EBS Black Label "True Bypass" = No?

[jokerjkny]

hey all,

seems like everyone prefers the older buffered versions of this pedal over the true bypass. does the buffered sound that much better?

[bongomania]

I hadn't seen any preferences stated one over the other here. Did I miss some threads, or was it a discussion IRL or elsewhere?

[Jazz Ad]

I'm more interested by the sound it makes when turned on.

[Aurel]

I have an "older version" multicomp, and the newer true bypass octaver and envelope filter. I use George L's cables and a Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2. I sometimes take the Multicomp off the pedalboard.
No big difference between the buffered/true bypass sound. If there is one, it is very subtle and not even worth noticing, in my opinion.

[RCCollins]

I've made some noise about this issue in the past, and it's not that I have anything AGAINST the TBP versions, but I feel like there was really nothing wrong with the buffered versions and they likely changed to "true bypass" in order to appeal to the market, which often demands TBP without understanding the difference.

[rcubed]

It's basically a sales pitch for their products, but they do make some good points: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOBn75-WN30

[scotch]

Originally Posted by rcubed

It's basically a sales pitch for their products, but they do make some good points: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOBn75-WN30

That is a great video demo of how cable capacitance can bleed off high end. Thanks!

I think the "TB" hype coupled with end-user ignorance of how to use it properly has perpetuated a whole set of bogus myths and skewed perspectives. The bottom line is, every complex setup (ie 3-4 pedals or more) is different and will probably need a combination of tb and buffered technology. I love TB to maintain signal integrity through long chains of pedals (buffers stacked on buffers stacked on buffers presents it's own negative signal alteration...), but I always employ a dedicated high-quality buffer when using complicated setups or long cable runs.

The "TB" vs "Buffered" thing has to stop. There really is no "vs"! The technologies work together for the best results.


Back on topic, I cannot speak to the relative sound quality of TB Black Label vs Buffered Black Label, but the older gray label pedals' bypass isn't that great! My old Octabass has a slight delay when disengaged that makes smooth, immediate transitions impossible.

[Spencer!]

Here's an interesting product: http://www.cusackmusic.com/?page=sho...=More%20Louder

It has a switch to let you select between true bypass and buffered bypass.

[rcubed]

Originally Posted by Spencer!

Here's an interesting product: http://www.cusackmusic.com/?page=sho...=More%20Louder

It has a switch to let you select between true bypass and buffered bypass.

$200? Is there gold inside of it?

[Spencer!]

Originally Posted by rcubed

$200? Is there gold inside of it?

That was my initial reaction, but he does donate some of the profit to breast cancer research, so it's all good.

[Mr. Ray]

The new EBS pedals are suppose to be improved with new circuit boards along with true bypass. I haven't compared the old models with the new but that should have more of a change in sound than the switching.