What Buffer Should I Get?

BassIsBad · Post by **BassIsBad** » Mon Dec 02, 2013 4:29 am

I'm likely going to buy a buffer pedal soon, but I'm not sure which one I should get.
From what I can tell, there's not a HUGE difference in quality between most of the reputable buffers out there, so it may not be necessary to buy the most expensive or fanciest one (of course I could be totally wrong).

Anyway, I've been looking at the Empress Buffer+. Empress makes great stuff and having an extra clean boost would be pretty cool. However, it's $150 for a new one on eBay ($99 for the standard one with no boost).

Should I just go with the Empress? Or are there other good buffers out there that don't cost as much, but sound just as good? What do you guys suggest?

univalve · Post by **univalve** » Mon Dec 02, 2013 4:34 am

I have The klon buffer of frederic effects. Like it on guitar. Super small also.

Doctor X · Post by **Doctor X** » Mon Dec 02, 2013 4:43 am

what is your pedal lineup at the moment?

BassIsBad · Post by **BassIsBad** » Mon Dec 02, 2013 5:23 am

In front of the amp:
bass<polytune<foxrox octron<subdecay prometheus<red witch fuzz god<subdecay quantum quasar<tc corona<EBS multicomp<amp

In the fx loop:
timefactor<Dr. sci RRR<boss GEB-7<tc ditto

Amp is Aguilar AG500
Cab is Bergantino AE410

Doctor X · Post by **Doctor X** » Mon Dec 02, 2013 5:54 am

the ebs is always on?

someone please correct me if i'm wrong, but my understanding is that an 'on' pedal is providing a buffered signal, so if you have something on in your chain then you are already buffered

deathmonkey · Post by **deathmonkey** » Mon Dec 02, 2013 9:30 am

univalve wrote:I have The klon buffer of frederic effects. Like it on guitar. Super small also.

Quoted for truth. I have the exact same one. I got it when the exchange rate was good for like 45 bucks.

BassIsBad · Post by **BassIsBad** » Mon Dec 02, 2013 12:51 pm

Yes, the EBS is always on? Does that have the same effect on my signal?

12XU2A3X3 · Post by **12XU2A3X3** » Mon Dec 02, 2013 1:01 pm

i really need one for my dearmond weeper wah. but then, i kinda just want a drag n fly...

blindrabbit · Post by **blindrabbit** » Mon Dec 02, 2013 1:07 pm

Get the Empress with the boost if you want to have a boost. Otherwise, I think your always on EBS should provide enough line drive through your chain so that a buffer isn't needed.

D.o.S. · Post by **D.o.S.** » Mon Dec 02, 2013 1:33 pm

BassIsBad wrote:Yes, the EBS is always on? Does that have the same effect on my signal?

Yus.

Chankgeez · Post by **Chankgeez** » Mon Dec 02, 2013 1:34 pm

univalve wrote:... Super small also.

univalve · Post by **univalve** » Mon Dec 02, 2013 1:42 pm

Muhahaha

BassIsBad · Post by **BassIsBad** » Mon Dec 02, 2013 6:49 pm

Okay, so if I were to use the EBS (or any compressor) that's always on, it should buffer my signal enough? Right now the compressor is at the very end of my chain in front of my amp. Wouldn't I have to move it to the front of the chain for the signal to be buffered?

sonidero · Post by **sonidero** » Mon Dec 02, 2013 6:58 pm

Buffers are to eliminate possible issues with super long cable runs and true-bypass pedals... If you are having issues with noise or a loss of top end then a buffer might help but it's not something you HAVE to have...

Doctor X · Post by **Doctor X** » Mon Dec 02, 2013 6:58 pm

as far as i'm aware - what comes out of your passive bass/guitar is un'buffered' and that continues through any true-bypass pedals until it reaches a buffer/buffered bypass pedal, or it reaches a pedal that is on, and from then it carries on 'buffered' whatever else it meets, until it reaches your amp.

i personally would use a compressor as the first thing in the signal chain anyway

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