Will An ABY Work With An Expreesion Pedal?

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #1 10-16-2007, 04:07 PM

I was guessing not as expression pedals are TRS, but is it possible to use an A/B or A/B/Y to use a single expression pedal for multiple devices?

bongomania · #2 10-16-2007, 05:33 PM

It wouldn't work out of the box due to the TS connections, but it seems like there's no reason why a TRS-equipped A/B wouldn't work. The "Y" part is questionable, it seems like splitting the signal would reduce the range of the expression sweep, but (a) I may be wrong, and (b) the pedal and the attached devices might have range controls that would manage those level changes.

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #3 10-16-2007, 05:44 PM

An A/B would even be fine- I was just thinking using an A/B or A/B/Y would certainly take up less room on my board than my second expression pedal does. I'll email Brian at Loopmaster to see what he thinks. Do you think all that's necessary would be switching the input/output jacks for TRS ones?

bongomania · #4 10-16-2007, 05:47 PM

You might need a different footswitch as well, depending on what's already in there and whether it's passive or a relay system.

squarewave · #5 10-16-2007, 06:25 PM

I think it would require a 4-pole switch. I'll think about it later, unless someone beats me to it. I'm chasing three crazy kids right now.

niftydog · #6 10-16-2007, 07:11 PM

It all depends on the pedal(s) you're trying to control. Exp. pedal input usually have three connections - I assume that one of them is ground but I can't speak for every pedal ever made! That leaves the other two, which have a voltage between them that is controlled by the treadle.

If one connection IS ground on both pedals, then you can leave that connected and then you only need to switch the other two connections, which would mean you only need a two pole double throw switch, a bunch of TRS jacks and a box to mount them in. My guitarist buddy built two such boxes for his pedal board.

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #7 10-16-2007, 07:30 PM

Both of the units I'm controlling (a Boss VF-1 and a Nobels MIDI controller) take the whole TRS. Unfortunately I can't build a box (can't do any wiring, soldering, etc. because of my sight), but if my gear allows it I'm sure I could find someone to build one.

Sir Edward V · #8 10-16-2007, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryan R. Tyler

Both of the units I'm controlling (a Boss VF-1 and a Nobels MIDI controller) take the whole TRS. Unfortunately I can't build a box (can't do any wiring, soldering, etc. because of my sight), but if my gear allows it I'm sure I could find someone to build one.

its a simple enough job

try WOBO, I think they use relay switching systems a lot

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #9 10-30-2007, 08:13 PM

Little bump. Emailed WOBO but never heard back, and Brian from Loop-Master said he couldn't do it. Seems like a product that could be very useful but no one makes one- a TRS A/B/C/D box could allow someone with a MIDI controller with four pedal outs to use a single pedal.

Sir Edward V · #10 10-31-2007, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryan R. Tyler

Little bump. Emailed WOBO but never heard back, and Brian from Loop-Master said he couldn't do it. Seems like a product that could be very useful but no one makes one- a TRS A/B/C/D box could allow someone with a MIDI controller with four pedal outs to use a single pedal.

I know an easy way to do it that would take me less than 30 min to solder, then I'd have to find somewhere to drill the box. But my simple way wouldn't have an LED... I think you would need an LED in this situation...

SFjonstarr · #11 10-31-2007, 10:45 AM

Toneczar makes a device that does this. It's on the pricy side but looks amazing.

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #12 10-31-2007, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFjonstarr

Toneczar makes a device that does this. It's on the pricy side but looks amazing.

What device is that? I remember trying to order a VFM from them last year- the waiting list was a year long