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GMC Forum _ GEAR & PRODUCTION _ What Is A Good Aby Switch?

Posted by: Shime Jul 10 2010, 11:31 PM

So I find myself owning two tonally different tube amps: a Peavey 6505 and a Fender 75.

Now I would like to experiment with signal splitting and switching between the two of them. So I need a good ABY switch. I have no experience at all with this. Any recommendations from the GMC crowd?

Posted by: ZakkWylde Jul 10 2010, 11:36 PM

I guess the Boss Ab-2 is the standard for switching between two inputs/outputs.

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jul 11 2010, 12:19 AM

as zakk said, boss a/b switch will work just fine. you can even use line selector from boss. it has several patching options with 20dB boost on both a and b inputs. this means you can push clean signla in one head, and push a bit hotter signal into other amp. i think the cost is a bit higher on the line selector, but it is very practical device for many situations.

Posted by: sted Jul 11 2010, 08:37 AM

These babies are right up there at a reasonable cost, very pro gear!

http://www.loop-master.com/index.php?cPath=24&osCsid=70rfp3q9u2is3jr2dqqkf3brr1

Posted by: tonymiro Jul 11 2010, 08:50 AM

And another good quality alternative is Radial http://www.tonebone.com/.

Posted by: Shime Jul 11 2010, 09:04 AM

Thanks guys. I'll be sure to check everything out!

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jul 11 2010, 12:16 PM

For some simple uses Boss AB-2 looks like a good choice. I wanted to get it myself for switching to tuner/amp.

Posted by: Shime Jul 12 2010, 01:37 PM

Any preferences as to active vs passive ABY switches?

I see Radial has some boost and other functions, while other switches are passive. Passive ones don't alter your signal as much I guess, but don't they weaken it also?

I see Morley has an ABY switch as well. Any opinions on that one?

Thanks!

Posted by: sted Jul 12 2010, 09:31 PM

I always hear mixed things about Morley gear mate, they seem to be a bit "Marmite" in other words you love em or hate em!

The boost on the radial ones can only be for really long cable runs or something? cant understand why you would need that tbh, the big shot is a piece of pro gear but any of the above is pretty good stuff.

Posted by: Adrian Figallo Jul 12 2010, 11:28 PM

i would go with passive, you probably don't want a pre amp before your amp pre amp, but that's up to taste.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jul 13 2010, 09:26 AM

I would also go for a passive one if you just need the transparent switch for routing signal. Generally every pedal and length of cable "weakens" signal. But it shouldn't be a problem or anything significant.

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jul 14 2010, 10:22 PM

I don't think the difference is that noticeable, to justify the costs, but if you can get a more quality switcher, it is a + definitely.

Posted by: tonymiro Jul 14 2010, 10:42 PM

I think the boost on the Radial is partly for signal loss and partly/more to act as a line/signal boost. Signal loss isn't much of an issue perhaps except when playing live on a large set - signal boost could be helpful though for some occasions. Whether or not it's worth the premium probably depends on whether or not you think you will use it much .