MultiBuffer
Choose from 3 different popular buffer designs
 |
 |
 |
 |
The MultiBuffer buffer rack effect module board supports any of three popular buffers. Buffers are often used to prevent tone (highs) loss associated with long guitar, amp, or effects cables, not to manipulate the tone of the signal. While it may be very difficult to tell a buffer is on and working, and it may be impossible to hear the difference between two different buffers, when you use a buffer and it does help, you might find you are hearing what you've been missing. Offered as an option in our Guitar, Amp, and In/Out Pass Thru routing modules.
Description
The MultiBuffer circuit supports three different buffer designs that are in common use. Some can maybe hear differences between these different buffers due to the coloring that may be provided by the components in each design. By far the biggest sound difference results from the buffers doing what buffers do, which is restore your signal, mostly bringing back treble signal that may have been lost in long cables or impedance mismatches. They all do that job very well.
Configurations
- MultiBuffer K - Compares to the buffer used in the Klon Centaur
- MultiBuffer M - Compares to MOSFET buffer pedals
- MultiBuffer T - Compares to the buffer used in the Tube Screamer
In addition to a standalone buffer module, you can have MultiBuffers added to our Guitar Pass Thru, In/Out Pass Thru, and Amp Pass Thru modules. See those modules for details.
Options
- Double Buffer Module - There is room to put two of these buffers in one module, with one constraint. One buffer will be always on if you put it in your signal chain. The second one will be footswitch-controlled, with the usual Override switch so it can always be on or controlled by footswitch. You can choose any of the 3 configs for the second buffer.
- Custom Transistor or Op Amp - By default, we use the 2N5089 transistor in the T buffer. We think it is a little better than the original 2SC2458 used in the TS-808 Tube Screamer. You can choose the 2SC2458, MPS18, or other NPN transistor for your T buffer. If you have two T buffers, you can choose a different transistor for each - they do not have to be the same. For the M buffer, we use the BS170. You can choose a different MOSFET if you prefer. If you have two M buffers, you can choose a different transistor for each. For the K buffer we use the TL072 op amp, same as the Klon Centaur. You can choose a different pin-compatible op amp, but if you have two K buffers they will be sharing whichever op amp is chosen.
- Component Changes - We use metal film resistors and a selection of capacitors that provide good tone and low noise.
Front Panel
- On/Off indictor LED
- No front panel controls
Rear Panel
- Audio In
- Audio Out
- On/Off Footswitch
- On/Off Override
- DC Power
- DC Power LED
- (optional Audio In 2)
- (optional Audio Out 2)
Module Width
- 1.5" for single buffer, 2" for double buffer
- 2" left wing available for single buffer
- 1.5" right wing available for single buffer
Power Consumption (aprox)
25 - 30mA
Base Configurations
| Part # | Description | List Price |
| MOD-MBUFFK | MultiBuffer K module | $184 |
| MOD-MBUFFM | MultiBuffer M module | $184 |
| MOD-MBUFFT | MultiBuffer T module | $184 |
Options
| Part # | Description | List Price |
| MOPT-MBUFF-DBL | Add Second Buffer | $29 |
| MOPT-MBUFF-TOA | Custom Transistor or Op Amp | $0 - TBD |
| MOPT-MBUFF-CC | Component Changes | $0 - TBD |