Order a Buffer Interface (compatible with ANY Pedalboard surface) bit.ly/3DVdyWx Order a Buffer Module (ONLY compatible with Vertex Pedalboards) bit.ly/3NUcSp9 Buffer Wiring Guides: vertexeffects.com/vertex-interface-guide
YOU INCLUDED THE TUNER IN YOUR SIGNAL CHAIN DIAGRAM! No one does this and it has kinda frosted me for a while and kept me from trying to run my buffers. I never said I was smart. Thank you!!!!! I should toss my buffers I've been wanting to run and just buy this one out of principle. VRTX is a phenomenal company and this channel is truly a God send that has helped answer so many questions I have had. VRTX is the real MVP ❤❤❤❤❤❤
@@surfthejapstrat7010 my understanding is that it's similar to the buffer in a Klon. That's a great overdrive, but not so good of a buffer if you're comparing it to the criteria you want for a quality buffer (tone-wise). I'm sure it's well built, as all JHS stuff is - but it will have a particular sound that's different than the guitar and amp alone with a 10ft. cable as as baseline (and you might want that). It's not really a comparable product. You'd have to get four of them plus an isolation box of some kind to get the same performance as our interface or module buffers do.
You guys just solved my issue about what damn 2 in and out buffers I am trying to purchase! I’m going to order one! Thanks for making such pedal that a lot of us out there are looking for! I watch all you vids
Seriously! My conundrum as well. If you're running four-cable method and plan on having a buffer everywhere (not on the FX Loop out if you have a good FX Loop, right?), then you need three. This saves space and cable.
The reason is that 100ft. would never be a baseline someone would calculate. The sound you want to calibrate to is the guitar into the amp with a short cable (hence the 10ft. cable reference). The 100ft. cable is showing a worst case scenario and how closely it resembles the 10ft. cable alone without the buffer. Any buffer will make a 100ft. of cable sound better typically to some degree, but not every buffer can make a 10ft. cable with no buffer sound like a 100ft. cable with a buffer driving it.
Mason, First you are one of the worlds best manufacturers' and innovators. Your videos are understandable simple yet detail very clearly. That being said. your buffer sets the standard for junction boxes. I specifically wanted an ISO when i decided to go stereo. interestingly most do not take the isolation into account which you do. Keep up the great work.
Did anyone else think the buffer + 100ft sounded better than straight in? You know you've done a great job when the basic tone doesn't necessarily "change", but the painful shrill bite goes away in a pleasing way, not in a detrimental way like some other brands. Nice work Mason.
Wonder if you're just hearing the dynamics in my picking. We spent a lot of time to ensure that we could get 1:1 with 100ft of even bad high capacitance cable.
@@VertexEffectsInc A large company released their standalone buffer some years back and even in the you tube vids, the tone changed in a way that made it sound more solid state with noticeable top end gone, as if it was chopped off at a certain frequency. The reviewers were making excuses for it and trying to say thats as good as it gets. Another brand I tried added treble and it sounded brittle. Yet another brand made the tone lose attack and things darkened. Yours sounds completely natural and musical. 100ft has to have some affect on highs, yet yours doesn't lose any "tone", it comes out sounding better.
Great all in one "buffer box" with a lot of routing possibilities, which I often had to do with separate buffers - love it. 👍 Should be available at Thomann. 😉
There was a difference. Buffered signal sounded smoother...like compression was added. Now, many are saying it sounded "better." Well, ok...but, it is still different than the un-buffered signal. For better or worse.
I just got the message today that the buffer mod is being shipped today by Sweetwater, i have the vertex elite pedal board. got the power module, just got the Denelectro roebuck, odr, the xtc modded boss e7, the vertex boost, mxr compressor, a delay unit, 2 more buffers , a wah now i am in business
I’m sold. Been looking to buffer my rig for years. I run a hybrid rig with Synergy preamps and Torpedo CAB M+. It ends up being a four cable method, and this looks perfect!
Amazing all-in-one buffer system. Great work on getting all the needs into one compact unit. Two questions: On the 4-cable set-up, why not have the FX-loop go through AMP R out? On the W/D/W set-up, why not have dry go through the FX send and the two wets through AMP R and L?
Love this Mason, I have been using the Mesa High-Wire Dual Buffer on all my boards. I have been waiting for your buffer, I am going to get one from Sweetwater. I am also planning on having a Tone Consulting session with you.
Fantastic buffer with a lot of routing options! It would be interesting to listen the 100ft cable without buffer to listen the degradation of the signal
The reason is that 100ft. would never be a baseline someone would calculate. The sound you want to calibrate to is the guitar into the amp with a short cable (hence the 10ft. cable reference). The 100ft. cable is showing a worst case scenario and how closely it resembles the 10ft. cable alone without the buffer. Any buffer will make a 100ft. of cable sound better typically to some degree, but not every buffer can make a 10ft. cable with no buffer sound like a 100ft. cable with a buffer driving it.
I would have thought the reason you would need a buffer on the board is because of a long cable run, and/or load of pedals? To bring back the signal lost through the impedance of said cable/pedals. Hence why people would say 'it made me sound brighter or brittle. Well it would if it brought back the high frequencies lost through long cables. I think there's more misunderstanding what buffers are and what they do, rather than them all just been 'bad' buffers. Though, obviously, some may be worse than others, but not because of that reason.
@@jayjayripoff exactly, usually when you don't have a buffer you tend to crank the treble on the amp or the pedals ti compensate the frequency Lost, when you put the buffer and you brought back the treble Lost It result to much , and people think buffers are brittle and harsh
@@lorenzocomelli2898 so we'd kinda need to hear the difference between: - no buffer, 10ft cable vs 100ft cable. - no buffer, with pedalboard, 10ft cable vs 100ft cable before board (after would be irrelevant). - both scenarios with buffer vs competition buffer. Right?
They qr code is a great idea! The number of times I'm trying to do something simple that I just haven't in a while, so I sit there staring at my phone trying to find a diagram lol
I love it, but I have gotten so used to the Mesa High Wire having a built in clean boost, I’m not sure I want to go back to needing two separate pedals for buffer and boost again. Hmmm… 🤔
I’ve been wanting something like this for so long. Can’t believe you guys are selling this to the masses at such an awesome price point. Ordering mine ASAP!
I might have to pick one of these up. The only thing I wish that it had was a second FX Loop so I can run a fuzz pedal like your diagram, but also utilize a 4 Cable Method or an audition loop. Not a biggie though as I can just plug strait into my fuzz and then into the guitar in, but it won't look as clean as all the cables going strait in and out of the interface. Maybe a future version will have the option or like a little add on box with the extra loop. Anyway, it seems like a great product!
I would use this Buffer Interface for the 4 Cable Method primarily. But I also use amps without Effects Loops. To switch between the two, I would use the Audition Loop wiring? So when using an amp without an Effects Loop, those pedals that would be running into the Loop are now in the chain but at the end of my chain? I would just jump the Send and Return like you did at 08:10? This stuff ALWAYS confused me
Yes, you can use the FX loop or audition loop wiring. If you wanted to run it in front of an amp (with the same signal path), you'd just use a jumper cable connecting "Amp L" to "SEND" and then use "RETURN" as the output to the amp.
Not only do I now want a buffer, but you have also forced me to save up for a Wet/Dry/Wet setup now that I know what that is... thanks for making me poor. Also, good job explaining things.
For the 4-cable wiring method, does the interface have auto rerouting for when I want to run all pedals in front of the amp (for example, when the amp doesn't have an effects loop). Thanks!
I just bought this buffer from Sweetwater. I own the ES-5 and the 8. Would you recommend that I disable the buffers from the es 5 and 8 while using the Vertex buffer? Also I was Having a hard time with ES 5 trying to route it with your diagrams which are great ! But this Es 5 is throwing me for a loop😂
How about!! When you’re using a 7 cable method? Using a multi effects unit along with the gains of 2 amplifiers ?(obviously using the fx loop for external modulation pedals)
Hosa sells them or we sell them on our site www.therigdr.com: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/YPP111--hosa-ypp-111-y-cable-1-4-inch-ts-to-dual-1-4-inch-tsf-6-inch
100 ft. isn't a the baseline. It's more of a "beyond worst case scenario". 10ft. with no pedals is the closest baseline to what a guitar should sound like ideally, then the 100ft. cable is showing that the buffer can drive it with little to no impact to the baseline (10ft. cable into amp) tone. It's almost impossible to demonstrate something that should have no sound as a "tone" pedal - much of our videos leading up to this support what was being said in this video and demonstrated.
You are a genius brother; can you help this old rocker, turned retired firefighter, but still playing in my bedroom. I have 5 Gain, overdrive drive etc. pedals and 8 stereo effects pedals. Going into two amps. I want to keep it simple. I have the Boss ES-8, I cant deal with that. So I am scrapping it. It looks like this would be perfect for me. Can you confirm
Hey Mason! One question: is there a possibility to acquire it in Europe (apart from buying it internationally from Sweetwater)? I am building a decent studio pedalboard and I've been thinking about an item like yours to incorporate to my new build (and haven't found any but yours). Thanks in advance!
Good day, I love all your videos and I have learned so much, Thank you.I have a question regarding this buffer interface, I have a EVH 5150 III and I want to know how to wire your buffer using 4CM and also having a pass through for the EVH amp channel switcher, is this possible with this unit? Thanks again and be safe.
Ordered this few weeks ago at SweetWater. Can’t wait to get it. I ordered another company’s stereo buffer a few months ago and it killed my sound. I am sure Vertex will make a great buffer that will solve a lot of problems.
Hey guys, thanks for all the infos, love the channel!!! Let me ask one thing: is there, somehow, any wiring method to use the 4 cable, BUT with some insert point on it??? Would be lovely, and exactly what I need. Thanks
This is a great pedal Mason. How does it compare to the Lehle Sunday Driver SW aside from the multiple I/O? One thing I wish you could've done for the video was to plug your guitar into a passive volume pedal, from the volume pedal into a pedalboard and then out of the pedalboard with a 100ft cable to the amp with no separate buffer anywhere in the chain.
Sunday Drive is good, it unloads the guitar however with too high an input impedance relative to a normal amp as I recall. Secondly, they don't build rigs so I always feel that many brands are at a disadvantage as they don't really see a lot of pedals from hundreds of different makers to figure out what works as a part of the whole. That's one big advantage we have separately from anything to do with electronics. The VP situation won't change, 100 ohm output Z with the quality of this buffer could drive more than 100ft. even with VP and no loss.
Hi Mason. Very clever work. Well done. How does this compare to an Empress Effects buffer plus? One of the features of the Empress that I really like is the tuner out which can mute the signal for quick silent tuning on stage. With your buffer not having this mute capability which mute pedal can you recommend? And would you patch it at the amp out or after the guitar input using one end of y-cable to feed the tuner and the other end going to a mute switch followed by the rest of the pedalboard? Thanks and keep up your valuable and informative work.
Hi, I'd like to make sure I understand properly. I'll be using this on my ampless rig with stereo effects. Would this method work? Guitar in > dry effects > preamp pedal > return on the buffer > send on the buffer > wet effects > stereo on buffer
I hear the highs and high mids slighly compromised... probably nothing an amp tweek can't correct. I remember seeing Albert Collins wander around the audience on a 100 ft cable. His sound would take your head off, Tele bridge pup into a Fender Quad Reverb.... i firmly believe my tinitus is partially due to standing 10 feet from the front of his amp. I'm still wondering if this is buffer necesary for small time bar gigs. Won't your Boost pedal do the same? I play mostly Tele. All that 2 amp, stereo, line out stuff is rocket science to me. You are a rocket scientist..... as well as the rig doctor.... For decades, I refused to use pedals, always a straight-in player. It all started when I didn't like my amp's reverb, and bought a Boss '73 Fender reverb pedal, which blew me away. Then a friend let me try his Timmy... then it was off to the races buying and using too many pedals. I'm now downsized, and am fond of "always-on." The only pedal I use during a gig is a volume pedal... but once again, I love your products, and your videos. Keep up the great work.... I enjoy your playing too... good stuff. How about doing a music video with a band? So many players demo a product solo, sounds disjointed.... hell.... even a backing track would be a huge improvement. Why is that? JHS uses bass & drums in their demos. It adds so much to the demo...
How do you know it's just not the difference in playing? I can tell you that there's almost zero detectable loss even with 200 ft. of a decent cable. Many of our videos use tracks, look at any of the last 3-5 videos.
@@VertexEffectsInc Someone hijacked a TV station one time to sent a broadcast that was a parody of some AI news reporter TV show. If you search Max Headroom that's the first result you'll get. I don't know what's so confusing about it.
I’ve been watching several of your videos and am wondering if I need a buffer on my board. I’m running a Shure wireless, then 11 pedals, then a MXR Boost/Line Driver at the end. All patch cables are Mogami. Using a 25ft Mogami cable to the amp.
Inline Isolation Transformer When using with a Wet|Dry|Wet configuration, should I add one of my isolation transformers inline to the second wet amp? ...or is isolating only one of the three amps the 'best practice'?
Generally I recommend that folks use an isolated line out box, like the Suhr, so you can get additional isolation of the wet side if needed and you can use the ISO transformer on the interface to take care of the other wet amp. Ideally you need two of the three isolated in the worst case scenario.
@@VertexEffectsInc Sadly, I don't use a line-out from my dry amp to feed the wet channels. I generally split the dry signal on the pedalboard with a lehle p-split. I run the iso line to the dry amp, and the direct line out to the wet effects chain on the board. The stereo signal leaves the effects chain out to the wet amps through a second p-split, with the right channel isolated. Does this meet the criteria you have outlined above, or am I woefully off-base with this implementation? ...and can implement something similar using your new Buffer Interface? Im hoping this clarification will also help others that use this slight variation on the WDW configuration outlined in your drawings. By the way, thanks for always being so attentive to your users questions, particularly here on UA-cam! 🤘
It will work for bass as well, however there is much more variety of input impedance for bass amps so depending on your amp this input impedance on our buffer could be too low based on what you're used to. Some amps for bass are as high as 10M ohms. Where as all guitar amps are pretty much all 1M.
Excellent job with this new buffer Mason and Vertex Effects! You guys have thought of everything with this useful and versatile pedal! Quick question, would a buffer pedal be of any use to help with a digital based modeler pedals like a Helix, Atomic Amplifire, or Kemper Profiler?
Peter, thank you! If you're using a digital modeler you're kinda already in the that world and a lot of this stuff, nuance-wise, might not be so critical since it's all digital. You will have cable capacitance, of course, but if you're already in the digital world you're kinda already saying "F it" to tone in some ways.
@@VertexEffectsInc kind of figured that. May be on the way back to an analog world soon, as I'm getting tired of all the frustrations that tend to come with digital regarding tone. Good to know there's an awesome and flexible buffer out on the market to get when I do!
Hi Mason, I hope you are doing great! I have purchased this buffer and am trying to come up with a way to use a fuzz with a programmable switcher and this buffer. Do you know of a way to incorporate this set up while protecting the high impedance needed? I purchased a buzz electronics 10 channel programmable switcher if that matters. Thanks for the help!!!!!!!!
I have an "eqd swiss things" and an "empress buffer+ stereo", using them in WDW. Would this buffer and routing solution replace both those pedals? I'm using the swiss things to output to my dry fx then to the dry amp, then line out to wet fx, using the empress buffer+ stereo to provide the buffers there. The advantage I see of the buffer+ stereo is the ability to sum to mono. But I know you don't like doing that, and I shouldn't either, but it's nice to have that option.
This looks amazing, I use the providence STV-1 Tuner that has a Vitalizer buffer and is a router too, but i still notice degradation to my tone from my Friedman amp through my pedalboard because when I plug straight, the amp sounds AMAZING!! Are these available in the U.K.?? And also my suggestion would be that I use 4 cable method with my time based effects in the FX Loop of the amp, however sometimes I don't use them in the FX Loop and want them front of the amp so is there an automatic connection within the interface so that when the loop outs aren't in use it auto routes to the output. Templeboard do this with their 4x MOD Pro Module. Thanks
My main board runs straight into my DAW for recording..many of the (19) pedals have high quality buffers..some can be switched to true bypass..question: can you have too many buffers? If using your unit should I turn off the others? Love your vids!
Most of your pedals don’t have high quality buffers - less than 1% of pedals do. Most people don’t know what qualifies a good buffer. Most aren’t 1M input impedance and 100 ohm output impedance - most are 10x worse on the output impedance.
@@VertexEffectsInc So for pedals which allow you to switch between true bypass and not (or buffered bypass?), do you suggest turning off the true bypass option?
Well, I tell ya, my Vertex Boost is seriously the most transparent boost I've ever heard, so I take it at your word that these are transparent as well! I've never liked any buffers in the past, always this annoying high end "sheen" I call it. I suppose on stage you'd never notice but I don't like it. My question is Mason, I know you don't like the buffers on the G2, so would your module be helpful on a board with that or is there no way around their choice of in/out buffers?
You're hearing the pick attack, not the buffer. It's not a direct A/B like turning a pedal on/off. You have to plug in cables add power, etc. It's sorta impossible to get it in real time without a loop of 100ft. of cable sitting around in a true bypass looper with the input buffer connected.
Looks imteresting, can you provide the specs in number form of the impedance and such compared to a popular onboard in/out buffer like the ES5/8 for example. I also hear a slight tonal difference but ny guess is this is more due to the capacitance of the 10ft cable... perhaps if the base tone used a 2ft cable we wouldnt hear the tonal shift. Great job with these videos btw, no one does it like vertex
@@VertexEffectsInc overdrive ???? Wtf ? It seems yoy are avoiding the question now. I can’t make this any simpler - play the thing with a LOW OUTPUT from the guitar. I want to hear if the buffer fizzes out or if the buffer can push these low level signals. I think you know what I mean are just avoiding the question because it can’t drive low level signals very well. - overdrive.... smh
Mason, a very critical question. I'm planning to purchase the Chase Bliss Preamp MK2 soon and noticed in addtion to all the amazing gain tones, it has fuzz capability. Do you have experience with this and would a buffer before the pedal affect that specific circuit? I mean, I guess I'm just gonna have to dive in and try myself once I get it. I'm trying to make that my only drive pedal on the board before the SSS SRV and utilize amp sim after.
@@7Boots right, but the other drive circuits in the pedal aren't impedence sensitive as far as I know. I guess I'll just plug straight into the pedal and then go through buffer input ofr the rest of my board.
@@prstito ideally it's before any buffer so you could use it the passive input (SEND) as shown in our wiring diagrams under "What If I Have A Fuzz": www.vertexeffects.com/vertex-interface-guide#section-fuzz
Cool product. So if I’m using a gain pedal to slam the front end of an amp, any output buffer on this VRTX unit will not clip? When I mean slam the front end, I mean a clean Fender amp turns into high gain amp.
The reason is that 100ft. would never be a baseline someone would calculate. The sound you want to calibrate to is the guitar into the amp with a short cable (hence the 10ft. cable reference). The 100ft. cable is showing a worst case scenario and how closely it resembles the 10ft. cable alone without the buffer. Any buffer will make a 100ft. of cable sound better typically to some degree, but not every buffer can make a 10ft. cable with no buffer sound like a 100ft. cable with a buffer driving it.
You actually hear some changes in the picking dynamics. We had more than a decade to figure it out - it's about as 1:1 as possible. I suppose a truer way, and a way that we'll show in the future, will be using a true bypass looper so you can hear the change in real time instead of having to add the buffer plus the 100ft. cable and a DC power supply to go from sound A to sound B.
So my set up currently, I’m running through the UA Dream, into my time based effects and then into the walrus canvas di/line isolator box, which then runs into my Apollo interface, or front of house if I’m gigging. Ive really been in the market for a buffer pedal like yours. The good wood audios interfacer, the a3 custom tone solution being two that seem to be of similar makeup. I’m curious whether your pedal can both replace my walrus canvas, and give me an input/output buffer? And if it doesn’t really offer what the canvas does, would you run your buffer before or after the di box? Thanks, Adam
The Canvas is a DI, so no - it won't replace what you have. Honestly I don't think you need it with this set up if you're going balanced out to the board and ampless.
I have a tc polytune 3 at the beginning of my chain and a Strymon bigsky at the end of my chain, both set to buffered bypass. Do you think this is enough or would you recommend standalone buffers?
This will be a better buffer, and will offer isolation on one output and phase/polarity control for your two amps. Your current system won't offer this.
No, if you want to do that, I recommend plugging directly into the impedance sensitive stuff and then hitting the input buffer afterwards. You could also use the FX Send as a passive input, hit your impedance sensitive stuff, then use the FX Return as an output for your insert and the Guitar Input as the Input back from the insert loop (as an alternative) if you wanted to keep it all in the interface.
Order a Buffer Interface (compatible with ANY Pedalboard surface)
bit.ly/3DVdyWx
Order a Buffer Module (ONLY compatible with Vertex Pedalboards)
bit.ly/3NUcSp9
Buffer Wiring Guides: vertexeffects.com/vertex-interface-guide
@@marioyakir5486 they just landed at Sweetwater, should ship this week!
@@VertexEffectsInc I just got a Shipping notice. You are right. Thanks!!
YOU INCLUDED THE TUNER IN YOUR SIGNAL CHAIN DIAGRAM! No one does this and it has kinda frosted me for a while and kept me from trying to run my buffers. I never said I was smart. Thank you!!!!! I should toss my buffers I've been wanting to run and just buy this one out of principle. VRTX is a phenomenal company and this channel is truly a God send that has helped answer so many questions I have had. VRTX is the real MVP ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Mason, would you say Josh Scott’s buffer pedal is way way way better than yours?
@@surfthejapstrat7010 my understanding is that it's similar to the buffer in a Klon. That's a great overdrive, but not so good of a buffer if you're comparing it to the criteria you want for a quality buffer (tone-wise). I'm sure it's well built, as all JHS stuff is - but it will have a particular sound that's different than the guitar and amp alone with a 10ft. cable as as baseline (and you might want that). It's not really a comparable product. You'd have to get four of them plus an isolation box of some kind to get the same performance as our interface or module buffers do.
You guys just solved my issue about what damn 2 in and out buffers I am trying to purchase! I’m going to order one! Thanks for making such pedal that a lot of us out there are looking for! I watch all you vids
Hope to get one in your hands soon!
Seriously! My conundrum as well. If you're running four-cable method and plan on having a buffer everywhere (not on the FX Loop out if you have a good FX Loop, right?), then you need three. This saves space and cable.
I appreciate good pedalboard utilities. It's a boring subject so I feel like not enough companies even take the time to offer the stuff.
They're the core of any board!
Every company makes a buffer
How much did you get paid ?
One of the first pedals I bought my sister when she was getting into guitar was a tuner pedal. I said it's not flashy, but you need it.
@@KoaCharvelI gigged after a band who’s bassist didn’t own a tuner. I gave him mine for the gig 🧐
I appreciate you taking the time to emphasize the importance of your experience with buffers.
I bought one of these and mounted it in my board. This is the bomb. It fixed a lot of issues I had with my board.
Love all you do, Mason and team.
I’m keen to hear the 100 foot cable with and without the buffer please. A more accurate comparison IMO
We never heard the 100ft cable without the buffer... How dare you, Doc!
The reason is that 100ft. would never be a baseline someone would calculate. The sound you want to calibrate to is the guitar into the amp with a short cable (hence the 10ft. cable reference). The 100ft. cable is showing a worst case scenario and how closely it resembles the 10ft. cable alone without the buffer. Any buffer will make a 100ft. of cable sound better typically to some degree, but not every buffer can make a 10ft. cable with no buffer sound like a 100ft. cable with a buffer driving it.
i agree
Finally, I've been waiting for this video for an eternity
They've landed, you should see it ship out this week!
Man mason finally ! Good wood audio has been getting all that clout 😂
@@Tone2town They make good stuff too, certainly more custom than this.
Mason, First you are one of the worlds best manufacturers' and innovators. Your videos are understandable simple yet detail very clearly. That being said. your buffer sets the standard for junction boxes. I specifically wanted an ISO when i decided to go stereo. interestingly most do not take the isolation into account which you do. Keep up the great work.
🙏🙏🙏
Did anyone else think the buffer + 100ft sounded better than straight in? You know you've done a great job when the basic tone doesn't necessarily "change", but the painful shrill bite goes away in a pleasing way, not in a detrimental way like some other brands. Nice work Mason.
Wonder if you're just hearing the dynamics in my picking. We spent a lot of time to ensure that we could get 1:1 with 100ft of even bad high capacitance cable.
@@VertexEffectsInc I would have liked to hear how the 100 ft cable sounds without a buffer box.
@@VertexEffectsInc both recordings sounded different.
In the same way, both times.
Very slight.
At 2x speed it is impossible to miss,
@@VertexEffectsInc A large company released their standalone buffer some years back and even in the you tube vids, the tone changed in a way that made it sound more solid state with noticeable top end gone, as if it was chopped off at a certain frequency. The reviewers were making excuses for it and trying to say thats as good as it gets. Another brand I tried added treble and it sounded brittle. Yet another brand made the tone lose attack and things darkened. Yours sounds completely natural and musical. 100ft has to have some affect on highs, yet yours doesn't lose any "tone", it comes out sounding better.
@@VertexEffectsInc definitely sounds different though, good work being "transparent" guys
Been running a Freidman Buffer bay for years, love it.
I'm running audition loop with 2nd amp out from AMP-R. works flawlessly. Love tis box.
Thank you for the in-depth explanation. I went ahead and ordered one today. You answered all my questions. Much appreciated. ✌🏾
A very clever solution, the 5 cable is a winner!!!
Yes indeed!
Great Job Mason. I have waited for this pedal for such a long time
Hope you like it!
Pre ordered this back in may! Stoked to finally get it in
They've landed, you should see it ship out this week!
Great all in one "buffer box" with a lot of routing possibilities, which I often had to do with separate buffers - love it. 👍 Should be available at Thomann. 😉
Yes, should be there next week!
❤
Such a great tutorial on buffers and a great buffer design. Thanks for this.
You explain concepts so well! Thanks!
Damn!! Great video! Loved the different routing schemes, and now I know what a wet/dry/wet set up looks like. Thanks man!! Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks for watching!
There was a difference.
Buffered signal sounded smoother...like compression was added. Now, many are saying it sounded "better." Well, ok...but, it is still different than the un-buffered signal. For better or worse.
I would suspect it had more to do with my playing than any real difference. We spent a lot of time to make it 1:1.
@@VertexEffectsInc highs sound rolled off on the 100 foot cable version
@@hotROMin Agreed
Hosanna. I ordered mine over a month ago from Sweetwater and it is on its way now. I can finish that paddleboard.
🎸🎸🎸 rock on 🤘
I just got the message today that the buffer mod is being shipped today by Sweetwater, i have the vertex elite pedal board. got the power module, just got the Denelectro roebuck, odr, the xtc modded boss e7, the vertex boost, mxr compressor, a delay unit, 2 more buffers , a wah now i am in business
Enjoy it
I’m sold. Been looking to buffer my rig for years. I run a hybrid rig with Synergy preamps and Torpedo CAB M+. It ends up being a four cable method, and this looks perfect!
Amazing all-in-one buffer system.
Great work on getting all the needs into one compact unit.
Two questions:
On the 4-cable set-up, why not have the FX-loop go through AMP R out?
On the W/D/W set-up, why not have dry go through the FX send and the two wets through AMP R and L?
Love this Mason, I have been using the Mesa High-Wire Dual Buffer on all my boards. I have been waiting for your buffer, I am going to get one from Sweetwater. I am also planning on having a Tone Consulting session with you.
Wonderful! Be sure to get them soon, I think they're already mostly sold out from pre-orders :)
Fantastic buffer with a lot of routing options! It would be interesting to listen the 100ft cable without buffer to listen the degradation of the signal
The reason is that 100ft. would never be a baseline someone would calculate. The sound you want to calibrate to is the guitar into the amp with a short cable (hence the 10ft. cable reference). The 100ft. cable is showing a worst case scenario and how closely it resembles the 10ft. cable alone without the buffer. Any buffer will make a 100ft. of cable sound better typically to some degree, but not every buffer can make a 10ft. cable with no buffer sound like a 100ft. cable with a buffer driving it.
I would have thought the reason you would need a buffer on the board is because of a long cable run, and/or load of pedals? To bring back the signal lost through the impedance of said cable/pedals.
Hence why people would say 'it made me sound brighter or brittle. Well it would if it brought back the high frequencies lost through long cables.
I think there's more misunderstanding what buffers are and what they do, rather than them all just been 'bad' buffers.
Though, obviously, some may be worse than others, but not because of that reason.
@@jayjayripoff exactly, usually when you don't have a buffer you tend to crank the treble on the amp or the pedals ti compensate the frequency Lost, when you put the buffer and you brought back the treble Lost It result to much , and people think buffers are brittle and harsh
@@lorenzocomelli2898 so we'd kinda need to hear the difference between:
- no buffer, 10ft cable vs 100ft cable.
- no buffer, with pedalboard, 10ft cable vs 100ft cable before board (after would be irrelevant).
- both scenarios with buffer vs competition buffer.
Right?
They qr code is a great idea! The number of times I'm trying to do something simple that I just haven't in a while, so I sit there staring at my phone trying to find a diagram lol
Yea, we thought it would be a good way to access the diagrams fast!
I need this in my life. Great job vertex team.
🙏🙏🙏
the QR code is BRILLIANT!!! Wish some of my more complicated pedals had that feature. Are you listening Strymon, UAFX, etc?
Jackson Audio was the first I saw to do it!
Pretty cool box, really good documentation on how to use it
🙏🙏🙏
Excellent diagrams. Thank you!!
Hope they're helpful!
Nice Video Mason!Very instructive for me😍May I ask the name of the music begin from 0:22-0:32? Appreciate it a lot!!!
It's from our friend Tim Marco, check him out on IG!
This detailed video convinced me to pick one of these up.
Thanks for the support!
Excellent video and product. I will be looking at integrating this device into my 4 cable setup. Thank you.
Amazing!
Awesome just ordered ❤
Amazing!
I love it, but I have gotten so used to the Mesa High Wire having a built in clean boost, I’m not sure I want to go back to needing two separate pedals for buffer and boost again. Hmmm… 🤔
The High Wire is a good buffer, no doubt. If you're happy with it, why change?
I’ve been wanting something like this for so long. Can’t believe you guys are selling this to the masses at such an awesome price point. Ordering mine ASAP!
Our pleasure! Thanks for the support!
Sounds Great. What is your output signal 100k? Input is 1MOhm (assumption). Thank you
100 ohms (not K), 1M input impedance. Specs of the GODS!
@@VertexEffectsInc thank you.
I might have to pick one of these up. The only thing I wish that it had was a second FX Loop so I can run a fuzz pedal like your diagram, but also utilize a 4 Cable Method or an audition loop. Not a biggie though as I can just plug strait into my fuzz and then into the guitar in, but it won't look as clean as all the cables going strait in and out of the interface. Maybe a future version will have the option or like a little add on box with the extra loop. Anyway, it seems like a great product!
I would use this Buffer Interface for the 4 Cable Method primarily. But I also use amps without Effects Loops. To switch between the two, I would use the Audition Loop wiring? So when using an amp without an Effects Loop, those pedals that would be running into the Loop are now in the chain but at the end of my chain? I would just jump the Send and Return like you did at 08:10? This stuff ALWAYS confused me
Yes, you can use the FX loop or audition loop wiring. If you wanted to run it in front of an amp (with the same signal path), you'd just use a jumper cable connecting "Amp L" to "SEND" and then use "RETURN" as the output to the amp.
@@VertexEffectsInc Thank you
@@GuitarJawn sure thing!
Man…great job on this.👏🏾👏🏾
Thanks so much!
What is that whammy chorus swell sound? It always reminds me of a transition scene on Saved By The Bell for some reason lol.
Tri Stereo Chorus, Eventide H3000, Lexicon Delays and Reverbs
I've bee waiting for over 7 months and have had it pre-ordered at Seetwater since then.
They've landed, you should see it ship out this week!
Not only do I now want a buffer, but you have also forced me to save up for a Wet/Dry/Wet setup now that I know what that is... thanks for making me poor. Also, good job explaining things.
For the 4-cable wiring method, does the interface have auto rerouting for when I want to run all pedals in front of the amp (for example, when the amp doesn't have an effects loop). Thanks!
No. You’d need to plug a cable from amp output to the send on the interface. We can send you a routing diagram if you email us info@vertexeffects.com
Yup- I'll be buying one of these!
Amazing!
I just bought this buffer from Sweetwater. I own the ES-5 and the 8. Would you recommend that I disable the buffers from the es 5 and 8 while using the Vertex buffer? Also I was Having a hard time with ES 5 trying to route it with your diagrams which are great ! But this Es 5 is throwing me for a loop😂
How about!! When you’re using a 7 cable method? Using a multi effects unit along with the gains of 2 amplifiers ?(obviously using the fx loop for external modulation pedals)
Were can you buy that "tuner out" plit cable? I can only find TRS to 2x TS.
Hosa sells them or we sell them on our site www.therigdr.com: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/YPP111--hosa-ypp-111-y-cable-1-4-inch-ts-to-dual-1-4-inch-tsf-6-inch
So no example of long cables without your buffer?
100 ft. isn't a the baseline. It's more of a "beyond worst case scenario". 10ft. with no pedals is the closest baseline to what a guitar should sound like ideally, then the 100ft. cable is showing that the buffer can drive it with little to no impact to the baseline (10ft. cable into amp) tone. It's almost impossible to demonstrate something that should have no sound as a "tone" pedal - much of our videos leading up to this support what was being said in this video and demonstrated.
Awesome Mason! 🎸👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😊
Thanks for listening
You are a genius brother; can you help this old rocker, turned retired firefighter, but still playing in my bedroom. I have 5 Gain, overdrive drive etc. pedals and 8 stereo effects pedals. Going into two amps. I want to keep it simple. I have the Boss ES-8, I cant deal with that. So I am scrapping it. It looks like this would be perfect for me. Can you confirm
Super interested in this- can you use one of the amp in/outs for amp channel switching?
Yes, the SEND is a multi purpose jack for use as a TRS or TS through for amp switching or you can convert it to MIDI as well.
Hey Mason! One question: is there a possibility to acquire it in Europe (apart from buying it internationally from Sweetwater)? I am building a decent studio pedalboard and I've been thinking about an item like yours to incorporate to my new build (and haven't found any but yours).
Thanks in advance!
Definitely added to my X-Mas list.
Heck yea!
Good day, I love all your videos and I have learned so much, Thank you.I have a question regarding this buffer interface, I have a EVH 5150 III and I want to know how to wire your buffer using 4CM and also having a pass through for the EVH amp channel switcher, is this possible with this unit? Thanks again and be safe.
Ordered this few weeks ago at SweetWater. Can’t wait to get it. I ordered another company’s stereo buffer a few months ago and it killed my sound. I am sure Vertex will make a great buffer that will solve a lot of problems.
Mind saying which company the other buffer came from so I know to avoid it?
@@SparkleAndFade33 Starts with a G. Love my Empress Buffer but it is mono. They do not make their stereo buffer anymore.
Enjoy! Let us know if you have any questions
Got it from Sweet Water. Works perfectly. Thank you for making this!
Hey guys, thanks for all the infos, love the channel!!!
Let me ask one thing: is there, somehow, any wiring method to use the 4 cable, BUT with some insert point on it???
Would be lovely, and exactly what I need.
Thanks
This is a great pedal Mason. How does it compare to the Lehle Sunday Driver SW aside from the multiple I/O?
One thing I wish you could've done for the video was to plug your guitar into a passive volume pedal, from the volume pedal into a pedalboard and then out of the pedalboard with a 100ft cable to the amp with no separate buffer anywhere in the chain.
Sunday Drive is good, it unloads the guitar however with too high an input impedance relative to a normal amp as I recall. Secondly, they don't build rigs so I always feel that many brands are at a disadvantage as they don't really see a lot of pedals from hundreds of different makers to figure out what works as a part of the whole. That's one big advantage we have separately from anything to do with electronics. The VP situation won't change, 100 ohm output Z with the quality of this buffer could drive more than 100ft. even with VP and no loss.
Hi Mason. Very clever work. Well done. How does this compare to an Empress Effects buffer plus? One of the features of the Empress that I really like is the tuner out which can mute the signal for quick silent tuning on stage. With your buffer not having this mute capability which mute pedal can you recommend? And would you patch it at the amp out or after the guitar input using one end of y-cable to feed the tuner and the other end going to a mute switch followed by the rest of the pedalboard? Thanks and keep up your valuable and informative work.
Hi, I'd like to make sure I understand properly. I'll be using this on my ampless rig with stereo effects. Would this method work?
Guitar in > dry effects > preamp pedal > return on the buffer > send on the buffer > wet effects > stereo on buffer
Kudos for the Dann Huff track👍
The best!
I hear the highs and high mids slighly compromised... probably nothing an amp tweek can't correct.
I remember seeing Albert Collins wander around the audience on a 100 ft cable. His sound would take your head off, Tele bridge pup into a Fender Quad Reverb.... i firmly believe my tinitus is partially due to standing 10 feet from the front of his amp.
I'm still wondering if this is buffer necesary for small time bar gigs. Won't your Boost pedal do the same? I play mostly Tele.
All that 2 amp, stereo, line out stuff is rocket science to me. You are a rocket scientist..... as well as the rig doctor....
For decades, I refused to use pedals, always a straight-in player. It all started when I didn't like my amp's reverb, and bought a Boss '73 Fender reverb pedal, which blew me away. Then a friend let me try his Timmy... then it was off to the races buying and using too many pedals.
I'm now downsized, and am fond of "always-on." The only pedal I use during a gig is a volume pedal... but once again, I love your products, and your videos.
Keep up the great work.... I enjoy your playing too... good stuff. How about doing a music video with a band?
So many players demo a product solo, sounds disjointed.... hell.... even a backing track would be a huge improvement. Why is that? JHS uses bass & drums in their demos. It adds so much to the demo...
How do you know it's just not the difference in playing? I can tell you that there's almost zero detectable loss even with 200 ft. of a decent cable. Many of our videos use tracks, look at any of the last 3-5 videos.
The Level set buffer by Fender, sits at the start of the signal chain. Couldn't play without it.
Thank you again mason
7:22 Max Headroom hahaha I remember that broadcast.
Huh?
@@VertexEffectsInc Someone hijacked a TV station one time to sent a broadcast that was a parody of some AI news reporter TV show. If you search Max Headroom that's the first result you'll get. I don't know what's so confusing about it.
I’ve been watching several of your videos and am wondering if I need a buffer on my board. I’m running a Shure wireless, then 11 pedals, then a MXR Boost/Line Driver at the end. All patch cables are Mogami. Using a 25ft Mogami cable to the amp.
You might be OK!
Inline Isolation Transformer
When using with a Wet|Dry|Wet configuration, should I add one of my isolation transformers inline to the second wet amp?
...or is isolating only one of the three amps the 'best practice'?
Generally I recommend that folks use an isolated line out box, like the Suhr, so you can get additional isolation of the wet side if needed and you can use the ISO transformer on the interface to take care of the other wet amp. Ideally you need two of the three isolated in the worst case scenario.
@@VertexEffectsInc Sadly, I don't use a line-out from my dry amp to feed the wet channels. I generally split the dry signal on the pedalboard with a lehle p-split. I run the iso line to the dry amp, and the direct line out to the wet effects chain on the board. The stereo signal leaves the effects chain out to the wet amps through a second p-split, with the right channel isolated. Does this meet the criteria you have outlined above, or am I woefully off-base with this implementation? ...and can implement something similar using your new Buffer Interface?
Im hoping this clarification will also help others that use this slight variation on the WDW configuration outlined in your drawings.
By the way, thanks for always being so attentive to your users questions, particularly here on UA-cam! 🤘
Awesome. Do you guys do a buffer pedal for bass/will do one?
It will work for bass as well, however there is much more variety of input impedance for bass amps so depending on your amp this input impedance on our buffer could be too low based on what you're used to. Some amps for bass are as high as 10M ohms. Where as all guitar amps are pretty much all 1M.
I have 1M on my current amp so good. If that goes up on a future amp we could what throw a Sunday driver before the Interface?
I think the thing with buffers is we’ll never get our original tone back but it’s the best we can make up
For it
Excellent job with this new buffer Mason and Vertex Effects! You guys have thought of everything with this useful and versatile pedal! Quick question, would a buffer pedal be of any use to help with a digital based modeler pedals like a Helix, Atomic Amplifire, or Kemper Profiler?
Peter, thank you! If you're using a digital modeler you're kinda already in the that world and a lot of this stuff, nuance-wise, might not be so critical since it's all digital. You will have cable capacitance, of course, but if you're already in the digital world you're kinda already saying "F it" to tone in some ways.
@@VertexEffectsInc kind of figured that. May be on the way back to an analog world soon, as I'm getting tired of all the frustrations that tend to come with digital regarding tone. Good to know there's an awesome and flexible buffer out on the market to get when I do!
It's here!
Yes!
Hi Mason, I hope you are doing great! I have purchased this buffer and am trying to come up with a way to use a fuzz with a programmable switcher and this buffer. Do you know of a way to incorporate this set up while protecting the high impedance needed? I purchased a buzz electronics 10 channel programmable switcher if that matters. Thanks for the help!!!!!!!!
Looks great Mason!
You’re going to have the interface version on your board!
@@VertexEffectsInc Can't wait! 🙌
I want to hear what the buffer sounds like played soft.
I like the idea, but can't seem to find it at any european dealer I tried (in Germany and the Netherlands). Is it available already?
I have an "eqd swiss things" and an "empress buffer+ stereo", using them in WDW.
Would this buffer and routing solution replace both those pedals? I'm using the swiss things to output to my dry fx then to the dry amp, then line out to wet fx, using the empress buffer+ stereo to provide the buffers there. The advantage I see of the buffer+ stereo is the ability to sum to mono. But I know you don't like doing that, and I shouldn't either, but it's nice to have that option.
This looks amazing, I use
the providence STV-1 Tuner that has a
Vitalizer buffer and is a router too, but i still
notice degradation to my tone from my
Friedman amp through my pedalboard
because when I plug straight, the amp
sounds AMAZING!! Are these available in
the U.K.?? And also my suggestion would
be that I use 4 cable method with my time
based effects in the FX Loop of the amp,
however sometimes I don't use them in the
FX Loop and want them front of the amp so
is there an automatic connection within the
interface so that when the loop outs aren't
in use it auto routes to the output.
Templeboard do this with their 4x MOD Pro Module. Thanks
My main board runs straight into my DAW for recording..many of the (19) pedals have high quality buffers..some can be switched to true bypass..question: can you have too many buffers? If using your unit should I turn off the others? Love your vids!
Most of your pedals don’t have high quality buffers - less than 1% of pedals do. Most people don’t know what qualifies a good buffer. Most aren’t 1M input impedance and 100 ohm output impedance - most are 10x worse on the output impedance.
@@VertexEffectsInc So for pedals which allow you to switch between true bypass and not (or buffered bypass?), do you suggest turning off the true bypass option?
Well, I tell ya, my Vertex Boost is seriously the most transparent boost I've ever heard, so I take it at your word that these are transparent as well! I've never liked any buffers in the past, always this annoying high end "sheen" I call it. I suppose on stage you'd never notice but I don't like it. My question is Mason, I know you don't like the buffers on the G2, so would your module be helpful on a board with that or is there no way around their choice of in/out buffers?
I heard a LOT of compression through the buffer. Sounds good and distinct but straight in has more attack.
You're hearing the pick attack, not the buffer. It's not a direct A/B like turning a pedal on/off. You have to plug in cables add power, etc. It's sorta impossible to get it in real time without a loop of 100ft. of cable sitting around in a true bypass looper with the input buffer connected.
3:12 classic dying string sound, bet it feels that squishy too
Looks imteresting, can you provide the specs in number form of the impedance and such compared to a popular onboard in/out buffer like the ES5/8 for example. I also hear a slight tonal difference but ny guess is this is more due to the capacitance of the 10ft cable... perhaps if the base tone used a 2ft cable we wouldnt hear the tonal shift.
Great job with these videos btw, no one does it like vertex
Why did you only play it loud with the buffer ? Does the buffer sound bad when you play it soft ???
It's not like an overdrive where it cleans up, the idea is that it has no sound, linear response.
@@VertexEffectsInc overdrive ???? Wtf ? It seems yoy are avoiding the question now. I can’t make this any simpler - play the thing with a LOW OUTPUT from the guitar. I want to hear if the buffer fizzes out or if the buffer can push these low level signals. I think you know what I mean are just avoiding the question because it can’t drive low level signals very well. - overdrive.... smh
Since I’m running multiple Strymons including a boost/compressor first…& a built in buffer in BigSky outs to the amps… am I already good without this?
Can we hear the guitar with out the buffer and still use the 100 ft cable? As i have no idea what the problem sounds like
Mason, a very critical question. I'm planning to purchase the Chase Bliss Preamp MK2 soon and noticed in addtion to all the amazing gain tones, it has fuzz capability. Do you have experience with this and would a buffer before the pedal affect that specific circuit? I mean, I guess I'm just gonna have to dive in and try myself once I get it. I'm trying to make that my only drive pedal on the board before the SSS SRV and utilize amp sim after.
See 5:30 of the video.
@@7Boots right, but the other drive circuits in the pedal aren't impedence sensitive as far as I know. I guess I'll just plug straight into the pedal and then go through buffer input ofr the rest of my board.
@@prstito ideally it's before any buffer so you could use it the passive input (SEND) as shown in our wiring diagrams under "What If I Have A Fuzz": www.vertexeffects.com/vertex-interface-guide#section-fuzz
I ordered mine in May. Still nothing….can’t wait to finish this project.
They literally just landed at Sweetwater.
Is this one recommended for bass also, I know you mentioned they can be different ?
"other over the counter buffers"
This was great!
Ha, the “Flonase” of buffers
Cool product. So if I’m using a gain pedal to slam the front end of an amp, any output buffer on this VRTX unit will not clip? When I mean slam the front end, I mean a clean Fender amp turns into high gain amp.
No, there's way more headroom in the Vertex Buffer than any pedal could clip even at max settings.
How to acquire it in Europe ? Internationnal shipping = big taxes... If it's not possible, any tips for an alternative ? Empress ?
Haar Guitar and Parts has it in stock. They also distribute to Thomann.
Hi mason i just bought my vertex buffer.. where I’m going to put my wah pedal?
I would use the passive input (SEND) or plug into the wah first and then catch the input buffer after any impedance sensitive stuff.
Wish you would have also showed us what a 100ft of cable sounds like direct to the amp.
The reason is that 100ft. would never be a baseline someone would calculate. The sound you want to calibrate to is the guitar into the amp with a short cable (hence the 10ft. cable reference). The 100ft. cable is showing a worst case scenario and how closely it resembles the 10ft. cable alone without the buffer. Any buffer will make a 100ft. of cable sound better typically to some degree, but not every buffer can make a 10ft. cable with no buffer sound like a 100ft. cable with a buffer driving it.
@@VertexEffectsInc Understandable, but I wanted to hear it just for the lolz.
This is great !
3:40 Actually you can hear some compression.... in the low end.
You actually hear some changes in the picking dynamics. We had more than a decade to figure it out - it's about as 1:1 as possible. I suppose a truer way, and a way that we'll show in the future, will be using a true bypass looper so you can hear the change in real time instead of having to add the buffer plus the 100ft. cable and a DC power supply to go from sound A to sound B.
Can you mount it under the pedalboard next to the power source?
So my set up currently, I’m running through the UA Dream, into my time based effects and then into the walrus canvas di/line isolator box, which then runs into my Apollo interface, or front of house if I’m gigging.
Ive really been in the market for a buffer pedal like yours. The good wood audios interfacer, the a3 custom tone solution being two that seem to be of similar makeup.
I’m curious whether your pedal can both replace my walrus canvas, and give me an input/output buffer?
And if it doesn’t really offer what the canvas does, would you run your buffer before or after the di box?
Thanks,
Adam
The Canvas is a DI, so no - it won't replace what you have. Honestly I don't think you need it with this set up if you're going balanced out to the board and ampless.
I have a tc polytune 3 at the beginning of my chain and a Strymon bigsky at the end of my chain, both set to buffered bypass. Do you think this is enough or would you recommend standalone buffers?
This will be a better buffer, and will offer isolation on one output and phase/polarity control for your two amps. Your current system won't offer this.
@@VertexEffectsInc Awesome! Definitely good to know. Love your channel and I think it’s great that you take the time to answer folks back.
Can I route to impedance sensitive devices before the input buffer AND have an audition loop?
No, if you want to do that, I recommend plugging directly into the impedance sensitive stuff and then hitting the input buffer afterwards. You could also use the FX Send as a passive input, hit your impedance sensitive stuff, then use the FX Return as an output for your insert and the Guitar Input as the Input back from the insert loop (as an alternative) if you wanted to keep it all in the interface.