What Buffer Should I Get?

[goroth]

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?

It depends where the signal loss is. Input buffer guarantees that your pedals are always seeing the same signal from your guitar regardless of what cable you use between your amp and the guitar. It also adds consistency down the line - any following pedals are going to see the same impedance, which can mean that you can more consistently set up your sounds. Output buffer allows your amp to always see the same impedance, regardless of what comes before it. Which should mean that your amp plays more consistently with your pedals.
Of course this is all theoretical. Any buffer anywhere in your chain will help a lot and if you're using well designed pedals then you won't have impedance problems, so it won't matter if its at the input or output (of your pedalboard). If you don't have crazy fuzzes go with an input buffer as your pickups are more sensitive to loading than anything else in the chain.

[BassIsBad]

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?

It depends where the signal loss is. Input buffer guarantees that your pedals are always seeing the same signal from your guitar regardless of what cable you use between your amp and the guitar. It also adds consistency down the line - any following pedals are going to see the same impedance, which can mean that you can more consistently set up your sounds. Output buffer allows your amp to always see the same impedance, regardless of what comes before it. Which should mean that your amp plays more consistently with your pedals.
Of course this is all theoretical. Any buffer anywhere in your chain will help a lot and if you're using well designed pedals then you won't have impedance problems, so it won't matter if its at the input or output (of your pedalboard). If you don't have crazy fuzzes go with an input buffer as your pickups are more sensitive to loading than anything else in the chain.

So given my particular situation, should I buy a designated "input buffer" or just rely on using my compressor to buffer my signal?

[kbit]

As a test, try squeezing any Boss pedal at the beginning of your chain / after the fuzz god and see if it makes a difference in how your setup sounds.
If it makes a positive change, go get a buffer. If not, you can save your money

[BassIsBad]

As a test, try squeezing any Boss pedal at the beginning of your chain / after the fuzz god and see if it makes a difference in how your setup sounds.
If it makes a positive change, go get a buffer. If not, you can save your money

Specifically a boss pedal? Why does it matter?

[goroth]

Boss use buffered bypass, and they're good buffers. Most modern buffers are good, regardless of the brand. Mxr do some weird shit sometimes. Boss don't make any true bypass pedals, which makes it easy to generalise.

If you are going to have the EBS always on then roll with that. In my explanation you can exchange the word "buffer" for "EBS compressor when turned on".

[BassIsBad]

Okay, thanks for the advice. I'll play around with what I have to see if I need to buy a buffer pedal or not.
I assume that the same principle would apply if I used a different compressor? I've been considering upgrading to something like the empress compressor.

[goroth]

Yep, most modern compressors will buffer your signal. As long as you don't go all vintage then you'll be right. Empress stuff is godly.

[BassIsBad]

Cool, thanks!