A/B pedal advice

jesone

I want to try out running clean & dirty amps. Do I need something clever and expensive to switch between them or will a cheap pedal do? Something like the Electro Harmonix Switchblade A/B Pedal?

jpfamps

If you simply want to switch between amps, then a simple switcher will suffice.

There are plenty of inexpensive items on the market.

Problems occur when you want to run both amps together, as you can end up with a ground loop which could cause hum.

The best way to avoid ground loops is to have an isolating transformer on one of the outputs, however this is an expensive part (for a pedal).

You may also have phasing issues running two amps together; if they are out of phase then you will loose bass. A transformer makes it very easy to flip the phase of one output.

Finally the more sophisticated switcher will have logic control of switching to allow you to switch between all options with only one button press.

ICBM

Cheap will do fine unless the amps don't like sharing a ground connection and you get hum. It's not always easily predictable without trying it.

If you do, you either need to break the ground in one of the signal cables from the box to the amps, or get a switch box with an isolated second output.

jesone

Many thanks chaps. Think I'll try the dead cheap Fender one and see whether It's something I really want to pursue.

Hattigol

jesone said:

Many thanks chaps. Think I'll try the dead cheap Fender one and see whether It's something I really want to pursue.

It works fine for me although I just use it to switch between two channels on the same amp (a Vox), so not exactly the same thing.

Gassage

Cheap: lehle mini one or the radial big shot or Gigrig humdinger
Best: the mighty pete Cornish ABC box,

mrkb

I’ve just bought a Lehle little Devil for running two amps and the sound of two amps together is ace! The Lehle has a transformer on one output, so the two amps aren’t ever connected to avoid buzzy stuff and electricity gremlins from occurring, also allows stereo fx to be input. Very happy with it.

thermionic

Obligatory Bright Onion recommendation here.

joetele

jesone said:

Many thanks chaps. Think I'll try the dead cheap Fender one and see whether It's something I really want to pursue.

PM'd - I've got a Fender one I don't use.