Buffer: this1smyne's minibuffer or SHO always on

[Soler]

What do you prefer money aside? I know that the SHO is not just a buffer but I think that at unity levels it acts like one.

[jnepo1]

If I am looking for strictly just a buffer, I would choose the This1smyne. I've had no problems w/ Dan's buffer. The SHO just like the CAE MC-401 and other similar line drivers/boost can be used as a buffer when set at unity, but then you are in that fine line of cost considerations and functions. Purchasing a boost for the premise of using it as a buffer to me is more or less overkill. If I want a boost for that purpose, than I would get one for that purpose, and same for a buffer. Yes, it is nice that a boost such as the SHO and others can be used as a buffer, but then you are limiting the actual intended principle of the effect pedal.

[zephaniah zion]

Originally Posted by jnepo1

If I am looking for strictly just a buffer, I would choose the This1smyne. I've had no problems w/ Dan's buffer. The SHO just like the CAE MC-401 and other similar line drivers/boost can be used as a buffer when set at unity, but then you are in that fine line of cost considerations and functions. Purchasing a boost for the premise of using it as a buffer to me is more or less overkill. If I want a boost for that purpose, than I would get one for that purpose, and same for a buffer. Yes, it is nice that a boost such as the SHO and others can be used as a buffer, but then you are limiting the actual intended principle of the effect pedal.

Very well said. I want a Klon so bad and jokingly say to myself often, "if all these guys would buy a buffer or a boost pedal, there would actually be a Klon or two for me to buy and use as an Overdrive! Imagine that?!?" I use the Wampler CB but in the case of the above options, I would go with Dan's buffer. I know somebody is gonna argue options and flexibility in the SHO or Klon but . . . . . .

[rummy]

I also use this1smyne's SHO clone. It's a great buffer.

[Atmospheric]

Dan's stuff is top notch and no disrespect intended (although I doubt that Dan would take it that way), but the Durham Sex Drive is an awesome buffer/booster and they can be had used stupid cheap (although it's hard to beat Dan's new prices and stellar customer service).

The Sex Drive is an always on buffer (when off) and a clean boost (when engaged). It's the last pedal in my chain and does both (buffer and boost) very well. Just saying.

[Soler]

Thanks for the info. Another related question, right now I am using 5 true bypass pedals, always there is at least one on. Do you think I would benefit from a buffer?

[Less=more]

I have just last week ordered both from Dan at this1smyne his buffer and I have also ordered his mini solo boost, however I ordered the mini solo boost with an always on buffer inside! this might be the way to go for you!

Dan has been absolutely exceptional to deal with!

I have not even received the pedals yet... however, I am so excited to as I am certain of the quality based on the many, many comments about the greatness and quality of his stuff on here.

I have about six True bypass pedals in my chain at any given time and I need a buffer... this mini-solo boost will be my always on pedal. the mini buffer I will try at the end of my chain as I normally use a 20' cable from guitar to pedals and then another 20' from pedals to amp.

I am also have him rehouse an awkward Dano pedal, and I am incredibly excited to have his work on my board... did I say I was excited yet?

jus sayin.

[ShaneV]

Originally Posted by jnepo1

If I am looking for strictly just a buffer, I would choose the This1smyne. I've had no problems w/ Dan's buffer. The SHO just like the CAE MC-401 and other similar line drivers/boost can be used as a buffer when set at unity, but then you are in that fine line of cost considerations and functions. Purchasing a boost for the premise of using it as a buffer to me is more or less overkill. If I want a boost for that purpose, than I would get one for that purpose, and same for a buffer. Yes, it is nice that a boost such as the SHO and others can be used as a buffer, but then you are limiting the actual intended principle of the effect pedal.

Agree completely.

[Atmospheric]

I've always personally felt that at least two buffers are ideal: 1 near the input and 1 at the output to buffer the long cable run to the amp.

I've occasionally had to buffer in some fashion in the middle of the chain, usually in the form of an "always on" pedal of some sort. I've only had to do this with very large boards and not for some time, as I've really scaled back in recent years. My favorite mid-chain buffer years back was a Nobels ODR-1.

I don't like to place boosts early in the chain because they mess up signal levels downstream and nearly all pedals are at least somewhat finicky about levels. I like boosts at the very end to give me more of what I already have for solos, etc.

Anyway, with only 5 pedals in your chain and one on at any given time, your input is probably buffered decently well. I would advise, if it ain't broke, don't go out of your way to fix it. My early signal buffer is an MP comp, which is on almost all the time (with very minimal compression), except for bucker guitars.

I do think putting a buffer last right before the amp is almost always a good thing.

Originally Posted by Soler

Thanks for the info. Another related question, right now I am using 5 true bypass pedals, always there is at least one on. Do you think I would benefit from a buffer?

[llamaiguana]

I haven't played either, so take my comment lightly. I know Visual Sound also has a buffer out, and I like the buffer on my Open Road, so you might want to take a look at that too.

[tonewave]

havent' heard dan's buffer, but have been using the SHO since last millenium (literallly) as a just above unity "buffer".
what the SHO does is slightly different and more dimensional sounding than any buffer I have ever heard, and I've closely listened to every single one that has crossed my way.
there is something not clean, not perfect in the way the SHO does it that matches perfectly with a tube amp.
I have found most buffers, IC or tube, tend to put too much of themselves in the resulting sound, to the detriment of the guitar and amps inherent sound.
the only buffer that has come close to being "as if its not there" kind on thing is the Visual Sound buffer circuit, if Dan's is as good as that one, well that's awesome.

one more thing I find that buffers sometimes can disturb the relationship between a pedal and a guitar. So sometimes I put the SHO after my fuzzes and certain ODs, so they can do their interactive thing with guitar dynamics and volume adjustments

[overture2005]

I own both.
Dan's mini buffer wins my vote.

[chervokas]

Originally Posted by Soler

Thanks for the info. Another related question, right now I am using 5 true bypass pedals, always there is at least one on. Do you think I would benefit from a buffer?

Almost certainly not.

We use buffers to deal with issues of signal load that occur when the resistance of a pedal loads the guitar circuit or when there's an impedance mismatch between devices or between the guitar and a device. In addition we use buffers to "shorten" the signal chain, reducing the capacitance loading of the cable on the guitar signal chain.

If you have a pedal always on that pedal is probably serving as a buffer sufficiently. There are some pedals that are input buffered but not output buffered, there are also some pedals with highish output impedances which could cause problems in certain circumstances. But in most situations an always on pedal is buffering the line precisely as a stand along buffer would (and often with the same or a substantially similar buffer circuit).