Splitting a signal

[atech]

What happens if I want to have one input jack, but going to two different circuits within the same box? Would they receive half the signal each, or would they get the same exact signal?

[R.G.]

"Splitting" is a misnomer. You don't actually split an audio signal - you just send it two places at once. Splitter circuits are set up to be able to drive two circuits at once, and any "splitting" is to to be sure you don't lose a lot of signal doing this.

If you connect the input jack to two different circuits in the same box, they both get the exact same signal - which will vary, depending on how strong a signal you have coming in and how much each one of the circuits loads down the incoming signal. It *can* split in half, but it takes a very special set of circumstances to make that happen.

With circuits which are well designed for effects audio, you can connect the input jack to both circuits and they will both get a relatively unchanged, un-diminished signal. This happens because generations of designers have figured out effects circuits that don't load down incoming signals much.

[atech]

"Splitting" is a misnomer. You don't actually split an audio signal - you just send it two places at once. Splitter circuits are set up to be able to drive two circuits at once, and any "splitting" is to to be sure you don't lose a lot of signal doing this.

If you connect the input jack to two different circuits in the same box, they both get the exact same signal - which will vary, depending on how strong a signal you have coming in and how much each one of the circuits loads down the incoming signal. It *can* split in half, but it takes a very special set of circumstances to make that happen.

With circuits which are well designed for effects audio, you can connect the input jack to both circuits and they will both get a relatively unchanged, un-diminished signal. This happens because generations of designers have figured out effects circuits that don't load down incoming signals much.

Thanks for that answer! All this stuff is so overwhelming as a beginner. One step at a time. 

[Pakaloabob]

My question has always been: if 2 circuits are in one enclosure with one 9v power supply feeding both circuits, will the current draw be double even when one of the circuits is bypassed?

[atech]

My question has always been: if 2 circuits are in one enclosure with one 9v power supply feeding both circuits, will the current draw be double even when one of the circuits is bypassed?

Oh I haven't even thought of that.

[Leston Braun]

My question has always been: if 2 circuits are in one enclosure with one 9v power supply feeding both circuits, will the current draw be double even when one of the circuits is bypassed?

Yes, usually bypassing does not turn off the circuit.

[Pakaloabob]

i guess most circuits don't draw a whole lot of current, so I don't imagine it would be a big deal. However, is the current draw greater when the circuit is in use: i.e. playing through it as opposed to bypassed?

[R.G.]

In general, the circuits we use in effects consume the same current whether there's signal in there or not. This is a broad generality, and it's easy to find counterexamples, but in general they use the same.

Unfortunately, the LEDs we use as indicators may use as much or even more current than the whole rest of the circuit. If you use an indicator LED, it will be on or off depending on the state of the circuit. So - circuits are the same, count up the LED currents individually.

Your next question is "well, how much current does an LED draw?", yes?
It depends. You set the current through the LED by changing the value of the resistance in series with it. LEDs are generally set for between 1ma and 20ma. Changing the resistor in series with the LED changes ONLY the LED current, and you can play with it to your heart's - and eyes' - content.