Q: Why do some folks say buffers are bad?
A: Probably because they never tried a really good one. The PB1 is unique in that it is a Class-A device and employs Drag control load correction to take away any of the unwanted sparkle that a buffer can introduce. .

Q: Why does the PB1 lower the impedance?
A: High impedance circuits are much more susceptible to noise than low impedance circuits. This is why pro studios and broadcasters always employ balanced, low impedance lines between equipment. By lowering the impedance, you can also travel further with less noise.

Q: Most power boosters sound harsh. Why is the PB1 different?
A: The PB1 employs our unique class-A circuit design, the same one used in the high end Radial JD7 Injector. This device is used by countless pros to record and perform live including Buddy Guy, Johnny A, Steve Steven to name a few. These guys are really particular about their tone and they would not use a buffer if it sounded harsh. The PB1 sounds great!

Q: Can I use the PB1 to add front end distortion to my amp?
A: Yes!. Set your amp to a moderately overdriven sound and use the PB1 to add more input saturation. It works great for this!

Q: Can I use the PB1 to boost my acoustic guitar for soloing?
A: Yes. Just be careful not to overdrive the input to your amp of mixer! The PB1 has 15dB of boost power, plenty more than you likely need. Just listen to make sure you do not distort.

Q: Can I use the PB1 as a preamp for a piezo pickup?
A: You could. Start by turning the drag fully clockwise to make sure you get the maximum input impedance and then listen. Try turning down the Drag to suit. If you need extra level, tunr the boost on and adjust. The PB1 will provide a clean, full range boost that could be very suitable!

Q: If I want to use the PB1 for soloing with a distortion, where should it go in the signal chain?
A: If you put the PB1 before your distortion or overdrive pedal, it will increase the input drive and create more distortion. If you put it after the overdrive, it will boost the level. Most players use the power booster after their overdrive pedals.

Q: I get a clicking sound from my tuner. Will using the PB1 as a buffer help?
A: Yes. The clicking is due to the signal from the tuner coming back into the circuit. The PB1 will drive the signal and should eliminate the effect. You may want to use a BigShot EFX, i/o or ABY as part of your system to further advantage your setup and for quiet tuning.

Q: If I want to use the PB1 for soloing with a distortion, where should it go in the signal chain?
A: Well, the Drag control is normally adjusted once and left alone. Therefore, we felt that it made sense to put the boost level control on the back to make assembly easier. Once set, they are out of the way and our of the foot damage zone. That can only be good… right?

Q: Is the BigShot PB1 Buffer on all the time?
A: Answer: Yes. The buffer is there to drive the other pedals in your system and the lower impedance reduces susceptibility to noise. The Drag control counteracts the effects of the buffer to retain the instrument's natural tone.

Q: How could I remove the PB1 buffer from my pedal chain?
A: The easiest way would be to use the BigShot EFX loop controller.
Simply put the PB1 power booster in one of the loops and turn it on when you need it. And of course take it out of the signal path when you do not.

Q: Can the PB1 run on a 9V battery?
A: No. The BigShot PB1 is a Class-A device and therefore requires a lot
of power to make it work. A battery would run out very quickly and therefore the PB1 must be powered with a 9V external supply like the ones used with Boss pedals.

Q: Will the BigShot PB1 help regain the higher frequencies lost due to long cables in the amplifiers effect loop, so that tone and volume would be about the same regardless if the FX-loop is activated or note ?
A: If the effects loop on your amp is a buffered output, it should be able to drive cables to about 50 feet (15 meters) without any high frequency loss. If it is not buffered, then the PB1 will certainly do the job. As for the
volume or sound level differences, the PB1`s built in power booster will
enable you to increase the level should this be required..