True-by-pass (TBP) or Buffered Pedal ?

Example of RockBoard Pedalboard with Pedals

True bypass and buffered bypass are two different approaches to handling guitar signals when an effect pedal is not engaged. Each has its own advantages and potential drawbacks.

Each method has its own set of advantages and potential drawbacks that guitarists must consider.

True-by-pass (TBP)

In a true bypass configuration, when the pedal is disengaged, the input is directly connected to the output, completely circumventing the pedal’s internal circuitry.

With a true bypass pedal, when the pedal is in bypass mode (off), the guitar signal is routed directly to the guitar amplifier without any of the interference, loading, or buffering effects that are often caused by the pedals that are in-between.

The easy way to check if a pedal is true bypass is to disconnect the power and see if the guitar signal passes through the pedal when the effect is off. Make sure you toggle the on/off footswitch so that it is set to off or bypass.This approach, in theory, maintains the purest possible guitar tone when the effect is switched off.

True bypass does not actively boost or modify the signal, making it ideal for shorter cable runs and simpler pedalboard setups.

In fact, most pedals on the market are not true bypass. In theory, true bypass pedals are great but in practice they often introduce problems of their own. For instance, true bypass pedals are notorious for switching noise. It can potentially cause a slight audible “pop” when engaged or disengaged, and may lead to some tone loss when used with long cable runs. This is especially most audible when playing with high gain pedals or amps.

Buffered bypass

Buffered bypass, on the other hand, always passes the guitar signal through a buffer circuit, even when the effect itself is switched off. While this may slightly color the tone, it effectively prevents high-frequency loss over long cable runs. Buffered bypass actively boosts and stabilizes the signal, making it particularly well-suited for complex pedalboards, extended cable runs, or setups involving numerous pedals. Some players, however, feel that buffered bypass alters the guitar’s natural tone to a degree they find undesirable.

Without a buffer, each time you introduce another pedal or a cable, more noise gets into your system. This is because guitar pickups are high-impedance devices that are particularly susceptible to noise from power transformers, LCD screens, power cables, and stage lighting. Furthermore, if you extend a high-impedance cable more than 20′, the tone of the instrument will change due to the capacitance/inductance of the cable and, of course, more noise will enter the circuit. Then there is the strength of the guitar signal itself. If the guitar signal is divided in two to drive two amps or into three when you add a tuner, the tone will be severely altered.

When deciding between true bypass and buffered bypass, guitarists must consider several factors. Cable length is a crucial consideration, as true bypass generally performs better with shorter cable runs, while buffered bypass excels in situations involving longer runs. The complexity of the pedalboard is another important factor, with buffered bypass helping to maintain signal integrity in intricate setups featuring multiple pedals. Ultimately, tone preference plays a significant role, as some guitarists favor the perceived purity of true bypass, while others appreciate the consistent signal strength provided by buffered bypass.

In practice, many guitarists opt to use a combination of true bypass and buffered pedals in their setups. This hybrid approach allows them to balance tone preservation with signal integrity, tailoring their rig to their specific needs and preferences. The choice between true bypass and buffered bypass often comes down to personal taste and the particular requirements of a guitarist’s setup.

Nevertheless, Voltnode pedals always include by design high quality neutral patent-pending class-A buffer circuits without tone alteration. So you get the best of both worlds.

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