You Guys with Electronics Know-How

  • Thread starter Thread starter Zaphod B
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Zaphod B

Zaphod B

Raccoons-Be-Gone, Inc.
I've pretty much given up on using my Pod XT Live for amp modeling except for just screwing around. I still have hopes for it as a programmable multieffect pedal board.

I would like to build a simple single-effect true bypass box. (The Pod, in all its multi-effect glory, would be the single effect.) The traditional way to do this is just to use a DPDT switch.

I've already drawn up a diagram of the signal path, no problem there. The box would be a two-input, two output box with four 1/4" jacks for instrument cables.

The question is, how should the ground path be arranged? Should I just wire the grounds of all the jacks together within the box, or should the ground path follow the signal path (necessitating a third pole on the switch)? Or something else?

Sorry if this is a stupid question. :o
 
Right - I wasn't even thinking about a metal box as a common ground. Good point. And if I end up using a plastic box as a prototype I'll just wire all the grounds together.

Thanks! :)
 
Hey just curious...(as i will be hopign to get a pod xt/x3 for use as an overall effects unit)...what amp are u running the thing through?
 
JPXTom said:
Hey just curious...(as i will be hopign to get a pod xt/x3 for use as an overall effects unit)...what amp are u running the thing through?
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A Vox AC30CC 2 X 12 combo with Celestion Alnico Blues. I also have a 100-watt Matamp all-tube monster that I don't use much because the windows keep breaking. ;)

arcaxis said:
Using a metal box will keep things shielded so you'll be less prone to picking up hums and buzzes.
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Metal it is, then! :)
 
I use a Boss PSM-5 for this. They might not make them anymore, but I think you can find them used for $50.00. Might save you a lot of trouble.
 
PhiloBeddoe said:
I use a Boss PSM-5 for this. They might not make them anymore, but I think you can find them used for $50.00. Might save you a lot of trouble.
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They are pretty easy to build and you can do it for a lot less than 50 bucks.
 
ggunn said:
They are pretty easy to build and you can do it for a lot less than 50 bucks.
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Definitely true. Same goes for lots of things but I guess it depends on what your time is worth. Just giving an option.
 
ggunn said:
They are pretty easy to build and you can do it for a lot less than 50 bucks.
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Right - that's my thinking - probably around $25 bucks.

Phil, I know there are some bypass boxes around but the ones I've seen are way overpriced. Thanks for the tip on the Boss, though. :)
 
Zaphod B said:
A Vox AC30CC 2 X 12 combo with Celestion Alnico Blues. I also have a 100-watt Matamp all-tube monster that I don't use much because the windows keep breaking. ;)


Metal it is, then! :)
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Nice...why wouldnt u run the podxt through the loop? Thats what i was thinking..i was looking at some ac30 heads before and liked the effects loop.
 
JPXTom said:
Nice...why wouldnt u run the podxt through the loop? Thats what i was thinking..i was looking at some ac30 heads before and liked the effects loop.
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I've thought about it. The only drawback is that you can't bypass it this way. I'm not sure that the Pod isn't a tone-sucker even when the amp models and effects are turned off - you are still running through a digital pathway.

That's one reason I wanted to try it with a bypass box into the front end, so that I could get the thing dialed in to unity gain and do an easy side-by-side comparison without having to be messing with plugging in and unplugging cables. If it works out I'll try it in the effect loop; otherwise I'll probably sell it and get a true multieffect board.
 
Hmm yeah i hear you..ive been looking at the boss me-50 and stuff..i wish line 6 would just make an effects board..w/o the whole amp thing..that would be so awesome...But theres always the way of single pedals..that im still debating on..but good luck man, and tell how it sounds...cause i wanna know if i should do this or not.
 
:)
JPXTom said:
Hmm yeah i hear you..ive been looking at the boss me-50 and stuff..i wish line 6 would just make an effects board..w/o the whole amp thing..that would be so awesome...But theres always the way of single pedals..that im still debating on..but good luck man, and tell how it sounds...cause i wanna know if i should do this or not.
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I'll let you know how it turns out.

If I can get the parts at the local Radio Shack I'll build it this weekend. Otherwise I'll have to order stuff.

I really like the way the Pod is set up for so many programmable banks, and even the ME-50 isn't as flexible. And truth be known, when you're running through 2 or 3 effects that fundamentally change your sound, the whole argument about pristine, untouched tone pretty much just goes out the window.

But the other night I was messing with it - running my guitar straight into my amp, and then through the Pod with nothing turned on, and it seemed like there was a difference. But if the output of the Pod isn't exactly matched to the output of the guitar itself, then the amp is going to behave differently - at least a tube amp will. My AC30 is very sensitive to the relative outputs of my different guitars.

Anyhow, we'll see. :)
 
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