Switching multiple sets of pots or transistors?

[Lewham5115]

I've got a project where I want to be able to A/B three potentiometers at once. Or to be able to A/B a set of three transistors at once.

Whats the easiest way to achieve this?

I feel like relays aren't the way to go because it's going to be low current stuff, so that would be overkill.

Is there some sort of switching logic I can use, or some sort of specialized IC that could work in this situation?

Can anyone at least point me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance.

[R.G.]

It on the circuit conditions you're switching. You might be able to use a CD4053; this is a quad SPDT switch. Whether or not it works well depends on whether your switched conduct only AC, or DC or both, and whether you can withstand the ~100 ohms of the 4053's switch switch when "on". MOSFET-output optos like the TLP line. But this will be expensive, as you'll need two for each thing being switched. Relays are cheaper.

If you're at the level of making tone judgements on pots and transistors, you might be better off using a few DPDT relays like the EA2 line from Kemet or the TQ2 line from Panasonic. They're about $3.50 each, and you can just add as many as you like. The relays won't be overkill if you will have lingering doubts about the "goodness" of sound after going through a switch chip.

[printer2]

You might try some rotary switches.



I bought these old Russian switches years ago.

[jorg777]

It on the circuit conditions you're switching. You might be able to use a CD4053; this is a quad SPDT switch.

Triple, not quad.  But indeed it's good for typical low-level audio switching in circuits with reasonable voltage and impedances (<18Vpp, >4.7k).  Useful impedance range depends on how sensitive you are to distortion.

[Andon]

A CD4053 will work for this (one for each pot/control) however, whatever you set for one control (let's say A), will be the same for the other control when you adjust them and switch back (to B), as the pot is controlling both. This will work fine if you don't mind that caveat.