A/B Switch boxes

[Faithless]

Hey guys,

I've just got my Microkorg synth for doing pop stuff, but I need to switch between electric bass and synth on gigs, so I'm in need of A/B switch and avoid spending crazy amounts of money for that.

I did quite a bit of search in old Basschat topics, Thomann and what I've found is this:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/boss_ls2_line_selector.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/boss_ab2_abschalter.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/boss_fs6.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/electro_harmonix_nano_switchblade.htm
http://www.proaudiosuppliers.com/rolls-aby32.html


Does anyone know whether there are major differences between those 3 Boss swiches?

I don't really want to spend no more than 35-40 pounds on that, but I'd stretch to some 50 if it's badly needed....

All advice is welcome,
easy
Laimis.

[bremen]

The FS6 doesn't seem to be configured as an A/B, looks more like it's intended to switch keyboard functions such as 'loud pedal'.

I'd suggest the LS-2 if you need the level controls, and the Switchblade if you don't.

[RandomProddy]

The FS6 isn't really designed to take music signals, it's used as an "on-off" or tap switch for things like the sustain pedal on an electric keyboard or as a tap-tempo for a boss delay, etc. It just happens to have two switches in it.

The AB2 literally just toggles between two input/ outputs to connect to one output/input. If you want a cheaper version of it you could try [url="http://www.visionguitars.co.uk/leem_ab-10_ab_box.html"]http://www.visiongui...-10_ab_box.html[/url] or the EHX nano thingy.

the LS-2 is far more complicated - if you go through the manual online you can see what it does. I'm Just waiting to find one on Ebay/Gumtree/Basschat for a decent price!

Edited November 24, 2011 by RandomProddy

[Faithless]

Yeah, 15 bucks sound pretty good. Is that volume control thing very important? I can adjust volume on my synth no problem, but with bass it's a little bit complicated coz I might be running an EBS octave pedal, so I need full volume from bass to get the right tracking with pedal.

thoughts?
Laimis

[Faithless]

Hey folks,

I'm copying this from original thread about VisionGuitars....

"Finally, after two week wait, I got an annoucement from local post office, that my box has arrived.

This one: http://www.visionguitars.co.uk/leem_ab-10_ab_box.html

The problem is, when I really turn my amp (Genz Benz) up, (and I have to, in a band situation), when I try to switch between instruments using that AB switch, at the moment of pushing the switch knob, there's a noticeable, semi-loud 'tick'.

It also happens even with instruments' volume knobs completely off.

I'm not expecting something major from a 15 pound-thing, but hey, it's an AB box, it cannot be simpler in wiring such a thing, but I'm doing pop shows on TV where such stuff (side 'ticks' and other unwanted noises) just cant happen,period.

I mean, are those unwanted noises during switch are common in these AB boxes?
I'll be contacting seller, I'll let you know.

Any advice appreciated,
Laimis

[Al Heeley]

You can get a small current surge when u hit the switch, the trick is to wire in a capacitor and resistor to the switch so the current surge is slowed down. Theres some info on electronics/pedals forums somewhere in more detail about this, search for switch pop or something similar. I find a 1meg resistor from jack input live to ground helps reduce the pop.

[Dudgeman]

Look at the Lehle stuff. It is beautifully built and in my opinion some of the best stuff on the market. It won't be £15 but then if you are doing tv you should have the budget to stretch to proper professional kit. Trust me you won't regret spending the money. I use the Lehle dual live and it is bulletproof.

[Faithless]

Hey peeps,

I've got myself a Boss LS-2 in the end, so the Leem AB Box is up for sale - I got it only for a few weeks, its in brand new condition, and working perfectly!

http://basschat.co.uk/topic/164288-fs-leem-ab-switch-box/