3-way-controller-swich

[mff]

Yeah. So i was thinking - would it be possible to make at box, with one input (an expression pedal) and three outputs (into exp.ins on three pedals), and switch between the three of them with a stomp switch.

Kinda like this:


(The stomp swich beeing the squared one ind the center.)

But i have no idea how i wire up that stomp switch, just toggeling between three outputs?????

I know there are pors and cons to this idea, but right now i just wanna see if it can be done

What's what??

[TweedBassman]

well, first you have to realize that when you insert a cable into a pedal that has an expression pedal input, the knob that the pedal controls is 'turned off' in most cases. so, let's say you have a delay with feedback, and you plug in an expression pedal for feedback, most likely the feedback knob will now not work. if you have a stereo cable lying around, not attached to an Exp pedal, plug it in and see if the parameter still works.

if you build a switch to take the expression pedal 'out' of one pedal (A) and into another (B), pedal A may have zero control over the parameter (like turning the knob all the way down) because there's nothing connected; the cable is put in, but there's no pedal.


unfortunately, even if this is OK and you don't mind pedal A being almost useless while you control pedal B, that switch won't work for 3 outputs, only two. It's a triple pull, double throw (3PDT) switch that switches 3 points on or off. you can build and expression pedal switcher but it will only switch one Exp. pedal between A and B, and the one not in use might lose it's functionality.

if you REALLY want to have one Exp pedal control 3 things with no drawbacks, you can build a 3 switch box which will take your 3 pedal's expression outs and switch them between a common Exp pedal, or 1 of 3 pots in the switcher pedal. so, each switch sends the Exp send of the pedal to an Aux pot OR the exp pedal. only drawback would be that you could turn two or more on at one time, crossing the streams which may be really bad for some pedals (or could be super fun chaos_)

[mff]

Yeah, i've allready thought about those backsides of the project.

The other solution you mention - how would that be done in real life?

Anyways, the more i think about it, the less i wanna do it. But can it really be, that we need three exp.pedals for three exp.ins???

[TweedBassman]

Yeah, i've allready thought about those backsides of the project.

The other solution you mention - how would that be done in real life?

Anyways, the more i think about it, the less i wanna do it. But can it really be, that we need three exp.pedals for three exp.ins???

it can be done, but it's tough to do without relays, digital switching etc.

if you want to try or experiment, here's how the switch you posted works:

the middle column (2, 5, 8) is the 'common', it is what the rest of the lugs are switched on and off from.

So, when you step on the switch, it is on or off, position A or B.

in position A:

2 is connected to 1

5 is connected to 4

8 is connected to 7


in position B:

2 is connected to 3

5 is connected to 6

8 is connected to 9.


So, if you want you can connect the tip and ring of the expression pedal to lug 2 and 5, then the tip and ring of each output jack to 4/7 and 3/6. the 7/8/9 row could be used for LED switching OR connect the ground of each expression output and use plastic isolated jacks if you think the two pedals may have ground loop issues (should be OK though).

if you want your head to really explode, you can build 3 of these A/B boxes (put them in one case if you want) and have box A send the expression pedal to box B and C, and box B and C would each go out to 4 individual pedals. So, you'd choose, with switch A, bank B or C; and on bank B or C you'd choose output 1 or 2.

[mff]

So what you're really saying, is, that with one stomp switch, i can only party with two exp.ins

Unless i hang around with relays, digital switching etc. ofcourse...

That sucks. In my naive mind, i would've thought that i could just make it switch between three outs - 1.2.3 - 1.2.3 - 1.2.3 - etc.

[TweedBassman]

So what you're really saying, is, that with one stomp switch, i can only party with two exp.ins

Unless i hang around with relays, digital switching etc. ofcourse...

That sucks. In my naive mind, i would've thought that i could just make it switch between three outs - 1.2.3 - 1.2.3 - 1.2.3 - etc.

unfortunately, yes.

there are other options with multiple switches but at that point, even live at a show, i might consider just reaching down and switching it in by hand... unless someone else can shine some wisdom?