FX LOOP Switch box? Development help needed?

Started by mattpocket, January 22, 2007, 07:46:53 AM

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mattpocket

Hi,

I want to be able to switch between multiple effects loops, i figured I'd be able to do this by modifiying a simple AB box, but what I really want is to be able to switch between more than one loop like shown in the diagram below, does anyone know of any schematics or layouts for something like this, or anyone who would be interested in developing it here...

Here is the idea I have drawn up:



Take a look and see what you think, I would want it to be powered (for the leds) via a battery AND dc, also I would want three switches, so you dont have to cycle through the loops, also: it thought it would be better if the design could be expandable in such a way that DIYers can add as many loops as they want!

I really hope other people like the idea, and please point me to anything like this that already exists?

Thanks!
Built: LofoMofo, Dist+, Active AB Box, GGG 4 Channel Mixer, ROG Omega
On the Bench:Random Number Generator, ROG Multi-face, Speak & Spell
--------------------------------------------
My Pop-Punk Band - www.myspace.com/stashpocket

Meanderthal

I am not responsible for your imagination.

mattpocket

Right, I have come up with this idea so far.

I have since looked at The Parallelyzer as seen on GGG, and this seems more suitable, but with my limited knowledge, I cannot figure out the switching requirements for my personal needs. If anyone can help with this, here are my requirements: 3 or more effects loops, led indicators, when switch is pressed the relative loop is turned on, and all other turned off. Meaning only one loop is active at one time and pressing the switch relating to that loop will both activate it, and deactivate any other loop that is turned on. Also, a mixer to set the levels for each loop.



SECTION 1
---------

The image shows how the switching will work, each AB box is outlined by a coloured dotted line. The guitar is plugged into the first AB box (the blue one). By pressing switch 1 we can determine whether the signal is sent to the green AB box or the red AB box. These two AB boxes will be used to select which "send" it selected. By pressing switch 2 or 3 will alternate the signal path between send 1 and 2 and send 3 and 4.

SECTION 2
---------

This section deals with the returns of the loops, RG Keens simple mixer is used to set levels for the 4 loops.

SECTION 3
---------

This shows the layout of the enclosure. There is a blue led for each channel and a red lead. The blue led will indicate the loop that has the focus of the signal path, while the red led will indicate which loop would have the focus of the signal path if switch one were pressed. This would be useful as without knowing the position of switch 3 pressing switch one could lead to the selection of an undesired effect loop. The red led will stop this occuring, so switching can be done easily.

For example:

The current config leads to send 1:
Switch 1 ---> A ---> Switch 2 ---> Send 1

and you want to switch to send 3:

depending on the position of switch 3, pressing switch 1 can lead to either send 3 or send 4. By the use of the leds a red light will indicate that pressing switch 1 will go to the indcated effect loop. Say send 3 is the indicated effects loop, but send 4 is desired the user can press both switch 1 and switch 3 simultaneously to switch the A/B direction of both switches.

There are a number of issues I need help with:

1. Do I need a buffer before the mixer?
2. The layout suggests I am putting 4 seperate pedals in one box and linking them together, how do I deal with the power requirements of this (i.e. I dont want 4 batteries/DC sockests!)?
3. How do I wire the leds?
4. Is there a simpler way of doing this via the parallelyzer project (GGG)
Built: LofoMofo, Dist+, Active AB Box, GGG 4 Channel Mixer, ROG Omega
On the Bench:Random Number Generator, ROG Multi-face, Speak & Spell
--------------------------------------------
My Pop-Punk Band - www.myspace.com/stashpocket

mattpocket

Built: LofoMofo, Dist+, Active AB Box, GGG 4 Channel Mixer, ROG Omega
On the Bench:Random Number Generator, ROG Multi-face, Speak & Spell
--------------------------------------------
My Pop-Punk Band - www.myspace.com/stashpocket