Anybody using the MXR MC401 as just a buffer?

[Random Hero]

With the boost on 0dB? How do you find it?

[Random Hero]

Also, if I was to use one in conjunction with the Nova System, would you put it before the Nova or after the Nova? Bob Bradshaw says it should go last in line so I guess after?

[Stevil]

i use mine set to noon early on in my chain to push clean signal level up with dirty. if i crank it much higher & it distorts pedals i don't want to distorting, namely my RE-20 Space Echo (usually i can tweak it's "input volume" to correct). i'm guessing the Nova System might have simlar input level limitations as most digital multi fx boxes do.

[jnepo1]

With the boost on 0dB? How do you find it?

In order to use it as a buffer, you need to engage the unit and set the level at unity. In otherwords, set it at the volume of your amp.

[cacibi]

I use mine as a buffer first in line. I find it to be one of the best buffers I have tried - like any buffer it will change the tone slightly (or perhaps better to say change back your tone?), but not as drastically as some I have tried. And very easy to find the unity gain position - obviously - since it's just full counter/0db.

I have also used the this1smyne mini buffer and like that one as well.

I usually will either have some sort of EP booster pre-delay and then some of my delays are buffered so, I prefer to place mine first in the chain.

[jnepo1]

The MC-401 is pretty transparent IMO.

[JRBain]

The MI Audio Boost n Buff is meant to be a good one, but the This1smyne Mini Buffer is ever applauded around here... For the price it's hard to beat. I may add one to my board at some point.

[Random Hero]

In order to use it as a buffer, you need to engage the unit and set the level at unity. In otherwords, set it at the volume of your amp.

Oh? I saw a vid where Bob Bradshaw said you turn it on set it to 0db to use it as a buffer?

I use mine as a buffer first in line. I find it to be one of the best buffers I have tried - like any buffer it will change the tone slightly (or perhaps better to say change back your tone?), but not as drastically as some I have tried. And very easy to find the unity gain position - obviously - since it's just full counter/0db.

I have also used the this1smyne mini buffer and like that one as well.

I usually will either have some sort of EP booster pre-delay and then some of my delays are buffered so, I prefer to place mine first in the chain.

I take it to find unity I just switch it off and on until the volumes are matched, then it's acting as a buffer and the tone will slightly change (hopefully back, for the better!)

[RBfan]

I have the 402 (includes the 401 boost), the MI Audio BnB, as well as a T1M mini. I would rank T1M 1st, then the MXR 402, then the BnB. I do use the 402 with the boost on, but set to 0, as a buffer. I do this only at bedroom levels, but I like the buffering - I find that it helps with 2 cheap 10' cables on either side of stompboxes.

Personally I kinda like the OD on the 402 - it seems to stack well with just about anything, & I'm not a stacking type of guy... You didn't ask, I'm just throwing that out there. Depending upon prices you might find a 402 for not much more $ & you might like the OD. You'll want to try it 1st though, lots of folks don't like the OD on the 402.

T

[jnepo1]

I have the 402 (includes the 401 boost), the MI Audio BnB, as well as a T1M mini. I would rank T1M 1st, then the MXR 402, then the BnB. I do use the 402 with the boost on, but set to 0, as a buffer. I do this only at bedroom levels, but I like the buffering - I find that it helps with 2 cheap 10' cables on either side of stompboxes.

Personally I kinda like the OD on the 402 - it seems to stack well with just about anything, & I'm not a stacking type of guy... You didn't ask, I'm just throwing that out there. Depending upon prices you might find a 402 for not much more $ & you might like the OD. You'll want to try it 1st though, lots of folks don't like the OD on the 402.

T

The 402 is underated and seldom mentioned, I agree, it is a good unit. It can give you mild overdrive to a mild fuzz tone.

As for the buffer mode, if you set it at 0db, there can be a difference from the level of the amp when the unit is disengaged. Hence, I've always set it to unity, to match the volume of the amp.

[Random Hero]

^

I wasn't planning on disengaging it as I want the buffer to retain that clarity permanently, if that makes sense. I only plan on using it as a buffer, not as any kind of boost. Is there a reason I'd turn it off?

[whackystrings]

I just bought a Visual Sounds Clean Boost.
Rationale:
50% for the buffer
50% so that I can engage it as a slight boost to compensate for the the lower p/u output levels of my Strat vs. my humbucker'ed Les Paul.
At $100 U.S. you have a decent buffer (regardless of the pedal engaged or not) and a boost when needed.

[jnepo1]

^

I wasn't planning on disengaging it as I want the buffer to retain that clarity permanently, if that makes sense. I only plan on using it as a buffer, not as any kind of boost. Is there a reason I'd turn it off?

That's why it should be set for unity. The boost will only act as a buffer when "on", if you have it "on" and set it at 0dB, there could be a volume differential when it is engaged/disengaged. Unity is matching the level of your audio output.

[Random Hero]

Right, got it.

So should it go first? Last? Before the Nova or after? Any rules here?

[jnepo1]

Right, got it.

So should it go first? Last? Before the Nova or after? Any rules here?

No rules, everything is contingent on personal preference. The Nova does have a buffer, so you should try it first and go from there.

[Random Hero]

I decided to get a wah with a buffer so that I have one at the start of the chain at then the Nova before the amp. That way the true bypass pedals in the middle cause much in the way of "suckage". All good.

[forum_crawler]

Mine is first in the chain, and it is always set to 0db. I find that it adds a bit of sparkle to the signal which is very cool.

[jnepo1]

I decided to get a wah with a buffer so that I have one at the start of the chain at then the Nova before the amp. That way the true bypass pedals in the middle cause much in the way of "suckage". All good.

What wah did you get w/ a buffer? The CAE MC-404 wah has a buffer in the unit as well, it's actually the 401 integrated into it. Unfortunately, the buffer is only functional when the wah is engaged, no separate switching.

[Random Hero]

I decided to get a wah with a buffer so that I have one at the start of the chain at then the Nova before the amp. That way the true bypass pedals in the middle cause much in the way of "suckage". All good.