Mason. I played my first gig in two years last night and all of your help and knowledge on pedals and order and cables saved the day. My rig has never sounded so good. I got so many compliments from other musicians. But the new boost was the star. Running my volume pedal through the boost is a game changer. And kicking that boost on during leads retained my tone and only upped the level. Beautiful. Thank you sir for sharing with us all.
I want to share my wonderful experience so far with using the Boost fifth way. Although I play my amp clean and use pedal for distortion, using the FX loop in Blackstar Studio 10 made a positive impact. But it was significantly better after using the Boost. So much so that I moved the volume and Modulation to it. I really got my money's worth. I know there are no rules and all is subjective but perhaps sharing my experience may help other aficionados like me. I can really appreciate the difference to my ears. If anything, I wish the minijack of the Y cable could fit tight as a regular 1/4 jack. Also I should mention I use the +4dB level.
I just got my "New Vertex Boost MK II. I love the new notched volume control and smaller size. I own two of the original models. These do exactly what the man is talking about and does it perfectly . And what to does not do is as good as what it does do. IT DOES NOT MESS WITH YOUR TONE ! It just gives you more of it and more control over it. Good Job Doctor !
🙏🙏🙏. So glad you dig the new one! The notches are a cool touch we added last minute so you could dial in the exact dB increase you want and actually go up to 20db above unity gain.
I have two of the earlier models .. I have used it mainly for a volume pedal device . I have tried some very expensive "active "volume pedals, they all degrade tone . The Vertex does not ! 100% transparent ! You will love it ! Simple and "Perfect".
I have played a lot of boost pedals.. I love this one more than the others.. BJFE Baby Pink was the only other pedal I hold at the same bar... But the Vertex has extra functionality... Killer solo launch pad.
Best pedal I ever bought my 335 sounded great but my strat sounds awesome unreal it gave my fender amps headroom like crazy I put in front of my klon wich I don’t run hot at all but the best thing about this pedal is all my noise well 90% of it’s gone don’t hesitate to buy this boost I waited and I’m sorry I did
I’ve been watching your videos nonstop trying to figure out if this will serve me well as an in/out buffer for my bass pedal board. Please let me know! Great content!!!
My friend bought that pedal and after few days return to Thoman !!!! that pedal play 3 days ONLY , Just make sure what you doing . this boost is very expensive and you should take care of it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my friend !
I have a question about using high impedance volume pedal with this boost. More specifically, as you obviously know high impedance volume pedals are usually made to be used with a signal straight from the guitar (prior to pedals). Using the vertex boost would allow me to use my high impedance volume pedal after my distortion pedals without tone issues? Or I would still need a low impedance volume pedal for that? In other words, do the high and low impedance settings become irrelevant or would there still be a difference? Please let me know! Great content btw!
The impedance of the VP doesn't matter if it's being used as an EXP for the boost. 250K or 25K or even 10K...no difference. The taper of course will matter as it does in any volume pedal or EXP, so choose one you like - but sound-wise...the impedance isn't a factor.
@@VertexEffectsInc I was able to place the order on the pedal however the link on the description for the vertex premium insert cable is no good ( keeps showing error). Do you have a different link?
The sour note at 2:13 in the “without boost” clip reminds me of infomercials showing the black-and-white footage of the guy who “just can’t figure it out.” It’s a subliminal way to tell people that their sound is sour without this pedal. Pretty sly, if you ask me.
I can see that it would appear that way...it's more a reflection of my mediocre guitar playing than any subversive attempt to undermine the sound without the boost.
I have some tone suck and volume decrease due to the function of my amp when using fx loop. This boost would be great. Especially since my routing is the same in 7:32 diagram
No place to fit it, this is already so small. You can build our DIY buffer if you want a tuner out, all the diagrams are there for you and materials listed in our videos on the DIY buffer.
Hi Mason! What kind of cable do you recommend using for a DIY "Y" to an Ernie Ball 25K volume pedal? At first I interpreted the comment about the volume pedal not affecting the signal as...it was truly isolated, and the MKII was just measuring resistance and applying that as a taper to its own output. But I think I have that all wrong, and the volume pedal really is directly in the signal chain...it's just that the buffering prevents any signal loss. Do I have that right? And if so, I assume I should be using something shielded like Mogami 2314, rather than unshielded 2-conductor crap. Am I thinking about this the right way? Set me straight, would ya? Thanks in advance! :P
I generally use the Mogami 2528 for Y Cables and SquarePlug or Switchcraft TRS Connectors. The impedance is isolated from whatever is in the TRS send/return loop of the boost. There's not way to do it fully analog without doing it that way and using gain stages. VCA stuff colors the tone too much, and going digital...well...that's a no-no for an analog pedal. If you didn't want to go with a Mogami, you could get a Hosa TRS to dual TS adapter and use that too with just a normal TRS to TRS cable out of the boost.
Hahahahahah! Be sure to get one before they sell out of the first batch. Reserve yours now: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VertexBoostMk2--vertex-effects-boost-mkii-pedal
This looks and sounds amazing! If you use it as a buffer with a chain of pedals in it's "loop" will a finicky fuzz pedal be okay there? Or should it still be first (before the loop)? Just curious.
Question, I'm looking into this to replace my RC Booster for solo's: in usecase #2 Output boost, what is the advantage of placing it after OD pedals vs as your last pedal? If you up the signal halfway in your pedal chain: won't you distort other pedals after that? (In my case: Jam Pedals Harmonious Monk tremolo and Mythos Oracle delay) Thanks in advance, looks like an awesome product!
If you're planning to use it with an EXP or Volume pedal...then placing it last can be a bit strange as you'll have not delay/reverb trails if you use those effects on your board. If you're not planning to use a VP with the Boost, then having it dead last is fine - we did this recently with Emily Wolfe's rig - you can check out that rig build on our channel if you're curious about how this might look in the context of a pedalboard. Typically the pedals nowadays can accept a pretty hot boosted signal - not all, but most. Generally there isn't a consequence to putting a boost before a delay, reverb, modulation device, but you can always test it to see the tolerance of your particular pedals to have a lot of output running into them.
@@VertexEffectsInc where do I get that Y cable that you have on the video? I just got my boost mk II in today and I think I want to use it as a dual buffer. But if I decide to use the volume option, will the same Y cable work? Like for both applications.
Can I use Vertex boost as a buffer in fx loop and also plug it as last effect in my fx loop for solo boosting? Basically combine 3. and 5. method in this video...
Mason I got my Mk2 boost pedal and one TRS insert cable to connect it into to the Expression input hole of my mini Dunlop volume pedal….I am using it at the beginning of my chain as a buffer input and also to control the gain of my next drives pedal in the chain using the Volume pedal as a Expression pedal. Can the Mk2 Boost works well as a good first input buffer pedal for my pedalboard chain???Thanks 🙏🏻
@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks Mason!Yes,it works beautiful as my first pedal in the chain!I can connect the Volume Pedal using the TRS insert cable into the Expression input of the pedal allowing to control volume and also I can clean the gain of my two drives after the Mk2 boost in the signal chain(acting as a guitar volume pot)like the Morning Glory and the Wampler Pantheon overdrive! Plus I really love how the MK2 works before them pushing a nice sustain into any of these two drives I choose to use!Great pedal Mason!🙏🏻🎸🔥🙅🏻♂️🙌🏻😎
Thanks for this great video! I'm planning to use this as a boost after my drives, but have you or anyone compared this to an ernie ball MVP? The MVP has a tuner out plug in, so if the tuner doesn't need to be in the loop. If I were to use this, I would get an expression pedal and my tuner would have to be in the loop too. Which option would decrease tone suck more and / or give me more clean boost?
@@VertexEffectsInc So in a sense, this would go before the stereo effects, at the start of the FX loop, to act as a master volume, but would it still convert the loop to an active loop, or does it HAVE to be on the return for that function?
Hey Mason I’ve got a question of which would work best. I want the type of overdrive that would come from turning up my amp (natural overdrive of the amp). Which would work better , a transparent overdrive going in front of the amp like a blues breaker circuit that I hear is really transparent? Or getting the vertex boost and putting it in between the effects loop? I’m not sure what would work better. Thanks
If you want to saturate your pre-amp, putting the boost in front of the amp will help do that. If you want to have power amp distortion, putting the boost on the return of the effects loop will help with that. You can experiment to see what type of overdrive sound you like by placing the boost in either position. The Vertex Boost will be linear, it won't change the character of the amp, just make it clip as it would ordinarily if it were put into overdrive. If you want a pedal to do it, it will have some color but can still be nice. I wouldn't call a Blues Breaker "transparent" - it adds a midrange for sure. Most pedals will do something.
So could any buffered pedal do the same thing in an effects loop, making it active ? I’m not very pedal savvy or effects loop savy , just I’m curious about this in general
Hello! I have no Hi-Z input and mic pre on my sound card, it is RME PCIe card. Can I use Vertex Boost MKII as "di-box" to record guitar to line-in of sound card?
@@VertexEffectsInc one more question please. I live in Germany but can't find it anywhere near. Is it available or not yet? seems like Sweetwater is the only place to buy it.
Yes, it won't hurt anything...our buffers are ultra low noise and uber transparent. It's 10x better than say a Boss pedal or similar JFET or BJT buffer in most ordinary pedals.
I just bought your Boost pedal and absolutely love it! But I'm having difficulties using the TSR cable and my Ernie Ball volume. It doesn't seem to work regardless of switching the cables. There's definitely a signal coming out of the TSR cable because I can tap each cable coming out of it and tap them so I can tell their signal coming out. But once I plug it into the Ernie Ball volume pedal it just doesn't work. Any suggestions? By the way, I also have your Ultraphonics Mark 1 and I absolutely love that pedal!
@@VertexEffectsInc very cool, thank you for getting back to me so quickly! Hopefully I'll get it sorted out because I absolutely love that boost pedal!
So I'm trying to contact your customer service via the link that you gave me but it will not recognize my email as a valid email account. I tried both of my email accounts and it will not recognize either. Can you please provide me with a phone number so I can speak with somebody?
Just to clarify since I think the claim of tonal transparency being stated is misleading - isn’t this pedal buffered bypass? If so, it would be good to hear the whole pedal in a loop to show how it’s affecting your sound - not just the toggling of the level boost.
It's buffered but if the boost was creating a "TONE" wouldn't it still alter the buffer? We also have another video showing the boost in a true bypass loop versus other standard buffers with 60 feet of cable on the output versus the cables only driven by the passive guitar pickups. Check out that video too!
Hey Mason I just bought the MK2 Boost and I love it!!! Then I also bought a TRS stereo little cable from your Dr rig website (39.99$) to connect to my mini Dunlop passive Volume Pedal into the EXP output only. (I am not using the input output from the volume pedal) So my question is:is the MK2 Boost buffer working into the mini Dunlop VP so I don’t experience the tone suck??? I think I am doing the right thing but I just want checking it with you to know if I am really connected everything properly. Thanks a lot!!!The pedal and cable are awesome !!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Great news! The Boost buffer is on all the time. It is buffering the send and return of the TRS cable. Are you happy with the sound you're getting with the volume pedal used as an EXP?
@@VertexEffectsInc Yes,I can hear the sound sparkly and clear,just wanted to be sure I was doing the right connection with the EXP option of the volume pedal. I am glad to follow your guidelines!Plus I also got two Mogami Gold guitar cables that you recommended it and they are spectacular!!!Killer tone!!!Thanks again Mason!!!🙏🏻
@@mdmusic2130 If it's a TRS just make sure it's connected to the EXP jack only, not the input or output of the VP - then you're fine. So glad you found the advice helpful!
Is this Vertex boost MKII a Mu-Amp Buffer design or Class A design? How can you use this Vertex boost/buffer pedal to create glassy clean tones because the input buffer is going to prevent this when the effects are side chained in the expression port.
@@VertexEffectsInc using a Mu-amp buffer would have what kind of advantages? because mike fulltone fat boost is a buffer that can use 50ft of cable before degradation
It’s not an EQ so you can’t select specific frequencies to boost or cut. Whatever comes in, comes out. No tone change, no EQ change and it’s designed for guitar or bass, line or instrument levels.
Mason: “it would sound pretty wretched to the tone.” (Cut camera; add 300 ft of cable; hit tuning keys on table; roll camera; scowl on face as you say:) “let’s just hear what it sounds like when there’s no Vertex boost involved…” (play guitar; vomit off camera; clean up; try to forget the perverseness which just occurred and move to next function.)
Probably stupid question: could I have this pedal always on but with the expression pedal totally off and still have my normal signal? My goal is to find a way to ramp up my normal volume to a louder point for a specific part in a song.
You can get something with a min/max pot like the Boss FV-500L and set the heel minimum volume position and use that in combination with the Boost to achieve that.
Just purchased a boost and am wondering where it should sit in regards to a Tru-Fi Floyd Fuzz and a Wampler Ego compressor. I want it in front of everything else. Thanks!
Where would you put it in terms of compression? I’ve always liked the ego in front of my 1981 and other drives but after my beekeeper and fuzz. Thanks!
Hi Mason, Just got the MRKII Boost, sorry if I missed this before, I wanted it for a Buffer/Boost pedal at the end of my signal chain, is this an always on buffer? or is the buffer only active through the Exp/Volume jack?
Yes, you need to get an insert cable adaptor like this: sweetwater.com/store/detail/YMP137--hosa-ymp-137-stereo-breakout-3.5mm-trs-to-dual-1-4-inch-tsf-6-inch Connections would go as follows: TRS 1/8" plugs into the Boost Boost Input = Input 1 Ring (RED) = Output 1 Black (TIP) = Input 2 Boost Output = Output 2 Output 1 is the input buffer Output 2 is the output buffer For your set up, the dual buffer and boost after the OD pedals you would go: Guitar Black Tip, Input 2 (Black Tip) Boost Output, Output 2 (Input Buffer) Pedals Pedals Pedals...etc. Boost Input 1 (Boost Input) Red Ring, Output 1 (Output Buffer) Amp
@@VertexEffectsInc So there is no active buffer on the in and out jacks and the only way to use the buffer is inserting my pedalboard chain through the EXP Jack using the optional cable? sorry that I misunderstood the signal chain with the Vertex Boost pedal, so you would not use this as typical buffer pedal at the end of the signal chain?
@@lancecox8084 there are two buffers, one on the input and one on the return. The way I instructed you to use the Boost was to still 1) utilize the input and output buffers and 2) have the boost happen at the end of the chain. There are multiple routing options by way of the EXP insert to reflect how you want to use it. I was explaining to you the way that met your requested application.
@@VertexEffectsInc so the MKl version of this pedal has a buffer on both sides of the EXP send and return as well? I bought the original for use with a Boss EV30, and there is a definite loss of high-end fidelity when using the EXP pedal vs unplugging it.
@@VertexEffectsInc Boss EV30 > VB EXP jack via TRS. The volume pedal “works” … but it doesn’t sound as clean and free from the dreaded “tone suck” as when I unplug the expression. The pedal is impedance loading my tone when using the expression pedal. Isn’t there supposed to be no change in tone due to the buffer and isolated EXP jack (?) … or is this the reason a Mkll version was released, to combat the impedance loading of the Mkl?
@@imanalien2222 have you checked the polarity? Have you checked the TRS cable that you're using to connect it with? Are you sure you don't have the minimum/maximum value set to something else so you're attenuated at max inadvertently.
This 1/8" TRS Y cable bullshit was a step backwards. 👎 We need a MK3 small footprint back to 1/4" mono jacks. I don't even want to scew with 1/4" TRS and Y cables. Or back to MK1.
Mason. I played my first gig in two years last night and all of your help and knowledge on pedals and order and cables saved the day. My rig has never sounded so good. I got so many compliments from other musicians. But the new boost was the star. Running my volume pedal through the boost is a game changer. And kicking that boost on during leads retained my tone and only upped the level. Beautiful. Thank you sir for sharing with us all.
That is awesome! Thanks so much for all the support Mark!!!!
I think this pedal has massive potential. I already am solving 2 problems with this
Finally someone who is a good guitarist demoing their gear lol. Thanks for sharing these brother!
Just got the Vertex Boost about a month ago for my bass. What a difference. Nothing but compliments on my tone !!!
Great to hear!
I want to share my wonderful experience so far with using the Boost fifth way. Although I play my amp clean and use pedal for distortion, using the FX loop in Blackstar Studio 10 made a positive impact. But it was significantly better after using the Boost. So much so that I moved the volume and Modulation to it. I really got my money's worth. I know there are no rules and all is subjective but perhaps sharing my experience may help other aficionados like me. I can really appreciate the difference to my ears. If anything, I wish the minijack of the Y cable could fit tight as a regular 1/4 jack. Also I should mention I use the +4dB level.
Glad you found the video useful Douglas!!
This boost is phenomenal. I use it with an expression pedal, which works whether the boost is engaged or not. Buffer always is active.
I just got my "New Vertex Boost MK II. I love the new notched volume control and smaller size. I own two of the original models. These do exactly what the man is talking about and does it perfectly . And what to does not do is as good as what it does do. IT DOES NOT MESS WITH YOUR TONE ! It just gives you more of it and more control over it. Good Job Doctor !
🙏🙏🙏. So glad you dig the new one! The notches are a cool touch we added last minute so you could dial in the exact dB increase you want and actually go up to 20db above unity gain.
docta docta gimme the news! i got a bad case of loving this boost!!!
Yes!!! Robert Palmer all the way!!!
Right On, Brah
I'm sold, Sure hope you guys plan on making a lot of these,now it's time to message my Buddy Jack up in Ft.Wayne.Thanks,Unc, Excellent video.
Yessir! Enjoy!!! Get em while you still can: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VertexBoostMk2--vertex-effects-boost-mkii-pedal
Super great product, you sir, are going to sell a million of these!!
That's the plan!
mine is on the way ... excited to get it and start using
Enjoy Wayne! Thanks for the support!!!
I have two of the earlier models .. I have used it mainly for a volume pedal device . I have tried some very expensive "active "volume pedals, they all degrade tone . The Vertex does not ! 100% transparent ! You will love it ! Simple and "Perfect".
@@MrDavemiley Bam! There it is!!! Testimonial of the year!
After we buy this house next month I definitely need to get this boost so I can put my son's volume pedal back on his board.
Perfect! Make sure you reserve yours now at Sweetwater: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VertexBoostMk2--vertex-effects-boost-mkii-pedal
I have played a lot of boost pedals.. I love this one more than the others.. BJFE Baby Pink was the only other pedal I hold at the same bar... But the Vertex has extra functionality... Killer solo launch pad.
yes indeed! hope we get MKII in your hands!!!
watched the video last night and bought the pedal right away . Great info , Thx
Amazing! Let us know if you need anything
I love this video! Great explanation. I think this and the eh-30 are my next pedals I'm buying
👍👍👍 thanks for watching
Best pedal I ever bought my 335 sounded great but my strat sounds awesome unreal it gave my fender amps headroom like crazy I put in front of my klon wich I don’t run hot at all but the best thing about this pedal is all my noise well 90% of it’s gone don’t hesitate to buy this boost I waited and I’m sorry I did
DUDE, YOU ARE BRILLIANT!!!
Thanks for watching! Hope we get one in your hands!
This is genius if it's really without soundchanging! (must try that with an very acoustic sounding archtop) : ))
It's a great pedal if you want transparency!
Brilliant! I need 2 on my board
Does use #3 essentially correct any problems with a passive effects loop similarly to use #5?
Does the boost need to be on for this to happen? 2:21
@@isaacpinheiro20 no
I’ve been watching your videos nonstop trying to figure out if this will serve me well as an in/out buffer for my bass pedal board. Please let me know! Great content!!!
It can do both, but is best suited as a Boost with a Volume EXP option, but can do multiple things including a dual buffer.
@@VertexEffectsInc awesome. Thank you for the quick reply!
@@dosbrosphotos. Anytime!
@@VertexEffectsInc so it can be used as buffer and use the volume expression deal at the same time? If so how?
@@nathanross4097 Can't be all at the same time, it can still be a dual buffer and a boost at the same time however.
My friend bought that pedal and after few days return to Thoman !!!! that pedal play 3 days ONLY , Just make sure what you doing . this boost is very expensive and you should take care of it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my friend !
Not sure what you’re saying. The product didn’t work? Your fiend didn’t like the sound?
I have a question about using high impedance volume pedal with this boost. More specifically, as you obviously know high impedance volume pedals are usually made to be used with a signal straight from the guitar (prior to pedals). Using the vertex boost would allow me to use my high impedance volume pedal after my distortion pedals without tone issues? Or I would still need a low impedance volume pedal for that? In other words, do the high and low impedance settings become irrelevant or would there still be a difference? Please let me know! Great content btw!
The impedance of the VP doesn't matter if it's being used as an EXP for the boost. 250K or 25K or even 10K...no difference. The taper of course will matter as it does in any volume pedal or EXP, so choose one you like - but sound-wise...the impedance isn't a factor.
@@VertexEffectsInc amazing. Just wanted to be 100% sure before buying it. Thank you!!
@@tcct1697 Totally understand! Thanks for the support!!!
@@VertexEffectsInc I was able to place the order on the pedal however the link on the description for the vertex premium insert cable is no good ( keeps showing error). Do you have a different link?
The sour note at 2:13 in the “without boost” clip reminds me of infomercials showing the black-and-white footage of the guy who “just can’t figure it out.” It’s a subliminal way to tell people that their sound is sour without this pedal. Pretty sly, if you ask me.
I can see that it would appear that way...it's more a reflection of my mediocre guitar playing than any subversive attempt to undermine the sound without the boost.
Does the buffer in the vertex boost work without the expression cable connected to the expression pedal?
@@isaacpinheiro20yes
@@VertexEffectsInc Awesome!!! Definitely buying this boost then! Thanks guys ❤️
I have some tone suck and volume decrease due to the function of my amp when using fx loop. This boost would be great.
Especially since my routing is the same in 7:32 diagram
You can put the volume pedal in the vertex boost exp loop and it should work great, no issues
Mason thats a great pedal.your the man.cheers
Thanks Reverend!
Hey Doctor! You could upgrade it to be the input output buffer of the pedalboard. Plus a tuner output.
No place to fit it, this is already so small. You can build our DIY buffer if you want a tuner out, all the diagrams are there for you and materials listed in our videos on the DIY buffer.
Genius! Does it work with passive Volume Pedals, or passive Expression Pedals?
Yes, only passive is preferred.
When you use the volume pedal in fx loop are you using the y cable to go to th in and out of the volume pedal?
Sorry Mason - I lost my reference for the cable to the volume pedal, Tip = ? Ring = ? Thanks again
Tip - output
Ring - input
@@VertexEffectsInc Thank you!
Could I hook up something like an MC6 and use the expression out to turn on and off the boost?
Brilliant
Hi Mason! What kind of cable do you recommend using for a DIY "Y" to an Ernie Ball 25K volume pedal? At first I interpreted the comment about the volume pedal not affecting the signal as...it was truly isolated, and the MKII was just measuring resistance and applying that as a taper to its own output. But I think I have that all wrong, and the volume pedal really is directly in the signal chain...it's just that the buffering prevents any signal loss. Do I have that right? And if so, I assume I should be using something shielded like Mogami 2314, rather than unshielded 2-conductor crap. Am I thinking about this the right way? Set me straight, would ya? Thanks in advance! :P
I generally use the Mogami 2528 for Y Cables and SquarePlug or Switchcraft TRS Connectors. The impedance is isolated from whatever is in the TRS send/return loop of the boost. There's not way to do it fully analog without doing it that way and using gain stages. VCA stuff colors the tone too much, and going digital...well...that's a no-no for an analog pedal. If you didn't want to go with a Mogami, you could get a Hosa TRS to dual TS adapter and use that too with just a normal TRS to TRS cable out of the boost.
Can I also use it with an active Volume Pedal?
You can, but it's unnecessary
should have used the tone brush on that HRM... Lol.... but seriously, I'm buying a one of these asap.
Hahahahahah! Be sure to get one before they sell out of the first batch. Reserve yours now: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VertexBoostMk2--vertex-effects-boost-mkii-pedal
wow I need to grab one of these!
Head on over to Sweetwater and reserve yours now! www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VertexBoostMk2--vertex-effects-boost-mkii-pedal
This looks and sounds amazing! If you use it as a buffer with a chain of pedals in it's "loop" will a finicky fuzz pedal be okay there? Or should it still be first (before the loop)? Just curious.
Fuzzes before buffers always, I'd put fuzz first, then go into the boost input and loop in your pedals into the insert following that!
Question, I'm looking into this to replace my RC Booster for solo's: in usecase #2 Output boost, what is the advantage of placing it after OD pedals vs as your last pedal? If you up the signal halfway in your pedal chain: won't you distort other pedals after that? (In my case: Jam Pedals Harmonious Monk tremolo and Mythos Oracle delay) Thanks in advance, looks like an awesome product!
If you're planning to use it with an EXP or Volume pedal...then placing it last can be a bit strange as you'll have not delay/reverb trails if you use those effects on your board. If you're not planning to use a VP with the Boost, then having it dead last is fine - we did this recently with Emily Wolfe's rig - you can check out that rig build on our channel if you're curious about how this might look in the context of a pedalboard. Typically the pedals nowadays can accept a pretty hot boosted signal - not all, but most. Generally there isn't a consequence to putting a boost before a delay, reverb, modulation device, but you can always test it to see the tolerance of your particular pedals to have a lot of output running into them.
@@VertexEffectsInc thanks so much! I thought maybe having boost closer after drive could have a sonically different effect, but this makes sense.
@@LLVG83 generally you'll be ok post OD and before time based stuff.
Hi Mason, if using as dual buffer (Y insert cable) would the boost function come “after” the sidechain?
After
@@VertexEffectsInc where do I get that Y cable that you have on the video?
I just got my boost mk II in today and I think I want to use it as a dual buffer. But if I decide to use the volume option, will the same Y cable work? Like for both applications.
@@nathanross4097 www.therigdr.com we have all custom lengths
Can I use Vertex boost as a buffer in fx loop and also plug it as last effect in my fx loop for solo boosting? Basically combine 3. and 5. method in this video...
Mason I got my Mk2 boost pedal and one TRS insert cable to connect it into to the Expression input hole of my mini Dunlop volume pedal….I am using it at the beginning of my chain as a buffer input and also to control the gain of my next drives pedal in the chain using the Volume pedal as a Expression pedal.
Can the Mk2 Boost works well as a good first input buffer pedal for my pedalboard chain???Thanks 🙏🏻
Great! Yes, it is a great input or output buffer.
@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks Mason!Yes,it works beautiful as my first pedal in the chain!I can connect the Volume Pedal using the TRS insert cable into the Expression input of the pedal allowing to control volume and also I can clean the gain of my two drives after the Mk2 boost in the signal chain(acting as a guitar volume pot)like the Morning Glory and the Wampler Pantheon overdrive!
Plus I really love how the MK2 works before them pushing a nice sustain into any of these two drives I choose to use!Great pedal Mason!🙏🏻🎸🔥🙅🏻♂️🙌🏻😎
Thanks for this great video! I'm planning to use this as a boost after my drives, but have you or anyone compared this to an ernie ball MVP? The MVP has a tuner out plug in, so if the tuner doesn't need to be in the loop. If I were to use this, I would get an expression pedal and my tuner would have to be in the loop too. Which option would decrease tone suck more and / or give me more clean boost?
You can use the tuner out still if that volume pedal is in the EXP of the boost.
@@VertexEffectsInc Thank you so much! Also, last thing but for boost to volume dunlop mini, can I use any 3.5 mm to trs cable?
If so, is there any where you can suggest for getting cables that are short and right angled?
Way cool tool.
Wait, but what if you had stereo time effects going into the effects loop? (Some select amps and modelers have a stereo effects loop)
This will only work in MONO, you'd need to put your stereo effects after this if you use the Insert Loop.
@@VertexEffectsInc I mean as a buffer going into the effects return, to have an active FX loop on the modelers
@@VertexEffectsInc So in a sense, this would go before the stereo effects, at the start of the FX loop, to act as a master volume, but would it still convert the loop to an active loop, or does it HAVE to be on the return for that function?
You want your stereo effects after
Drives first then you can leave clean trails
Hey Mason I’ve got a question of which would work best. I want the type of overdrive that would come from turning up my amp (natural overdrive of the amp). Which would work better , a transparent overdrive going in front of the amp like a blues breaker circuit that I hear is really transparent? Or getting the vertex boost and putting it in between the effects loop? I’m not sure what would work better. Thanks
If you want to saturate your pre-amp, putting the boost in front of the amp will help do that. If you want to have power amp distortion, putting the boost on the return of the effects loop will help with that. You can experiment to see what type of overdrive sound you like by placing the boost in either position. The Vertex Boost will be linear, it won't change the character of the amp, just make it clip as it would ordinarily if it were put into overdrive. If you want a pedal to do it, it will have some color but can still be nice. I wouldn't call a Blues Breaker "transparent" - it adds a midrange for sure. Most pedals will do something.
@@VertexEffectsInc thank you for the info!
So could any buffered pedal do the same thing in an effects loop, making it active ? I’m not very pedal savvy or effects loop savy , just I’m curious about this in general
Hello! I have no Hi-Z input and mic pre on my sound card, it is RME PCIe card. Can I use Vertex Boost MKII as "di-box" to record guitar to line-in of sound card?
It's not designed for that.
Hi Mason, should I upgrade my rig with MKII? I already have (and love) MKI :) is it the same circuit?
Same circuit the only benefit would be the smaller size.
hello, I bought this pedal, one question, with the pedal off, is the buffer still active?
99% sure : yes
Is the output impedance the same (about 80 ohm) when the pedal is on and off? Or does switching it on raise the output impedance?
Awesome! is this 9v center negative? thanks!
Yes, correct
@@VertexEffectsInc thank you!
@@feniapapadimitriou9882 Sure thing!
@@VertexEffectsInc one more question please. I live in Germany but can't find it anywhere near. Is it available or not yet? seems like Sweetwater is the only place to buy it.
@@feniapapadimitriou9882 Pre-order now with Haar Guitar and Parts, they will have it around March 26th
Can I use the vertex boost if I already have an input and output buffer?
Yes, it won't hurt anything...our buffers are ultra low noise and uber transparent. It's 10x better than say a Boss pedal or similar JFET or BJT buffer in most ordinary pedals.
So when I use the boost as a dual buffer, can I still continue to use it as a boost that is first in the signal chain before my other effects?
Yes!
@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks!
this was my teacher… hey mason.
Hey bud! Good to hear from you Brian!
Hi Mason，just wonder if I can use dual TRS Y cable instead of dual TS Y cable? Will that be any differences? Many thanks.
I just bought your Boost pedal and absolutely love it! But I'm having difficulties using the TSR cable and my Ernie Ball volume. It doesn't seem to work regardless of switching the cables. There's definitely a signal coming out of the TSR cable because I can tap each cable coming out of it and tap them so I can tell their signal coming out. But once I plug it into the Ernie Ball volume pedal it just doesn't work. Any suggestions? By the way, I also have your Ultraphonics Mark 1 and I absolutely love that pedal!
Contact customer service so they can see what you're doing and how your inserting the cables: info@vertexeffects.com.
@@VertexEffectsInc very cool, thank you for getting back to me so quickly! Hopefully I'll get it sorted out because I absolutely love that boost pedal!
So I'm trying to contact your customer service via the link that you gave me but it will not recognize my email as a valid email account. I tried both of my email accounts and it will not recognize either. Can you please provide me with a phone number so I can speak with somebody?
@@Jakal-pw8yq you can try here as well: www.vertexeffects.com/contact
Just to clarify since I think the claim of tonal transparency being stated is misleading - isn’t this pedal buffered bypass? If so, it would be good to hear the whole pedal in a loop to show how it’s affecting your sound - not just the toggling of the level boost.
It's buffered but if the boost was creating a "TONE" wouldn't it still alter the buffer? We also have another video showing the boost in a true bypass loop versus other standard buffers with 60 feet of cable on the output versus the cables only driven by the passive guitar pickups. Check out that video too!
Yup yupyup
Hey Mason I just bought the MK2 Boost and I love it!!!
Then I also bought a TRS stereo little cable from your Dr rig website (39.99$) to connect to my mini Dunlop passive Volume Pedal into the EXP output only.
(I am not using the input output from the volume pedal)
So my question is:is the MK2 Boost buffer working into the mini Dunlop VP so I don’t experience the tone suck???
I think I am doing the right thing but I just want checking it with you to know if I am really connected everything properly.
Thanks a lot!!!The pedal and cable are awesome !!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Great news!
The Boost buffer is on all the time. It is buffering the send and return of the TRS cable.
Are you happy with the sound you're getting with the volume pedal used as an EXP?
@@VertexEffectsInc Yes,I can hear the sound sparkly and clear,just wanted to be sure I was doing the right connection with the EXP option of the volume pedal.
I am glad to follow your guidelines!Plus I also got two Mogami Gold guitar cables that you recommended it and they are spectacular!!!Killer tone!!!Thanks again Mason!!!🙏🏻
@@mdmusic2130 If it's a TRS just make sure it's connected to the EXP jack only, not the input or output of the VP - then you're fine. So glad you found the advice helpful!
Is this Vertex boost MKII a Mu-Amp Buffer design or Class A design? How can you use this Vertex boost/buffer pedal to create glassy clean tones because the input buffer is going to prevent this when the effects are side chained in the expression port.
Neither. It's all IC based. Opamp. You have a buffer on both sides of the EXP send and return.
@@VertexEffectsInc using a Mu-amp buffer would have what kind of advantages? because mike fulltone fat boost is a buffer that can use 50ft of cable before degradation
Can you please confirm the frequency range that this pedal will boost? I'm a bass player, so I need it to boost from 30>40Hz up.
It’s not an EQ so you can’t select specific frequencies to boost or cut. Whatever comes in, comes out. No tone change, no EQ change and it’s designed for guitar or bass, line or instrument levels.
Mason: “it would sound pretty wretched to the tone.” (Cut camera; add 300 ft of cable; hit tuning keys on table; roll camera; scowl on face as you say:) “let’s just hear what it sounds like when there’s no Vertex boost involved…” (play guitar; vomit off camera; clean up; try to forget the perverseness which just occurred and move to next function.)
Sounds like a lotta work
i wish it had 2 inputs so u could use as a/b box from wireless to wired
Sounds like you should just look at our DIY interface to build that...a Boost like this can do a lot, it can't do it all.
@@VertexEffectsInc that i have , once i move to my new place i most likely make one :)
Is this a JFET Boost?
Probably stupid question: could I have this pedal always on but with the expression pedal totally off and still have my normal signal? My goal is to find a way to ramp up my normal volume to a louder point for a specific part in a song.
You can get something with a min/max pot like the Boss FV-500L and set the heel minimum volume position and use that in combination with the Boost to achieve that.
@@VertexEffectsInc Thank you so much dude.
Do you have any of the old bigger box ones left.
Very few, you should check with dealers.
Will the tuner out in the volume pedal still work?
Yes.
Just purchased a boost and am wondering where it should sit in regards to a Tru-Fi Floyd Fuzz and a Wampler Ego compressor. I want it in front of everything else. Thanks!
I'd put it after you drives and fuzzes.
Where would you put it in terms of compression? I’ve always liked the ego in front of my 1981 and other drives but after my beekeeper and fuzz. Thanks!
Mason will the mkii boost take 18v?
No, it's already running internally well beyond that.
Just curious, does the 1/8th inch stereo Y cable come with the pedal?
Got a 404 error when I tried to check out the Y cable links.
No, all custom ordered or get any of the Hosa ones.
Should all be updated: www.therigdr.com/collections/cables/products/1-8-trs-to-1-4-ts-insert-cable
Hi Mason, Just got the MRKII Boost, sorry if I missed this before, I wanted it for a Buffer/Boost pedal at the end of my signal chain, is this an always on buffer? or is the buffer only active through the Exp/Volume jack?
Yes, you need to get an insert cable adaptor like this: sweetwater.com/store/detail/YMP137--hosa-ymp-137-stereo-breakout-3.5mm-trs-to-dual-1-4-inch-tsf-6-inch
Connections would go as follows:
TRS 1/8" plugs into the Boost
Boost Input = Input 1
Ring (RED) = Output 1
Black (TIP) = Input 2
Boost Output = Output 2
Output 1 is the input buffer
Output 2 is the output buffer
For your set up, the dual buffer and boost after the OD pedals you would go:
Guitar
Black Tip, Input 2 (Black Tip)
Boost Output, Output 2 (Input Buffer)
Pedals
Pedals
Pedals...etc.
Boost Input 1 (Boost Input)
Red Ring, Output 1 (Output Buffer)
Amp
@@VertexEffectsInc So there is no active buffer on the in and out jacks and the only way to use the buffer is inserting my pedalboard chain through the EXP Jack using the optional cable? sorry that I misunderstood the signal chain with the Vertex Boost pedal, so you would not use this as typical buffer pedal at the end of the signal chain?
@@lancecox8084 there are two buffers, one on the input and one on the return. The way I instructed you to use the Boost was to still 1) utilize the input and output buffers and 2) have the boost happen at the end of the chain. There are multiple routing options by way of the EXP insert to reflect how you want to use it. I was explaining to you the way that met your requested application.
@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks for clearing that up for me, cheers!
¡Amazing!
¿Mk I and Mk II do the same, right?
Yes!
@@VertexEffectsInc so the MKl version of this pedal has a buffer on both sides of the EXP send and return as well? I bought the original for use with a Boss EV30, and there is a definite loss of high-end fidelity when using the EXP pedal vs unplugging it.
@@imanalien2222 How are you connecting it?
@@VertexEffectsInc Boss EV30 > VB EXP jack via TRS. The volume pedal “works” … but it doesn’t sound as clean and free from the dreaded “tone suck” as when I unplug the expression. The pedal is impedance loading my tone when using the expression pedal. Isn’t there supposed to be no change in tone due to the buffer and isolated EXP jack (?) … or is this the reason a Mkll version was released, to combat the impedance loading of the Mkl?
@@imanalien2222 have you checked the polarity? Have you checked the TRS cable that you're using to connect it with? Are you sure you don't have the minimum/maximum value set to something else so you're attenuated at max inadvertently.
would there be any way for me to run out stereo with this pedal ????
perhaps using this with another buffer !?!
even if it can’t... the ideas and time that was put into this pedal is mind blowing!! I’m purchasing it regardless
No, it’s mono.
Hello, can this pedal be mid chain after my vintage fuzzes etc? Thanks
Sure, I would put it after fuzzes because of the built in buffer. Typically after OD/Distortion pedals.
This 1/8" TRS Y cable bullshit was a step backwards. 👎 We need a MK3 small footprint back to 1/4" mono jacks. I don't even want to scew with 1/4" TRS and Y cables. Or back to MK1.
2 min 13 sec......how to make a difference between the two....lol