Considering an Ernie Ball Volume Pedal Jr.? Difference between 25k and 250k model.

[bigmuffman]

Hi, I'm considering getting an Ernie Ball VP Jr. and I was wondering what the difference between the 25k and 250k models and what are active and passive signals?

If it helps, here's my rig: Dunlop Crybaby Classic, Korg Pitchblack Tuner, Xotic RC Booster, EHX Big Muff Pi, MXR SmartGate, EHX Small Clone, MXR Phase 90, Line 6 DL4, Voodoo Lab Tremolo, EHX Freeze, EHX Micro POG, EHX Holy Grail.

How do I tell whether my signal is active or passive and which pedal I need?

Thanks.

[KrazyKarl]

It kind of depends what you want it for. If you want to use it like a guitar volume control and put it first in line, then get the 250k. If it's a "master volume" and you're putting it after a buffered pedal (i.e. Micro POG, i think) or in your amp's effects loop, you'll want 25k.

[lankybass]

so if you don't have the 25k and it's after a buffered pedal (Boss TU3) what could the cosnequences be? Does anyone know what a vintage Schaller F121 would be more similar to? The 250k or the 25k? I use it after my TU3 and now I'm wondering if it would be better elsewhere

[KrazyKarl]

Originally Posted by lankybass

so if you don't have the 25k and it's after a buffered pedal (Boss TU3) what could the cosnequences be?

A possible consequence could be too much load on your signal, which would cause tone loss, though I can't say that for sure. You'd have to try it because results vary a lot with these things as far as transparency/tone loss is concerned.

Probably the biggest thing would be that it could throw off the sweep of the pedal and make the transition from heel to toe less smooth/linear.

[chops612]

Originally Posted by lankybass

so if you don't have the 25k and it's after a buffered pedal (Boss TU3) what could the cosnequences be? Does anyone know what a vintage Schaller F121 would be more similar to? The 250k or the 25k? I use it after my TU3 and now I'm wondering if it would be better elsewhere

No consequences... Only thing is if you want to use it first in your chain and you have passive pickups then you will lose a lot of signal. As long as it is after a low impedance signal you are fine and your sweep will actually be a little better. The 250k after a low impedance signal can have altered affects with the taper. Not necessarily a bad thing, but can lead to an uncomfortable sweep in some situations where you will get more volume at the top of the throw. The biggest tonal issue comes from passively splitting your signal via the tuner out.

To the OP, if you place the VP after any of your pedals and that pedal is either always on, or always buffered then the signal will be low impedance which is what an active signal is... The question is where you want it in your chain that will determine which one, but the 250k is compatible in any position.

[telepunk]

This is a great thread! I have the 25k. I didn't know there were two versions when I bought mine. I figured out on my own that it sounded bad unless I put it after my Boss TU2 (which obviously has a buffer). This works well as I use my EB VP Jr in the middle of my board anyway (post-dirt, pre-mod). So, glad to know I accidentally bought the right one for my setup!

[lankybass]

so let me ask this because I hate not understanding.. unless it's just too technical or something.. what makes an active or buffered signal low impedance? does that mean it doesn't react to impedance very well so you want less? or... i'm an idiot? Idk, I honestly have never understood this stuff.

[earthtonesaudio]

Originally Posted by lankybass

so let me ask this because I hate not understanding.. unless it's just too technical or something.. what makes an active or buffered signal low impedance? does that mean it doesn't react to impedance very well so you want less? or... i'm an idiot? Idk, I honestly have never understood this stuff.

Impedance refers to the amount of current a device can deliver to a load. Transistors come in two different "polarities" which means one type can pull a lot of current, the other can push a lot. Transistors can also be connected in different ways to put out either a big voltage or a big current, but not both. Op-amps are made up of many transistors, and their outputs generally are configured to be able to push and pull lots of current.
Generally speaking, transistor-based effects are moderate to high output impedance, while op-amp circuits are moderate to low output impedance.

So to sum it up, output impedance is partially dependent on the technology used, but mostly dependent on how the parts are connected.

[giogonzalez92]

This is an old post.....but I have a 25k vp jr and I had my Boss TU-2 going through it as a buffer (Not out of tuner out), it was fine, then I got a way better amp and noticed my treble and bass was not responsive. Long story short traded my old compressor for a JHS Pulp N' Peel that has a built in high impedance buffer. My tone changed completely. It was sparkly, responsive and beautiful.

[kurt1981]

Bumping this thread as I'm after a vol pedal and have noticed changes in my signal when running one. I'm planning on running this after comp and overdrives, before a delay and reverb and Boss RT20 leslie. My question, if I run the trem which is buffered before the vol pedal, would I have less tone loss and taper change with the 25K or 250K vol pedal? conversly, if I ran the trem after, how would this change things? I'm thinking on the 250K model for the best results, but wonder which would mess with my tone least, running the buffer after or before the 250K vol?
Thanks,