Calling Bongo - Testing True Bypass - Multimeter?

[excane]

So in my endless tinkerings with true bypass, I was wondering can you easily test a pedal to see if it's legitimately TB or not?

Can you use a Radio Shack multimeter such as this?



In theory, the input impedance should be the same as the output? Yes?.... No?..... I'm an idiot? (well most likely but that's a different story)

[niftydog]

No, you can't test it properly with a multimeter, and no, it has nothing to do with input/output impedances. Plus, you can't measure input, and especially, output impedances accurately with a multimeter.

There is one way to definitively test for proper true bypass - and that is to open it up and trace out the switching circuit.

Many claim that measuring for continuity from output to input (and vice versa) demonstrates true bypass, but they are wrong. This cannot tell you whether or not the input of the circuitry remains connected whilst in bypass mode.

[bongomania]

I've often thought about (someday, when I'm competent) developing a mini spectrum analyzer and pink noise generator, a little iPod-sized device with 1/4" balanced/unbalanced input and output jacks. Something where the layperson can quickly and easily test signal alterations. Really the only difficult part is a legible and meaningful readout screen.

[excane]

Thank you kind sirs.

[Mingus Addict]

Now I'm curious... if you plug a true-bypass pedal in backwards, it still passes signal when bypassed. Does that method not prove whether or not a pedal is really TB or not?

[katri]

That's what I was thinking.

[ehque]

Originally Posted by Mingus Addict

Now I'm curious... if you plug a true-bypass pedal in backwards, it still passes signal when bypassed. Does that method not prove whether or not a pedal is really TB or not?

I remember wondering why one of my pedals wasn't working when turned on. Apparently this was the reason

[Lag2501]

from my understanding if a pedal is true bypass it should pass signal in either direction with or without power.

[varunkapahi]

Originally Posted by Lag2501

from my understanding if a pedal is true bypass it should pass signal in either direction with or without power.

yep thats how all my TB pedals are like and non-tb not

[Toasted]

It really doesn't work that way either. Seriously, stop obsessing about True Bypass. It makes no difference!

[varunkapahi]

Originally Posted by Toasted

It really doesn't work that way either. Seriously, stop obsessing about True Bypass. It makes no difference!

i agree.... almost

[bongomania]

Again, as was clarified in the other current thread on this subject , just because a signal passes from jack to jack in any order with no power applied, does not mean that when power is applied the signal doesn't flow through some or all of the effect circuit.

[excane]

Originally Posted by bongomania

Again, as was clarified in the other current thread on this subject , just because a signal passes from jack to jack in any order with no power applied, does not mean that when power is applied the signal doesn't flow through some or all of the effect circuit.

You always da man, it's all clear to me now

well sort of

[scotch]

excane, have you read through the true-bypass stinkfoot articles? All of your tb questions are most likely answered there by a knowledgeable engineer who keeps it simple!

Again, scroll down halfway to "True bypass stuff":
http://www.stinkfoot.se/andreas/diy/diyhome.htm

[scotch]

Originally Posted by Toasted

It really doesn't work that way either. Seriously, stop obsessing about True Bypass. It makes no difference!

I think that "It makes no difference!" is an overstatement, but Toasted is absolutely right that there is no reason to obsess over true bypass. Unless that's how you get your kicks, which is kinds sad!

[Thunderscreech]

Originally Posted by Toasted

It really doesn't work that way either. Seriously, stop obsessing about True Bypass. It makes no difference!

I agree. Plus, buffers reduce signal loss over long chains.

[RCCollins]

Originally Posted by scotch

excane, have you read through the true-bypass stinkfoot articles? All of your tb questions are most likely answered there by a knowledgeable engineer who keeps it simple!

Again, scroll down halfway to "True bypass stuff":
http://www.stinkfoot.se/andreas/diy/diyhome.htm

well SOME kind of non-buffered bypass IS preferable in a fuzz-to-filters loop, for instance. But you have to come to grips with the concept first...

[Thunderscreech]

Originally Posted by RCCollins

well SOME kind of non-buffered bypass IS preferable in a fuzz-to-filters loop, for instance. But you have to come to grips with the concept first...

Quite true. Which is why my tuner is at the end of my chain when i has fuzz.

[JanusZarate]

While I strongly believe true bypass is over-hyped, I do think that the industry needs more honesty when it comes to that particular kind of bypass. A lot of manufacturers call their pedals "true bypass" when they're really not...

[katri]

also most of us here don't run enough pedals for there to be a noticeable difference. Moog never jumped on the TBP band wagon and their pedals sell fine.