OCD + Volume pedal problem

[musicwack]

So I'm putting together a board right now and one combination that isn't working well is the Fulltone OCD > Ernie Ball 25k Active VP. What happens is the VP extremely affects the volume of the OCD. For example, I had my gain and volume set to what I like prior to adding the VP, but when I put the VP in the chain, there is an EXTREME volume drop on the OCD. I have to really crank the volume on the OCD to achieve unity gain. Now for some reason, it only affects the OCD. Here is my chain:

Fulldrive 2 > OCD > Timmy > EP Booster > VP

So like I said, the OCD is the only one affected with this volume drop, but a fix is if I stack the OCD with either the Timmy or EP Booster. Unfortunately I don't want to be stacking all the time. Any reason to why this happens? If I replaced the Active VP with a Passive one, would that do the trick?

[chops612]

The problem is the OCD doesn't have input or output buffers. Because your other pedals are true bypass, your clean signal along with your OCD is gonna SUCK huge, because the 25K VP expects to see a low impedance active (buffered) signal and you are feeding the passive high impedance of your pups. Options....

1. Swap your 25K for a Passive 250K VP. This will keep your signal consistent, but your taper will suffer when using buffered OD's due to impedance mismatch from the OD's low impedance output into a high impedance pot.

2. Run FD2>OCD>Timmy>EP Booster>stand alone always on buffer>25K VP
This will keep everything level, but you may not like the tonality of the buffer with your style or rig.

3. We can mod your VP so it can be placed anywhere without any negative tonal effects and the taper will always be perfectly and consistently smooth.

The OCD can be a tricky pedal. I use a Eternity and it is the same deal. I designed a mod that a few touring guys and myself used called The SUCK. Essentially it was a setup designed to allow these pedals to be output buffered, but you could suck off the top end that it added so you could regain that woody tone. Think Eric Johnson how he used a 20 so foot cable coiled up on his board, but without the cable. I am currently working on installing the setup in a miniature setup inside the E and am going to have to look to work it with the OCD as well, but it will allow these pedals to work nicely with others and without sacrificing the woody, warm tones that they were meant for. A buffer after either of them does not sound how they are supposed to sound, but it's about the only option so when you kick on a trem or delay that the impedance mismatch doesn't cause a volume and treble bump.

[musicwack]

I actually do run a visual sound pure tone buffer at the beginning of my chain. But the buffer has to be exactly before the VP?

[AXXA]

In my experience, the OCD works great before and after my passive dunlop volume pedal, regardless of any buffers and their placement in the chain (even with no buffers or buffered pedals). Its possible that I just don't notice whatever differences and/or interactions there may be with the OCD and the other pedals I've used with it. I have never had any problems with it, and it seems to stack great, and mix well with anything.

However, lots of other people have issues with it, especially using it with delay it seems. I have read that it has a variable output impedance as well, and if thats true, some weird behavior could potentially occur. There are solutions though, and using a passive VP could be an option for you.

Why are you using an active VP, if you don't mind me asking?

[chops612]

I actually do run a visual sound pure tone buffer at the beginning of my chain. But the buffer has to be exactly before the VP?

No no, you are fine, but in his case it will solve the issue with the VP and the OCD. If he runs it first, it can make some OD's sound a little harsh. Without a buffer after the OCD when you kick on a pedal after it (tremolo, delay, reverb) the buffers in those will drastically effect the OCD. I had the problem with my E and it was a PITA.

[BIGRIGG]

Would this be the same issue with a ground loop eliminator? My OCD now has a big volume drop with the ground loop installed. No other pedals are effected in volume, and I'm talking dozens of pedals. Would I need the mod, or a different OD? The ground loop eliminator is not directly in front or after the OD either.
thanks very much.

[madmanmike777]

thats a GREAT question!

[mmcm4]

Would this be the same issue with a ground loop eliminator? My OCD now has a big volume drop with the ground loop installed. No other pedals are effected in volume, and I'm talking dozens of pedals. Would I need the mod, or a different OD? The ground loop eliminator is not directly in front or after the OD either.
thanks very much.

Possibly, what kind of ground loop eliminator is it?

[BIGRIGG]

Possibly, what kind of ground loop eliminator is it?
It's an ART (applied research and technology) Clean Box 2. I have used a few of these and placed properly, they worked great. As mentioned, tons of pedals and not a problem but the OCD has a big volume drop.

[jb4674]

It's an ART (applied research and technology) Clean Box 2. I have used a few of these and placed properly, they worked great. As mentioned, tons of pedals and not a problem but the OCD has a big volume drop.

I'd get an ebtech.

[jb4674]

So I'm putting together a board right now and one combination that isn't working well is the Fulltone OCD > Ernie Ball 25k Active VP. What happens is the VP extremely affects the volume of the OCD. For example, I had my gain and volume set to what I like prior to adding the VP, but when I put the VP in the chain, there is an EXTREME volume drop on the OCD. I have to really crank the volume on the OCD to achieve unity gain. Now for some reason, it only affects the OCD. Here is my chain:

Fulldrive 2 > OCD > Timmy > EP Booster > VP

So like I said, the OCD is the only one affected with this volume drop, but a fix is if I stack the OCD with either the Timmy or EP Booster. Unfortunately I don't want to be stacking all the time. Any reason to why this happens? If I replaced the Active VP with a Passive one, would that do the trick?

Why not try the Visual Sound Volume Pedal?

[Skreddy]

I'm not sure exactly why passive volume pedals are still being marketed and why they don't all just have active electronics (or at least why active volume pedals aren't the more common type).