EBS Unichorus "Pop"

[Brad Hanback]

I just purchased a new EBS Unichorus pedal from zzounds. It is the true bypass model. It has a very loud pop each time it is activated. I've tried to push the switch 10-15 times as suggested by a friend and it still pops.

My pedalboard is as follows and is all powered by a Voodoo Labs Pedal Power 2: Korg Pitchblack (or Boss TU-3), EBS Multicomp TB, Boss Bass EQ, EBS Unichorus TB, Sansamp VT Bass, and finally the Sadowsky Preamp.

Has anyone had the same experience with the true bypass model of the Unichorus? I'm thinking I may return it.

[testing1two]

This subject comes up a lot on True Bypass pedals, especially in the guitard forums. From my research, there are 3 possible causes for the loud pops:

1. The circuit in your Unichorus is not tied to ground in bypass mode
2. The LED in the Unichorus is causing a current rush when it switches on and off
3. If your amp has a tube preamp stage it could be leaking DC current back into your pedals which would affect the TB switches. You can easily test this by placing a buffered pedal last in your chain (Your Boss EQ is buffered). If that reduces or eliminates the pops then you should replace your V1 preamp tube.

So I would try #3 and if that doesn't fix the problem, exchange the pedal.

[Brad Hanback]

Awesome...I'll try that. I did try the pedal into my DB750 originally and it did pop. I will go back and try putting the buffered pedal last.

Last night, I was only running direct with the pedalboard and using ears and it still popped. I'm thinking it probably is reason #1 or #2 that you gave.

I had searched the true bypass "pop" before posting and didn't see anything as clear as they way you explained it. Thanks so much!!!