Difference between revisions of "Amp Selector FX Router"

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[[Build Your Own Clone | BYOC]] Amp Selector FX Router. With this pedal, it's possible to route your instrument to more than one amp, or effects loop.  It's even possible to output your instrument to more than one amp simultaneously.  Ground lift transformers are available in the pedal as well to minimize ground loop hum than can occur when an instrument is plugged into more than one amp simultaneously.
 
[[Build Your Own Clone | BYOC]] Amp Selector FX Router. With this pedal, it's possible to route your instrument to more than one amp, or effects loop.  It's even possible to output your instrument to more than one amp simultaneously.  Ground lift transformers are available in the pedal as well to minimize ground loop hum than can occur when an instrument is plugged into more than one amp simultaneously.
  
−
Thermionic Studios has purchased this kit to build this pedal. We are in the process of building the pedal and will have more to report upon completion.  
+
Thermionic Studios has purchased this kit to build this pedal. We are in the process of building the pedal and will have more to report upon completion. The version of the kit we have is no longer offered by BYOC - they have changed this pedal, allowing only a single instrument input, and with it, they no longer offer a switchable phase-inversion option.
 +
 
 +
The version owned by Thermionic Studios has been discontinued and while BYOC still offers this pedal, the version they offer no longer supports the ability to alter the phase on output B
 +
 
 +
 
 +
; Thermionic Studios has one(1) BYOC Amp Selector FX Router pedal available for rental.
  
 
==Controls==
 
==Controls==
Line 10: Line 15:
  
 
* Switch 1 - '''"Transformer 1 Isolation Switch"''': toggles the ground lift function for Output A
 
* Switch 1 - '''"Transformer 1 Isolation Switch"''': toggles the ground lift function for Output A
−
* Switch 2 - '''"Transformer 2 Isolation Switch"''': toggles the ground life function for Output B
+
* Switch 2 - '''"Transformer 2 Isolation Switch"''': toggles the ground lift function for Output B
−
* Switch 3 - '''"Signal Inversion for Output A"''': toggles the phase inversion of the output for Output A
+
* Switch 3 - '''"Signal Inversion for Output A"''': toggles the inversion of the signal phase to Output B
 
* Footswitch 1 - '''"Both/One"''': Selects for either a single output, or both simultaneously
 
* Footswitch 1 - '''"Both/One"''': Selects for either a single output, or both simultaneously
 
* Footswitch 2 - '''"A/B"''': Selects between Output A or Output B
 
* Footswitch 2 - '''"A/B"''': Selects between Output A or Output B
 +
 +
===Jacks===
 +
* Jack 1 - '''"Input A"''': Primary instrument input jack
 +
* Jack 2 - '''"Output A"''': Toggle-able Primary output jack. "Phase inversion" feature allows for the signal put into Input A to be inverted out through Output A.
 +
* Jack 3 - '''"Input B"''': Secondary instrument input and/or Stereo signal input jack
 +
* Jack 4 - '''"Output B"''': Toggle-able Secondary output jack.  Able to be selected instead of "A" or in addition to "A".
  
 
==Bypass:True==
 
==Bypass:True==
Line 19: Line 30:
  
 
==General Information==
 
==General Information==
−
http://byocelectronics.com/ampselectorinstructions.pdf
+
So the first generation of this pedal (the one we have) was a bit more "sloppy" than the current version. This can create some confusing behavior, but once you understand, it's still a very usable and interesting tool. The newer version is cleaned up a bit, but only allows for a single input - If you're looking to do anything stereo, in terms of your instrument or the
  
 
===Switches===
 
===Switches===
−
Footswitches:
+
'''Footswitches''':
 
* The A/B footswitch selects/toggles between Output A and Output B
 
* The A/B footswitch selects/toggles between Output A and Output B
 
* The BOTH footswitch turns on both Output A and Output B simultaneously.
 
* The BOTH footswitch turns on both Output A and Output B simultaneously.
  
−
Transformer isolation switches:
+
'''Transformer isolation switches''':
 
* Switch A: This switch toggles the transformer for Output A on and off.
 
* Switch A: This switch toggles the transformer for Output A on and off.
 
** Switch flipped to the left is '''ON'''; flipped to the right is '''OFF'''.
 
** Switch flipped to the left is '''ON'''; flipped to the right is '''OFF'''.
Line 32: Line 43:
  
 
===Operation===
 
===Operation===
−
If you plug an instrument cable into:
+
Input "A" is where it's at. Input A is switchable to one, the other, or both outputs. On this particular version from BYOC, there is also a phase inversion switch that both "Input A" and "Input B" have access to. There is a slight problem that may arise: If you have two instruments, with each plugged each into Input A and Input B respectively, then the instrument plugged into Input A will only be available through Output A, and the instrument plugged into Input B will only be available through Output B.
−
* Input A without anything plugged into Input B then the pedal will send signal to both Output A and Output B.
 
−
* Input A while also having a cable plugged into Input B, then the pedal will only send signal to Output A.
 
−
* Input B then the pedal will only send signal out to Output B
 
  
−
If you wish to use the Signal Inversion switch please consult table below in the Phase Inversion section.
+
Any instrument plugged into Input "B" only goes to Output B only. In addition, if an instrument is plugged into Input B, the ability of Input A to send signal out through Output B is nullified.
 +
 
 +
==Pedal Manual==
 +
As of this time, [[Build_Your_Own_Clone|BYOC]] has not issued a separate manual on how to use the pedal. We believe the best references are either this wiki page, or the instruction manual (linked above in General Information) at [http://www.buildyourownclone.com Buildyourownclone.com] which describes the architecture of, and how to build the pedal.
  
 
==Phase Inversion: No/Selectable==
 
==Phase Inversion: No/Selectable==
Line 45: Line 56:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Schematic ID || Electronic Part || Action || Phase State
 
! Schematic ID || Electronic Part || Action || Phase State
 +
|-
 +
| IC1b || TL072 || Does not Invert || Original
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IC1a || TL072 || Does not Invert || Original
 
| IC1a || TL072 || Does not Invert || Original
−
|-
 
−
| IC1b || TL072 || Does not Invert || Original
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IC2a || TL072 || Does not Invert || Original
 
| IC2a || TL072 || Does not Invert || Original
Line 57: Line 68:
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
This will have to be born out by testing and observation.
+
From a "default" standpoint, this pedal, clearly, was designed not to invert phase while using it. In fact, a discussion from the BYOC forums essentially reveals as much...
  
−
However, many on the BYOC board forums have looked at the Amp Selector/FX Router and suggested an interesting option: If it wouldn't be helpful to set up a switch that will toggle the signal inversion of the audio through one of the outputs to allow a musician to select for it to be either in-phase, or out-of-phase.
+
===Selectable Phase Inversion===
 +
Many participants on the BYOC board forums have looked at the Amp Selector/FX Router schematic and suggested an interesting option: Wouldn't be helpful to set up a switch that will toggle the signal inversion of the audio through one of the outputs?
  
 
Here are a few threads on the BYOC forums discussing the signal (phase) inversion switch:
 
Here are a few threads on the BYOC forums discussing the signal (phase) inversion switch:
Line 66: Line 78:
 
* http://www.byocelectronics.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=32756&hilit=amp+selector+phase
 
* http://www.byocelectronics.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=32756&hilit=amp+selector+phase
  
−
As this not only appears to be possible, but was designed into the pedal by BYOC, we will be implementing the signal inversion switch for Output A for our pedal as described in the forum.
+
As this not only appears to be possible, but was designed into the pedal by BYOC, we will be implementing the signal phase inversion switch for our pedal as described in the forum.
 +
 
 +
If you opt to use this feature, here's how it goes:
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="left; margin-right:20px; background-color:#eeffee;" cellpadding="10"
 +
|-
 +
! Schematic ID || Electronic Part || Action || Phase State
 +
|-
 +
| IC2b (selectable) || TL072 || Switches || Depends on Phase Selection
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
Here's how to use it:
 
Here's how to use it:
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{| class="wikitable" style="left; margin-right:20px; background-color:#eeffee;" cellpadding="10"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="left; margin-right:20px; background-color:#eeffee;" cellpadding="10"
 
|-
 
|-
−
!colspan="4"|Signal Inverter switch
+
!colspan="4"|If the Phase Inverter switch is set to:
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Switch Indicator || Instrument Access || Output || Phase State
+
! Switch Toggle || Instrument(s) Plugged Into || Output Jack Used || Phase State
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="4" | OFF || rowspan="2" | Input A || Output A || IN PHASE
+
| rowspan="6" | '''"IN"''' || rowspan="2" | Input A || Output A || IN PHASE
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Output B || IN PHASE
 
| Output B || IN PHASE
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="2" | Input B || Output A || NOT AVAILABLE
+
| rowspan="2" | Input B || Output A || '''''NOT AVAILABLE'''''
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Output B || IN PHASE
 
| Output B || IN PHASE
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="4" | ON || rowspan="2" | Input A || style="color: #EE7700;" | '''Output A''' || style="color: #EE7700;" | '''OUT OF PHASE'''
+
| rowspan="2" | Input A & Input B || Output A || IN PHASE
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Output B || IN PHASE
 
| Output B || IN PHASE
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="2" | Input B || Output A || NOT AVAILABLE
+
| rowspan="6" | '''"OUT"''' || rowspan="2" | Input A || Output A || IN PHASE
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Output B || IN PHASE
+
| style="color: #EE7700;" | '''Output B''' || style="color: #EE7700;" | '''OUT OF PHASE'''
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan="2" | Input B || Output A || '''''NOT AVAILABLE'''''
 +
|-
 +
| style="color: #EE7700;" | '''Output B''' || style="color: #EE7700;" | '''OUT OF PHASE'''
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan="2" | Input A & Input B || Output A || IN PHASE
 +
|-
 +
| style="color: #EE7700;" | '''Output B''' || style="color: #EE7700;" | '''OUT OF PHASE'''
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
==Pedal Manual==
+
The switch for selecting phase has nothing to do with whether you're selecting "Output A" or "Output B" for the function of using the separate outputs to '''''switch between amplifiers'''''.
−
As of this time, [[Build_Your_Own_Clone|BYOC]] has not issued a separate manual on how to use the pedal. We believe the best references are either this wiki page, or the instruction manual (linked above in General Information) at [http://www.buildyourownclone.com Buildyourownclone.com] which describes the architecture of, and how to build the pedal.
 
  
 
==Schematic==
 
==Schematic==

Latest revision as of 01:18, 14 March 2023

BYOC Amp Selector FX Router. With this pedal, it's possible to route your instrument to more than one amp, or effects loop. It's even possible to output your instrument to more than one amp simultaneously. Ground lift transformers are available in the pedal as well to minimize ground loop hum than can occur when an instrument is plugged into more than one amp simultaneously.

Thermionic Studios has purchased this kit to build this pedal. We are in the process of building the pedal and will have more to report upon completion. The version of the kit we have is no longer offered by BYOC - they have changed this pedal, allowing only a single instrument input, and with it, they no longer offer a switchable phase-inversion option.

The version owned by Thermionic Studios has been discontinued and while BYOC still offers this pedal, the version they offer no longer supports the ability to alter the phase on output B


Thermionic Studios has one(1) BYOC Amp Selector FX Router pedal available for rental.

Controls

Image from expired Reverb.com auction
  • Switch 1 - "Transformer 1 Isolation Switch": toggles the ground lift function for Output A
  • Switch 2 - "Transformer 2 Isolation Switch": toggles the ground lift function for Output B
  • Switch 3 - "Signal Inversion for Output A": toggles the inversion of the signal phase to Output B
  • Footswitch 1 - "Both/One": Selects for either a single output, or both simultaneously
  • Footswitch 2 - "A/B": Selects between Output A or Output B

Jacks

  • Jack 1 - "Input A": Primary instrument input jack
  • Jack 2 - "Output A": Toggle-able Primary output jack. "Phase inversion" feature allows for the signal put into Input A to be inverted out through Output A.
  • Jack 3 - "Input B": Secondary instrument input and/or Stereo signal input jack
  • Jack 4 - "Output B": Toggle-able Secondary output jack. Able to be selected instead of "A" or in addition to "A".

Bypass:True

The BYOC Amp Selector FX Router is True Bypass.

General Information

So the first generation of this pedal (the one we have) was a bit more "sloppy" than the current version. This can create some confusing behavior, but once you understand, it's still a very usable and interesting tool. The newer version is cleaned up a bit, but only allows for a single input - If you're looking to do anything stereo, in terms of your instrument or the

Switches

Footswitches:

  • The A/B footswitch selects/toggles between Output A and Output B
  • The BOTH footswitch turns on both Output A and Output B simultaneously.

Transformer isolation switches:

  • Switch A: This switch toggles the transformer for Output A on and off.
    • Switch flipped to the left is ON; flipped to the right is OFF.
  • Switch B: operates exactly the same as Switch A, but for Output B.

Operation

Input "A" is where it's at. Input A is switchable to one, the other, or both outputs. On this particular version from BYOC, there is also a phase inversion switch that both "Input A" and "Input B" have access to. There is a slight problem that may arise: If you have two instruments, with each plugged each into Input A and Input B respectively, then the instrument plugged into Input A will only be available through Output A, and the instrument plugged into Input B will only be available through Output B.

Any instrument plugged into Input "B" only goes to Output B only. In addition, if an instrument is plugged into Input B, the ability of Input A to send signal out through Output B is nullified.

Pedal Manual

As of this time, BYOC has not issued a separate manual on how to use the pedal. We believe the best references are either this wiki page, or the instruction manual (linked above in General Information) at Buildyourownclone.com which describes the architecture of, and how to build the pedal.

Phase Inversion: No/Selectable

Our review of the schematic draws us to conclude that the BYOC Amp Selector and Stereo FX Router does not invert the signal.

Schematic ID Electronic Part Action Phase State
IC1b TL072 Does not Invert Original
IC1a TL072 Does not Invert Original
IC2a TL072 Does not Invert Original
IC3a TL072 Does not Invert Original
IC3b TL072 Does not Invert Original

From a "default" standpoint, this pedal, clearly, was designed not to invert phase while using it. In fact, a discussion from the BYOC forums essentially reveals as much...

Selectable Phase Inversion

Many participants on the BYOC board forums have looked at the Amp Selector/FX Router schematic and suggested an interesting option: Wouldn't be helpful to set up a switch that will toggle the signal inversion of the audio through one of the outputs?

Here are a few threads on the BYOC forums discussing the signal (phase) inversion switch:

As this not only appears to be possible, but was designed into the pedal by BYOC, we will be implementing the signal phase inversion switch for our pedal as described in the forum.

If you opt to use this feature, here's how it goes:

Schematic ID Electronic Part Action Phase State
IC2b (selectable) TL072 Switches Depends on Phase Selection

Here's how to use it:

If the Phase Inverter switch is set to:
Switch Toggle Instrument(s) Plugged Into Output Jack Used Phase State
"IN" Input A Output A IN PHASE
Output B IN PHASE
Input B Output A NOT AVAILABLE
Output B IN PHASE
Input A & Input B Output A IN PHASE
Output B IN PHASE
"OUT" Input A Output A IN PHASE
Output B OUT OF PHASE
Input B Output A NOT AVAILABLE
Output B OUT OF PHASE
Input A & Input B Output A IN PHASE
Output B OUT OF PHASE

The switch for selecting phase has nothing to do with whether you're selecting "Output A" or "Output B" for the function of using the separate outputs to switch between amplifiers.

Schematic

© Copyright 2011, BYOC LLC.


Artists

We are currently unaware of any artists actively using the pedal now, or who have in the past.

Additional Sources
Retrieved from "https://thermionic-studios.com/wiki/index.php?title=Amp_Selector_FX_Router&oldid=5644"