Ironically, the weakest link in every guitar
rig, is the guitar itself - more specifically, its
pickups! The hi-Z and low level signal they
produce make them easily susceptible to
loading and signal loss. So naturally — the
OTS1 Patch-Box includes a buffer.
Buffers prevent the loading and loss of (1)
high end frequency response (2) signal
level, and (3) low end punch, due to cable
capacitance and the imperfectly designed
input stage/circuitry of some pedals. All of
these problems still occur even if all of the
pedals have true-bypass switching, which
also adds inconsistent tone to the equation,
every time a different pedal is turned on
and off. Every additional pedal, and every
extra foot of cable in a rig, results in more
and more loading and loss, that only a
buffer can prevent.
The OTS1 input buffer is Axess Electronics'
version of a 'fabled' discrete Class-A buffer
circuit that's been described by some as
"ultra transparent, natural and musical, just
like plugging the guitar straight into the
amp”.
AMPS, FX LOOPS AND CABLE METHODS
The phrase 4 Cable Method (4CM) describes
a specific way of connecting effects pedals
using both an amplifier’s input and its effects
loop at the same time. Alternatively, 2CM
describes the more traditional method of
connecting all of the effects pedals in front of
the amplifier’s input.!
