Problems with Clone Theory in a split signal

Discussion in 'Effects [BG]' started by acleex38, Jan 13, 2009.

  1. acleex38

    acleex38

    Jul 28, 2006
    I'm running my effects in a Boss LS-2. Channel A is just my OC-3 octave pedal while Channel B is my Nano Bassballs, my Bluebeard fuzz, and my Clone Theory.

    If I run Channel A with the OC-3 off (as a clean signal) and the Clone Theory by itself in Channel B with the other pedals off, my signal drops a LOT. The volume is fine running with Channel A turned off and going straight through the chorus.

    Is the LS-2 blending of the Chorus + Clean causing a cancellation of some kind?
     
  2. JanusZarate

    JanusZarate Low End Avenger Supporting Member

    Feb 21, 2006
    Boise, ID, USA
    Sounds like a possible impedance issue. The OC-2 is buffered, as is the LS-2. The Clone Theory is not. Blending can be affected significantly by impedance, and it is always a factor in the end result of blending, whether it is in regards to volume or tone.

    When I owned the Clone Theory, I suspected a possible sensitivity to its input impedance, but it's hard to tell if that's the problem in your case. Is there still a volume problem when the Clone Theory is off?

    Try re-arranging your pedals and adjusting the A and B volumes.
     
  3. acleex38

    acleex38

    Jul 28, 2006
    There is no problem with the volume if I run with the Clone Theory off.
    There is no problem if I only run the channel with the clone theory and don't sweat blending.

    On a possibly unrelated note, I was playing with the Stereo feature and ran the main output from the clone theory into input A of my amp and the stereo output into input B of my amp. Merged, the final sound ends up being "sounds like there is no chorus on." I wondered if it might be related.

    For the time being, I've pulled the Clone Theory out of the LS-2 loops. Wish me luck.
     
  4. JanusZarate

    JanusZarate Low End Avenger Supporting Member

    Feb 21, 2006
    Boise, ID, USA
    I've run the Clone Theory before with two amps, with excellent results.

    What you're experiencing with a single amp, using both of its inputs, may be the result of frequency cancellation. The second output is out of phase with the first output, to produce the stereo effect. If they overlap, expect plenty of cancellation.
     
  5. lowmid

    lowmid Commercial User

    Feb 2, 2005
    belgium
    Owner & builder CMC Audio
    phase problem!
     
  6. JanusZarate

    JanusZarate Low End Avenger Supporting Member

    Feb 21, 2006
    Boise, ID, USA
    Hmm... now that you mention it, it probably could be a phase problem. That's an equally big issue with blending.
     
  7. acleex38

    acleex38

    Jul 28, 2006
    Thanks y'all - I had never run into phase problems before, but read about them here all the time. It was the first thing I thought but I didn't want to assume anything. For now, I am playing with a stripped down pedal-board that eliminates the OC-3 and the LS_2 - considering I did it for acoustic stuff, I really should yank the Bluebeard too, but I feel like messing with the band a little during casual jams.

    Running both Clone Theory outputs to the same amp was just for fun - At some point, I'll run to two amps, when I have the time and opportunity to get either both amps at home or both amps at practice-location set up next to each other.

    Thanks everybody!
     
  8. gibsualdo

    gibsualdo

    Jun 19, 2006
    London, England
    Damn, was thinking about getting either one of these or an Electric Mistress, since my Danelectro Cool Cat has started acting up.

    I was planning to put it in an LS-2 loop, doesn't seem like such a great idea now.

    Actually, is this the original Clone Theory or the newer XO Stereo Clone Theory? I'll probably just get one anyway and send it back if it fails me.
     
  9. JanusZarate

    JanusZarate Low End Avenger Supporting Member

    Feb 21, 2006
    Boise, ID, USA
    Pretty sure he's talking about the new XO version. IIRC, only one or two people on TB have an original one.

    It's worth the risk, IMO - you won't know if it'll pose a problem in your rig until you try it.