Buffered Splitter

[MikeNiteRail]

Is there a buffered splitter that isn't a pedal? When I run stereo I don't need to switch back and forth between amps. I use a Boss DM2 and am hoping there is a Y cable I can run out of it that a.) won't change my tone and b.) send a full signal to both amps.

Thanks!

[Blue Strat]

The VHT Valvulator may be what you're looking for. http://www.vhtamp.com/product-news/valvulator1.html There's also a Canadian solid state device whose name I can't recall right now.

[fullerplast]

The Axess BS-2 (http://www.axess-electronics.com/products/bs2.html) will do what you want.

[John Phillips]

Is there a buffered splitter that isn't a pedal? When I run stereo I don't need to switch back and forth between amps. I use a Boss DM2 and am hoping there is a Y cable I can run out of it that a.) won't change my tone and b.) send a full signal to both amps.If it's going after the DM-2 you don't need anything - just a Y-cable. The Boss buffer is easily capable of driving two amps with no loss.

[MikeNiteRail]

Does any Y cable work or is there a nice one I should be getting? I have this week off, so I have time to order online if need be. Usually I have no patience when ordering gear!

[fullerplast]

If it's going after the DM-2 you don't need anything - just a Y-cable. The Boss buffer is easily capable of driving two amps with no loss.

The DM-2 can easily drive the two amps, but I've always noticed a tonal change whenever you jumper two inputs in parallel, simply because the input impedance is cut in half. Since the DM-2 does not have a low output impedance, this would be especially noticeable, IMHO. I would certainly expect a loss of high end and some signal drop. YMMV though, and it's easy enough to try first.:cool:

[John Phillips]

The DM-2 can easily drive the two amps, but I've always noticed a tonal change whenever you jumper two inputs in parallel, simply because the input impedance is cut in half. Since the DM-2 does not have a low output impedance, this would be especially noticeable, IMHO. I would certainly expect a loss of high end and some signal drop. YMMV though, and it's easy enough to try first.:cool:
The DM-2 does have a low impedance output. Not especially low by buffer standards, no - but very low compared to an amp input. As far as I remember it's 10K ohms. The impedance of even two normal low-gain amp inputs in parallel is 68K, and that of two high-gain inputs is 500K.

The usual rule for avoiding loading loses is that the input impedance should be at least 10 times the output, so maybe two low-gain inputs paralleled might just show some loss, but two highs certainly won't.

A more recent Boss pedal with a 1K output impedance would have no trouble at all either way...

[skylabfilmpop]

Discrete buffered amp splitter. Its a pedal but just ignore the switches.

[fullerplast]

The DM-2 does have a low impedance output. Not especially low by buffer standards, no - but very low compared to an amp input. As far as I remember it's 10K ohms. The impedance of even two normal low-gain amp inputs in parallel is 68K, and that of two high-gain inputs is 500K.

The usual rule for avoiding loading loses is that the input impedance should be at least 10 times the output, so maybe two low-gain inputs paralleled might just show some loss, but two highs certainly won't..

Well, not to flog it but the DM2 spec is "over 10K" which is definitely considered high output impedance in audioland.;) Low would be anything under 1K, so this is already 10x or more what is considered low output impedance; in fact it's right in line with the typical output impedance of a guitar.

That in itself will make the DM2 considerably more susceptable to changes in input impedance, such as that a Y cable would present. I would fully expect the OP to hear a loss of signal high end "sparkle" with a parallel load, but again, YMMV. It's easy to try and hear for yourself. The solution of course is the dual output buffer.:)

[MikeNiteRail]

What about the Boss DD3? Would the direct out work? I can loan one of those. I am worried I won't like the tone as much, but if I am going to spend money on a pedal, it might as well have an effect too.

Will there be hum, etc? I don't always run stereo, so I'd trade a little delay tone to get the rig running. Right now I tried it with a Line 6 Rotomachine which I want to sell. I just don't use it. It seemed to work well.

[fullerplast]

What about the Boss DD3? Would the direct out work? I can loan one of those. I am worried I won't like the tone as much, but if I am going to spend money on a pedal, it might as well have an effect too.

Will there be hum, etc? I don't always run stereo, so I'd trade a little delay tone to get the rig running. Right now I tried it with a Line 6 Rotomachine which I want to sell. I just don't use it. It seemed to work well.

The DD3 will have the same output inpedance, over 10K, so the same issues apply.

The other advantage of the buffer is exactly what you expressed concern over: no hum due to ground loops. An isolated buffer will eliminate that problem as well as retain your high end.

You could open the shield on one end of the Y cable, but my experience has not shown that to effective, at least not consistently. For two amps in parallel, the right buffer will be the best solution for retaining full fidelity and eliminating ground loops IMHO. You can certainly try a Y cable and shield cut, but results may not be as good as you would like. It is certainly a cheaper approach....;)

[MikeNiteRail]

Well I am sold on the right buffer. What are some other good ones? I am hoping for small and super easy to use. I just want to plug and play. I am not worried about switching amps.

I don't want to break the bank, but I do want quality...even if it means a few bucks.

You guys have some awesome info. Thanks!

[phsyconoodler]

Radial Engineering in Vancouver Canada has what you need.they make all kinds of devices that split amps and outputs and you name it.High quality stuff.