Q:
What is the advantage of buffering the signal?
A: Most overdrive pedals are one trick ponies.
What they do they do well and for the most part,
all of these were derived from the original Maxon
and Ibanez overdrives that came out years ago
and were popularized by players such as Stevie
Ray Vaughan, Steve Vai, Eddie Van Halen, Joe Satriani
and many others. More recently, several boutique
manufacturers have been offering modified versions
of the originals with more punch and presence
than the original TS9, for a more up-to--date
tone. The Texas indulges the user with all of
these options by providing the original type tones
and enhancing them with additional 'custom-sounding'
options accessable via 3-position 'Bite' switch
for each channel. Further, because the Texas is
a dual-mode pedal, it lets you perform as if you
had a vintage overdrive next to a modern style
pedal and toggle between the two of the sounds
quickly.
Q: Why is transformer isolation
so important?
A: When two amplifiers are connected together,
they invariably will share the same electrical
ground. This leaves them open to stray DC currents
circulating between themselves which more often
than not, will cause hum and buzz. This effect
is commonly known as a ground loop. Transformers
allow AC to pass but are extremely efficient at
stopping DC noise. By bridging the audio signal
through a transformer, the stray currents are
reduced and so is noise. Transformers also allow
you to reverse the polarity to ensure both amps
play in phase..
Q: What's the difference
between the Twin-City and the more expensive Tonebone
Switchbone?
A: The Switchbone is a 100% discreet, class-A
device that is equipped with a tuner output and
variable gain power booster. The Twin-City is
basically a pared down version of the Switchbone
that is both smaller and more affordable.
Q: What is EIS Electronic
Impulse Switching?
A: Although the switches on the Bones look like
regular switches, they are in fact special non-latching
momentary switches that activate an internal electronic
switch which does the actual signal switching.
Because this avoids mechanical switching, problems
such as wear and tear, or contacts sticking, are
significantly reduced. The result: you get longer
trouble-free switch life.
Q: Do the new Bones work
with batteries or only with an adaptor?
A: Because of the high quality class-A circuitry
we employ, a battery
does not generate sufficient current long enough
to be useful. So the
Bones require an external power supply. Good news
is that they will work with any typical 'Boss-style'
adaptor.
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