Running 2 different amps in stereo.

[D-Nastee11]

Was wondering what are the best devices out there for solving all the issues related to running two different amps in stereo ( Ground Loops, Phasing , etc) ?


Thanks!

 

[jape23]

If you're just looking for a simple way to run two amps, I would have a look at the Radial Tonebone Switchbone ABY box. On the output to your second amp, there is a ground lift option and also a polarity switch for the phasing issue as well. There is also a drag feature to make up for some of the signal loss you're going to get by splitting your guitar signal out to two amps. Even so, I still used a buffer when I ran two amps. Not sure if Radial still makes the Switchbone, but you could probably grab a used one without too much trouble.

Added bonus is the built in drive/boost functions. They are awesome in the Switchbone. As a matter of fact, I've never tried a drive pedal I like more than the drive that's available in this unit.

 

[RockyStar]

Radial or Lehle. Both options are fantastic.

 

[gbsmusic]

I just set up a stereo rig running 2 Blackstar HT Club 40's. I'm running a ZW Chorus at the end of my pedal chain. I ran the 1 of the 2 outs from the Chorus to each amp and it works great!!

 

[Ventura]

Lehle S-go-S is dope.

 

[TremoJem]

I have the Radial Switchbone JX-2.

Would you elaborate on the drive for this pedal?

I emailed Radial, but did not get a response.

I wanted to know what was similar or different from their drive, to a clean boost or a OD pedal used for a boost (not gain).

I use an Xotic RC Booster in front of my amps, but have not given the Radial a fair shake, as I am not sure what the boost really is.

Thanks "littleguitar".

 

[GOHOINC]

I've had the radial bigshot, voodoo labs amp switcher, and the lehle dual sgos. Out of the three the lehle was the best from a transparency and tone standpoint but it was also the most expensive. The voodoo labs amp switcher was also very good. Now I use the stereo out from my boss es-8 which if you like pedals is a great option...

 

[messenger]

I used a boss stereo chorus before and had no issues.

 

[jape23]

I have the Radial Switchbone JX-2.

Would you elaborate on the drive for this pedal?

I emailed Radial, but did not get a response.

I wanted to know what was similar or different from their drive, to a clean boost or a OD pedal used for a boost (not gain).

I use an Xotic RC Booster in front of my amps, but have not given the Radial a fair shake, as I am not sure what the boost really is.

Thanks "littleguitar".

The Switchbone isn't really going to behave like a clean boost. What it can do is give you a mid only boost, labelled as either 5 or 10db, or you can disengage that and use only the overdrive portion of the boost feature. In reality, if you're starting with an already overdriven sound, you aren't really going to get enough volume boost from this pedal to make your lead solos standout in a full band context. For that, I'll use something like an ep booster in the amp's fx loop. What I like best about the Switchbone is that in addition to its ABY capabilities, it has a really cool overdrive that sounds great with every amp I've ever used. From what I understand, consumer response to the quality of that drive was positive enough that Radial went on to make a dedicated drive pedal based on the drive that is available in the Switchbone unit.

 

[TremoJem]

If I only use the boost not the mid boost on the Radial, why would that not smack the front of a Plexi and push it?

That is what I am going for.

RC Booster does that now, but I was curious about what the Radial does.

Is it like the RC, but clean and transparent?

It has a trim pot, and if I crank it, it really does increase the output, so I kinda thought it would add gain too, or push the amp into more gain.

I should probably try it with the amp set up for clean, to see how it effects it.

 

[jape23]

If I only use the boost not the mid boost on the Radial, why would that not smack the front of a Plexi and push it?

That is what I am going for.

RC Booster does that now, but I was curious about what the Radial does.

Is it like the RC, but clean and transparent?

It has a trim pot, and if I crank it, it really does increase the output, so I kinda thought it would add gain too, or push the amp into more gain.

I should probably try it with the amp set up for clean, to see how it effects it.

??? Yes, you could use it to push a plexi into more gain. That's what the gain portion of the boost function does.

I like the overdrive in the switchbone because, imo, it adds some more gain/sustain without really messing with the character of the amp too much. I think it would work great in front of a plexi style amp. You have both? Give it a try !

 

[psychodave]

I use the Fulltone ABY box. I think it rivals most others.

http://www.fulltone.com/products/true-path-aby

 

[TremoJem]

Cool, thanks.

 

[petejt]

Just use a buffered stereo effects pedal. Any Boss pedal would do.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

Lehle sounds best to me.

 

[Ventura]

Lehle sounds best to me.

No coincidence - Lehle uses the best components and design concepts in their field.