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?
 
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?
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. ;)

Using a metal box will keep things shielded so you'll be less prone to picking up hums and buzzes.
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.
 
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.

They are pretty easy to build and you can do it for a lot less than 50 bucks.
 
They are pretty easy to build and you can do it for a lot less than 50 bucks.

Definitely true. Same goes for lots of things but I guess it depends on what your time is worth. Just giving an option.
 
They are pretty easy to build and you can do it for a lot less than 50 bucks.

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. :)
 
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! :)

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.
 
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.
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.
 
:)
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.

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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