The problem with A/B Boxes!
There
are 2 types of A/B boxes out there:
1)
Passive
A/B boxes; simple, inexpensive units using a footswitch to
toggle between two outputs..some adding a second footswitch to combine
the ouputs for the "Y" function. (both amps on) This can work
fine when the AB box is placed AT THE END of a chain of various effects
pedals, right before the amps.
The
first problem arises when (like me) you use a seperate effects
setup for each amp, placing the A/B Box BEFORE all the effects. THIS
is when you will experience horrendous POPPING sound while switching
between amps.
The Second
problem (if you use Fuzzes or hi-gain pedals) being a very loud
white-water sounding HISS should you ( for example; have a fuzz on side
"A") then switch to side "B" without turning off
said Fuzz.
The third
problem is that you will get "loading" between the amps
when running in "Y" mode where both amps are on at the same
time, taking away highs and muddying up your sound.
The fourth
problem can be "phase issues" when running both amps in
"Y" mode. When 2 amps are out-of-phase it can be very odd
sounding, with an apparent loss in volume instead of the expected
increase and a very strange EQ, like a wah-wah being on in a fixed
position.
The
fifth problem can be dangerous
as well as noisy; when a "ground loop" happens while
connecting two amps via an A/B pedal, the result can be a constant loud
HUM and could result in a nasty shock, especially hazardous when
stepping up to a vocal mcirophone!
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2)
Active A/B boxes; some active boxes can alleviate the loud
popping sound, but do nothing for the other problems common to Passive
A/B/Y boxes. And they introduce a new problem; They
convert your guitar's native Hi-Impedance signal to Lo-Impedance. And most
great distortions and Fuzzes simply do not like to see Lo-Impedance
signal! They lose volume, dynamics, become trebly sounding....it just
changes everything for the worse.
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