Q: Can I use the BigShot i/o to switch between guitar and keyboard?
A: Yes. Just keep in mind that keyboards have a lot of output because they generally have powerful buffers to drive the signal. If you plan to use a keyboard and a guitar and select between them, then the keyboard would be connected to input 2 and the DIM control would be engaged to reduce the level to match.

Q: Can I use the BigShot i/o as an AB box?
A:Yes. For AB applications, you could use the i/o's main output to amp one and the tuner output to go to the amp two. Just keep in mind that there are no provisions for isolation and therefore, you could run into buzz and hum problems due to ground loops. If used backwards, The DIM control will also work to reduce the level going to your second amp, but we would generally not recommend using this unless you are first driving your signal and the i/o with a buffer.

Q: Why can I not mix the two instruments so that they are both on at the same time?
A: The idea behind the BigShot i/o is to allow the musician to select between instruments on stage and ensure the one that is not being played and it is completely turned off. This eliminates stage noise and reduces opportunity for runaway feedback. Furthermore, when two instruments are connected together then need to be mixed together. If this were done passively, you would notice a change of tone when using un-buffered instruments like regular electric guitars.

Q: an you explain the ‘bright’ function?
A: In true-bypass passive devices like the BigShot i/o, when you introduce a resistor into the signal path such as the dim potentiometer, the tone can be effected unless the instrument is first buffered. Keep in mind that the DIM is designed for players that transition between active and passive instruments to reduce the level from the active (buffered) instrument. In cases where the DIM is used on passive instruments, to offset some of the tonal effect, we have introduced an RC network (resistor-capacitor).

Q: Can I use the BigShot i/o for microphones?
A: You could, but this would only work on unbalanced mics that employ guitar style ¼” jacks. For balanced mics, we make a series of devices called HotShots that are designed specifically to help.

Q: Can I use the BigShot i/o to switch between studio monitor speakers?
A: Yes. You will however need two units for a stereo setup. The DIM control can also be set to reduce the level on the second pair of active speakers if connected backwards. Please consult a technician to make sure your setup is connected properly.

Q: Which pedal would you recommend for use switching between acoustic and electric guitar?
A: It depends on what you are trying to do:

For a simple selector, the BigShot i/o has two inputs and one of these has a level control to attenuate the signal. If you do not need any control for feedback or tone, this one works great. I would connect the acoustic guitar which is usually louder using the channel with the level control so that you could turn it down to match your electric guitar.

If you want a bit more control, the Bassbone is a good choice. I would use the electric guitar on the 'flat' channel so that it can feed your guitar amp with the original signal. I would use channel two on the acoustic where you would be able to control the tone.

For the most control over feedback, the PZ-Pre will let you adjust the filters to help the acoustic, but these settings will also affect the electric.

Most purists would use the BigShot i/0 as it is very simple and it also costs less!