanks!