My boss effects pedals don't seem to work together

[Thunderpaws]

Hello,

Have taken delivery of a second hand Boss BF-2B Flanger and already have a Boss ODB3 distortion pedal.

So last night tried to use them together. Each pedal was powered individually and each works perfectly well on its own. However, when in series, using brand new patch cables, the second one in line fails to function. Wont even produce the red activated light.

So, any similar experiences or ideas on how to sort this?

Cheers,

Garry

[Dad3353]

Try changing for another patch cable..?

[Thunderpaws]

Patch cables checked and working fine!

[BigRedX]

So both pedals work fine on their own, but when used together the second one in the chain doesn't? And you've tried swapping the order of the pedals?

Have you tried powering them with batteries?

[Thunderpaws]

Thanks ,I'll try that out, though don't understand why the powerpacks wouldn't provide enough potential to each unit to work. Was about to go get my stuff after last nights jam when my toilet decided to turn in to a geiser. Damn.

[BigRedX]

In order to track down a weird problem like this you have slowly work through all the different combinations to get to the root of the problem. Assume nothing otherwise you'll most likely miss something obvious.

Can I just confirm the intended signal path:

Bass->Pedal 1 with its own PSU->Pedal 2 with a separate PSU->Amp.

Can you also confirm that both PSUs and the amp are all ultimately connected to the same mains socket and for the purposes of the test nothing else is connected to it.

And you bass, active or passive?

[Thunderpaws]

Hello, Yes, the signal path is as described above. I've swapped over PSU's and they work fine. Once I get to pick my gear up I'll try the battery option, leaving the PSU's plugged in too.

Bass is active G&L L2000. Setting the switch to active or passive made no difference.

Cheers,

g

[bertbass]

There should only be one patch cable going between the pedals but you already know that.

[hubrad]

I had a Boss problem years back which may be an issue if one of your pedals is fairly old. Seems some of the older pedals weren't designed to work from 0V to 9V on psi, but instead the 'ground' level was a couple of volts positive. Fine one at once, but two pedals of differing generation could clash and just not quite function correctly.

[Thunderpaws]

Hello again,

I have now tried with batteries in both and plugged in and no luck. Only one patch lead between the pedals (I don' know how it would be possible to have two in there!). Think I'll give Boss a try. Will let you know how that goes.

Cheerio.

[Thunderpaws]

Hello,

I have had really quick and responsive service from Roland who have confirmed there is a fault with the distortion pedal. So, off it goes in the post to be sorted under warranty. Must be a known fault with that pedal.

Cheers,

Garry

[Thunderpaws]

So I got a message back from Boss/Roland saying my pedal has fault

Sent pedal to Boss

Received pedal back from Boss

Boss said there is no fault

Damn


PS: Boss tried to make me pay £30 admin fee as I hadn't registered my pedal with them within 90 days. Just a heads up for those who don't register each product on their website...I will from now on

[Al Heeley]

that sucks. So still not working though Boss says everything's fine?

[BOD2]

This is quite a mystery !

Sorry to ask stupid, obvious questions but...

1. The patch cables are definitely MONO with mono and not stereo jacks on them ?
2. When you say you checked the patch leads, how did you check them ?

[Andyjr1515]

Hi
I think BOD2 is on the right lines. The clue maybe is that you say the red light doesn't come on when you use the patch lead. The 'Input' jack of a Boss pedal is also the on switch (certainly with a battery, presumably also with mains adapter). If the INPUT doesn't think it's got a jack in, it will not switch on. So - maybe the jack isn't absolutely fully plugged in or has a faulty tip / shaft shape. If you have a spare guitar lead, use that between the two pedals to see if that sorts it.