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571 Views 14 Replies Latest reply: Aug 4, 2012 1:02 PM by MGblade RSS
phil_m Expert Line 6 User
phil_m
4,243 posts since
Jan 25, 2007
Currently Being Moderated

Aug 2, 2012 9:37 AM

OT: A video about true versus buffered bypass

I debated whether even post this in this forum, but this something that comes up here quite frequently. I think many years of marketing has convinced many guitarists that "true bypass equals good tone", but this video clearly shows that isn't always the case. True bypass has its place, but you probably actually want a decent buffered bypass in your signal chain. If you're only using one device (like a POD) in your chain, you probably would not want it to be a true bypass device.

 

  • alfmetal70 Just Startin'
    alfmetal70
    104 posts since
    Feb 3, 43473
    Currently Being Moderated
    Aug 2, 2012 10:36 AM (in response to phil_m)
    Re: OT: A video about true versus buffered bypass

    I can´t watch the video now, but is true, the famous "true bypass" is not so good in every case like much people think. If you use much cables and stompboxes, etc. sure that will be better have a good buffer in the chain.

     

    For example, when I used so much stompboxes I had a buffer for "recovery" signal, and for examples the Boss stompboxes have a buffer.

     

    Your lost the quality from your signal and a good buffer can be an excellent option. If you use 1 or 2 stompboxes maybe not will be necessary, but only maybe.

     

    The problem with the buffer are that someones colour or suck your tone, thank to the bad buffers is famous the true bypass, even if is isn´t so good in all the case, and much people (DIYers) know that the mods to true bypass mean have more money .

     

    That is what I know, and also no every "true bypass" can leave your tone without changes, I had somes stompboxes with true bypass that gave a little colour to my sound, weird but true.

     

    Grettings

    • meambobbo Iknowathingortwo
      meambobbo
      1,702 posts since
      Dec 13, 2007
      Currently Being Moderated
      Aug 2, 2012 3:04 PM (in response to alfmetal70)
      Re: OT: A video about true versus buffered bypass

      disclaimer - haven't watched the vid yet.

       

      I think each has its place.  given that different devices have different impedances and will respond differently to a signal coming directly from a guitar compared to the signal directly from a buffer, a true bypass can help make the second pedal in your sound as though it was the first when the actual first pedal is disengaged and uses true bypass.  On the other hand, as others have mentioned, you don't want to run through 12 pedals all using true bypass - that's like using a 40 ft cable.  in fact, i think that's one of the main reason EMG and active pickups were created - to output a low impedance rather than high impedance signal from the guitar so longer cable runs would have less tone suck and noise.

      • jimsreynolds Power User
        jimsreynolds
        2,227 posts since
        Jun 27, 43450
        Currently Being Moderated
        Aug 2, 2012 3:12 PM (in response to meambobbo)
        Re: OT: A video about true versus buffered bypass

        Many folks seem to use something like a CAE line driver as the first pedal on their board, switched on all the time without boost.  This gives a good quality buffer in front of their True bypass FX. 

         

        I don't need true bypass as an essential in a pedal provided it's buffering is decent.  I have an old crybaby that I am going to attack with a soldering irons sometime soon to improve the bypass but otherwise not bothered.

  • Mr_Arkadin Expert Line 6 User
    Mr_Arkadin
    2,379 posts since
    Jan 25, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Aug 2, 2012 10:16 AM (in response to phil_m)
    Re: OT: A video about true versus buffered bypass

    Yeah, I'm definitely on the side of busting the "everything has to be true bypass" myth.

  • Texxxxx Just Startin'
    Texxxxx
    368 posts since
    Aug 13, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Aug 3, 2012 4:57 AM (in response to phil_m)
    Re: OT: A video about true versus buffered bypass

    Good Info...thanks....

     

    Does the buffered pedal have to be in the last spot for the buffering to help the signal?  For instance, the pedal board I use with my vintage Fender amps ends with a 250K Ernie Ball VIP Jr. volume pedal.  That is unbuffered, of course, and I like having it last, so any OD is still nice and thick, compared to turning down the signal before the OD, which is like turning the volume down on your guitar, which cleans up the OD.

     

    From what I understand, even a Boss TU-3 tuner is buffered.  Anyway, pedalboard setup...Guitar>Line 6 G50> Boss Tu-3 (Buffered)>Behringer Compressor  (I know, but it actually sounds good and I was feeling cheap that day)>CMAT Mods Signa Drive (True Bypass)>MXR chorus>TC Electronics Flashback (buffer switchable and turned on)>Ernie Ball VIP Jr. (250K)>25 ft cord.  PedalTrain Jr. board powered by VooDoo Labs 2 Plus power supply.

     

    Yes, I am using a VooDoo Labs model PPAP current doubler per Line 6 for my G50.

     

    From Line 6 G50/G90FAQ's:

    Q: Can I use a Voodoo Lab Pedal Power Plus 2 to power the Relay G50 receiver?

    A: Yes, but you will need to use the Voodoo lab "current doubler" cable and you will need to use outputs 5 & 6 of the Pedal Power Plus in "normal" position.  VooDoo model PPAP.

     

    Would it make any difference to route the Flashback after the volume pedal, so as to have a buffered pedal last in the chain?

     

    PedalBoard_3.JPG

    PedalBoard_4.JPG

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