Running two amps simultaniously -> Wich device needed?

[Aart]

Allright, I got the following situation:

I have a Mark IV running into a Recto 4x12 and a Crate BV150H running into a 2x12. I want to run them simultaniously because I like the extra grit I get from the crate.

I need a device to split my guitar signal, I don't need a switcher (if it does what I want its ok), just a cheap solution that keeps my signal intact.

I prefer a rackmount device. Does anybody have any suggestions? I can only find expensive switchers like the high gain amp switcher or sound sculpture/axess stuff that does a lot more than I need.

Edit: I prefer a splitter that is able to drive 3 amps (2 amps + tuner).

Thanks,
Aart

 

[JOEY B.]

Check out these products.

http://www.lehle.com/

 

[CGM]

I run two amps constantly. A Rivera Venus 6, and a LSS. I like grit and clean at the same time. I run FX in the Rivera. I just use a Rapco A/B box. Maybe $100 now. I've had it for 15 yrs, probably $50 then. It works well for me...

 

[MesaENGR412]

If you want to run them both and can set it up to where you can change the channels with both footswitches, then all you really need is a pedal that can split the signal to stereo cleanly. Right now i run My Triple Recto and a Krank Rev 1 at the same time by splitting the signal with a Boss Chorus Ensemble pedal, and it works just fine. I just put the Krank footswitch under the Mesa one and click both buttons at the same time to switch between clean and distortion, or to solo boost them.

-AJH

 

[ibanez4life SZ!]

All you need is an a/b/y box...stick in the rack, and you can press the button with your hand for you random times you actually want to change something.

I'm selling a WOBO a/b/y with tuner mute right now...AMAZING little box that has a built in ground lift too, which is a must to minimize noise IMO. I just ditched the dual amp setup, so no need for the pedal.

PM me if you're at all interested.

Eric

 

[phil110567]

For this usage but also for other purposes I use a Roger Meyer A/B box : The Crossroads.

A, B or A+B output with 2 switches.

I don't remember the price

I works like a standard A/B box but it provides one isolated output. It means that the 2 outputs don't share the same ground. This feature is interesting because it prevents from having ground loop when using A+B.
Ground loops often happen when using 2 amps at the same time. The crossroads adresses this issue very well. I'm sure brands like Lehle do the same in their products. Hope this will help

 

[MF]

http://www.roadrageprogear.com/switchers.html

they sell an A/B/tuner mute model for $65.99

 

[t0aj15]

I use the Voodoo Labs Amp Selector, it's efficient, quiet, and versatile:
http://www.voodoolab.com/ampselector.htm

 

[nomad100hd]

your going to want something with a buffer so your signal doesn't load down to much and turn to mud!

 

[madryan]

Axess builds a nice little splitter.

 

[Aart]

Thanks for the ideas. I guess I'm going with a Lehle splitter then, they look allright and I can find them in some german stores. It has to be active though to keep the signal intact.

@Ibanez4Life: Thanks for the offer, but since I'm located in Europe it's a bit too much hassle for me to get something this small from the states.

 

[boogieman75]

http://www.startouchpedals.com/Merc...chpedals&Product_Code=ST-2DCIN&Category_Code=

I have never tried one but I have read good things. Hope to get one soon

 

[siggy14]

just a simple pedal with stereo output will do.

 

[nomad100hd]

maybe not depends on if the ground in both amps is at the same level. Also you will get loading on the pickups from each amps input stage. A buffered splitter would be better.

 

[ja22y]

While we on the topic, any box that can send one guitar to 2 or more amps or 2 or more guitars into one amp? and doesn't alter the input's tone. thx. BTW the Lehle are expensive.

 

[MF]

While we on the topic, any box that can send one guitar to 2 or more amps or 2 or more guitars into one amp? and doesn't alter the input's tone. thx. BTW the Lehle are expensive.

http://www.roadrageprogear.com/abba.html

I haven't used one of their switchers, but i have a looper (that i built myself from a DIY kit) which is basically the same thing and it doesn't colour my tone. They are built about as simple as can be...high quality components, true bypass switches, a few wires and a couple of LED's. Very affordable and customizable if you want to add paint or graphics...i'm happy as hell with mine!

 

[ja22y]

While we on the topic, any box that can send one guitar to 2 or more amps or 2 or more guitars into one amp? and doesn't alter the input's tone. thx. BTW the Lehle are expensive.

http://www.roadrageprogear.com/abba.html

I haven't used one of their switchers, but i have a looper (that i built myself from a DIY kit) which is basically the same thing and it doesn't colour my tone. They are built about as simple as can be...high quality components, true bypass switches, a few wires and a couple of LED's. Very affordable and customizable if you want to add paint or graphics...i'm happy as hell with mine!

Looks solid and doesn't cost much. However w/ no isolation or ground lift, hum could be an issue when running 2 amps at the same time. I know that if you just split the guitar signal into 2 w/o buffer, the signal will be loaded down and will lose amplitude.
How does the LED works w/o battery or power, I didn't see it being mentioned? Any popping noise when stepping on the switch?
I think that it's propably great for looper but not so sure about spliter.

 

[R_ADKINS80]

I'm surprised someone has said the cheaper alernative that is idiot proof and works great. Some sort of STEREO pedal like a chorus, flange, delay ect. You have two outputs to run to two amps.

 

[MF]

While we on the topic, any box that can send one guitar to 2 or more amps or 2 or more guitars into one amp? and doesn't alter the input's tone. thx. BTW the Lehle are expensive.

http://www.roadrageprogear.com/abba.html

I haven't used one of their switchers, but i have a looper (that i built myself from a DIY kit) which is basically the same thing and it doesn't colour my tone. They are built about as simple as can be...high quality components, true bypass switches, a few wires and a couple of LED's. Very affordable and customizable if you want to add paint or graphics...i'm happy as hell with mine!

Looks solid and doesn't cost much. However w/ no isolation or ground lift, hum could be an issue when running 2 amps at the same time. I know that if you just split the guitar signal into 2 w/o buffer, the signal will be loaded down and will lose amplitude.
How does the LED works w/o battery or power, I didn't see it being mentioned? Any popping noise when stepping on the switch?
I think that it's propably great for looper but not so sure about spliter.

Any standard power supply will work (godlyke, 1 spot, etc). No 9v battery option though. I've never had an issue with popping on the looper, it's quite seemless.

 

[rastaman]

Great decision on the Lehle. I've had the Morely, Radial Tonebone Switchbone, Voodoo Labs Amp Selector (this one was the most superior, if you're using 3-4 amps) and now I have a Lehle Dual. The Lehle is the cat's meow.