Parallel boxes

Thunderscreech · #1 09-27-2008, 12:08 PM

What I am looking for is a box or something that can split the bass signal, run it through two pedals, and then re-unify it. Like two EHX Switchblades, but in one unit, with something to switch between 1, 2, or both. is it an A/B/Y Box? or something different. I don't know what it's called, so I can't really search for it.

Beachcoma · #2 09-27-2008, 12:13 PM

A ABY box followed by a mixer, or a DIY custom box. Its pretty easy to build for those that have any experience building pedals.

Sorry I couldn't help with a commercial product, just not my territory

bongomania · #3 09-27-2008, 12:14 PM

Search on "blender", that's the word you want.

Lots of commercial options available.

idoru · #4 09-27-2008, 08:16 PM

Boss LS-2

Jazz Ad · #5 09-27-2008, 08:22 PM

Boss LS-2 indeed. As of today, it is the only readymade unit able to achieve this.

Ric5 · #6 09-27-2008, 08:26 PM

I use a Rolls 4 channel mixer to split and recombine 4 parallel signals ...

Jazz Ad · #7 09-27-2008, 08:33 PM

Good idea but with passive mixers, you're lucky not to have feedback issues.

Ric5 · #8 09-27-2008, 08:54 PM

yes that can happen if I set things a certain way ...

Gashaponcito · #9 09-27-2008, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

Good idea but with passive mixers, you're lucky not to have feedback issues.

Could you explain a little bit =O

Ric5 · #10 09-27-2008, 09:38 PM

When I run a passive bass and I turn off the Marshall pedal then it will feed back ...

but if I run an active bass or simply leave the effect on or turn down the slider it will eliminate the feedback ...

But this is a poor mans Geddy type parallel effects board.

Jazz Ad · #11 09-27-2008, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gashaponcito

Could you explain a little bit =O

In passive circuits, signal can go both ways.
Say you run 2 channels with true bypass pedals. If you turn one of them off, the channel becomes a simple cable. Since current follows the easiest flow, if will barely go into the other channel, unless it provides a lot of gain.
In this case, you may run into another issue. Signal going out of the second channel will travel backwards through the bypassed pedal and feed back at the input of the active pedal.

bongomania · #12 09-27-2008, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ric5

But this is a poor mans Geddy type parallel effects board.

But the funny thing is that a Rolls active mini-mixer isn't that much more expensive, especially used.

Thunderscreech · #13 09-27-2008, 10:01 PM

How would this work? the word Input and the S=Send/R=Return got cut off by my scanner.

basically, A^s and B^s are the sends, and A^r and B^r are the returns. The first switch goes between the A and B channels, and the second one selects Both mixed or switching.

Both Switches are DPDT, and the blend pot I'm not sure what value it should be. I have a Hammond 1590BB project box I plan to build this in, and jacks and switches will come from RadioShack or Small Bear electronics.

Would Diodes solve the feedback problem?

Jazz Ad · #14 09-27-2008, 10:20 PM

Your circuit is optimistically simple. Passively blending signals is asking for trouble. You need buffers.

bongomania · #15 09-27-2008, 10:29 PM

Passive blend is a terrible idea. I may be mistaken, but I think diodes would only solve the feedback problem if your signal was always above the voltage threshold, which is unlikely.

Gashaponcito · #16 09-27-2008, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

In passive circuits, signal can go both ways.
Say you run 2 channels with true bypass pedals. If you turn one of them off, the channel becomes a simple cable. Since current follows the easiest flow, if will barely go into the other channel, unless it provides a lot of gain.
In this case, you may run into another issue. Signal going out of the second channel will travel backwards through the bypassed pedal and feed back at the input of the active pedal.

Is there something like it (passive mixer) but without those issues??

bongomania · #17 09-27-2008, 11:18 PM

Yes, an active mixer. Or an active blender such as the ones we talk about all the time in this forum, the LS-2, Barge, Xotic, etc.

bongomania · #18 09-27-2008, 11:25 PM

http://www.elevation-music.com/romxacmilimi.html
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com...-VI?sku=632003

Gashaponcito · #19 09-27-2008, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Yes, an active mixer. Or an active blender such as the ones we talk about all the time in this forum, the LS-2, Barge, Xotic, etc.

Is there any disadvantage with them? like something passive mixers have and they don't?

bongomania · #20 09-27-2008, 11:35 PM

The only disadvantage of an active mixer is it requires power (battery or other power supply).