Buffered splitter vs Splitter with ISO?

[Bash_Man]

hey everyone,
I noticed the majority of splitters are buffered, but some of them have either their 2nd or even 3rd output that says ISO.

Is that just an Isolated output as far as the ground connection? If not, then what purpose would that serve?

Thanks

 

[Snave]

That's correct. It's to prevent ground loops when using two amps.

 

[Bash_Man]

That's correct. It's to prevent ground loops when using two amps.

Thank you very much.

 

[fusedbrain]

Yeah, ideally you want the second output on an amp splitter / switcher to be a transformer isolated out.
Prevents ground loops for sure, but the transformer isolation can also provide a margin of electrical safety when working with vintage amps.
Connect the sketchy old amp to the iso output, and the risk of 120v electrical mayhem decreases dramatically.
In fact, transformer isolation under any circumstances is the preferred safe way to connect to 2 or more amps to the same guitar.
Just don't stand in a puddle of water

 

[Bash_Man]

Any recommendations for a Split Outlet pedal/device with an ISO outlet? something "budget friendly".

Thanks

 

[Rufus Leaking]

If you can find one, a used Axess Electronics BS2 is a great buffered splitter with ISO out.

 

[Bash_Man]

If you can find one, a used Axess Electronics BS2 is a great buffered splitter with ISO out.

I've actually been looking for that specific one.. but sadly they're sold everywhere used.

 

[Snave]

I've actually been looking for that specific one.. but sadly they're sold everywhere used.

Guitar Center used

Some people don't like the buffer in it, though.

 

[Gibsonchild]

Any recommendations for a Split Outlet pedal/device with an ISO outlet? something "budget friendly".

Thanks

I just ordered one of these a couple minutes ago for my Mesa/Friedman rig. It has A/B/Y, ground lift, switchable polarity, and a switchable ISO tranny.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BigShotABYv2--radial-bigshot-aby-true-bypass-switch-pedal

 

[skullfxr]

I just ordered one of these a couple minutes ago for my Mesa/Friedman rig. It has A/B/Y, ground lift, switchable polarity, and a switchable ISO tranny.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BigShotABYv2--radial-bigshot-aby-true-bypass-switch-pedal

Those work great. I have a few around. Radial is high quality and durable. Zero hesitation on the recommendation

 

[Little B]

Id have to check manual to be sure its transformer isolated,but I've been having great results with mesa's switchtrack into 2 amps.
It's a pedal, also midi, has phase correction, even a tuner out,which u could use for an always on 3rd amp( although they dnt recommend it,but tons of people do it with exc results.)

 

[Gibsonchild]

Id have to check manual to be sure its transformer isolated,but I've been having great results with mesa's switchtrack into 2 amps.
It's a pedal, also midi, has phase correction, even a tuner out,which u could use for an always on 3rd amp( although they dnt recommend it,but tons of people do it with exc results.)

I looked at that one before I ordered the Radial Bigshot. The Mesa has ISO trannys on both channels according to Sweetwater. I would’ve definitely gone with the Mesa if I needed midi, but I couldn’t otherwise justify it at 3x the price of the Radial with the rest of the features being essentially the same.