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General Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: 64Guitars on August 30, 2016, 07:35:44 PM

Title: A case against "True Bypass" in effects pedals
Post by: 64Guitars on August 30, 2016, 07:35:44 PM
I stumbled across this interesting article by renowned effects pedal and pedal board systems designer Pete Cornish.

http://www.petecornish.co.uk/case_against_true_bypass.html (http://www.petecornish.co.uk/case_against_true_bypass.html)

He makes some good points about "true bypass". It would seem that you're probably better off without it, provided you have well-designed pedals. And cable length is something that every effects pedal user should pay attention to. Keep those cables as short as possible or your tone could be adversely affected.

Title: Re: A case against "True Bypass" in effects pedals
Post by: Groundy on August 30, 2016, 10:36:54 PM
Good find 64...

Alex
Title: Re: A case against "True Bypass" in effects pedals
Post by: bruno on September 02, 2016, 12:48:20 AM
Interesting read and some valid points - however. as always - I would say use your ears. I had a problem with the TC Nova recently - which is buffered - it really changed the tone - not in a bad way - but it was different. And it was annoying! This was in the effects loop in the kemper - but discussed in depth on the Nova forum.

As always, you have to dig to find the right tone. Interestingly the last two pedels (the Obscura and the Polara by Digitech) are both to support traling reverb and echos - with a switch on both pedals to flick between :-) There is no change in tone when switching - so basically down to the design!
B
Title: Re: A case against "True Bypass" in effects pedals
Post by: Speed Demon on September 02, 2016, 05:13:15 AM
I only use one floor pedal. A Wah. I moved to rack-mounted effects with a midi controller many years ago. Much better.
Title: Re: A case against "True Bypass" in effects pedals
Post by: Hook on September 02, 2016, 05:27:44 AM
Interesting read. I don't use individual pedals at all, I do have my eye on a mini wah for the studio. When I play live I have my Boss ME80 and I have the Blackstar ID Beam (upgraded the core 10 for the added acoustic and bass features...it's awesome! ) for the studio.
Pedals have always just seemed a pain to me when a processor had plenty to keep me happy.
There's a Kemper (toaster) on Craigslist for $1650 right now. If he ever comes down to $100 I'll jump on it.
Title: Re: A case against "True Bypass" in effects pedals
Post by: Farrell Jackson on September 16, 2016, 02:40:59 PM
That is a good read 64. It brings up some interesting things about true bypass and buffered pedals that I didn't think about. I've always tried to keep my cable runs short as possible (no more than 30 feet total) to avoid lost signal and tone problems so I've not experienced any problems at all. 4 pedals are the most I used with a mix of true bypass and buffered. Although I do have a Line 6 chorus pedal that I stopped using because it would change my guitar's tone when idle or engaged.  Anyone want to buy a slightly used chorus pedal  ;D.

Farrell
Title: Re: A case against "True Bypass" in effects pedals
Post by: Geir on September 16, 2016, 04:20:19 PM
Could a Kemper model a 63 feet cable?  I guess it could :)