Guitar amp channel switching pedal

This footswitch pedal was created to channel switch my amp as well as bypass the FX. I didn't realize the Vox Valvetronix amp I recently purchased didn't come with a footswitch. Channel switching and FX ON/OFF is accomplished using a TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) input on the rear of the amp.

This is a very simple circuit to build and therefore is a very short instructable.

Step 1 Gather Tools and materials

I found a great low-profile enclosure to use for this. You can use anything you desire of course.

Additionally:

(2) Heavy duty SPDT footswtches
(2) 1/4" mono audio inputs (sockets)
A soldering iron and solder
Wires
A multimeter to check continuity (optional)

Comments

[justine3563]

can i do it with just one button?i mean i just want to turn the amp's channel on and off..thanks!

[J3PPiSH]

Yes,you can. Just remove one button and the cable between the buttons.

[thisonegoesto11]

I'm pretty new at this so please excuse my question,...If I have an amp with a clean channel and a distortion channel will this foot-switch switch between the two, my amp doesn't have on-board effects so I could just skip that part couldn't I?

[justine3563]

the effects bypass,is it for effect pedals or tha amp's effects?

[dentsinger]

The amps effects.

[HAL 9000]

 Awesome!! I have a Peavey Classic 30 Combo that I'll be using this for, though the C30 footswitch does channel switch and reverb on/off. I believe this could be done with a single TRS input on the box, since you're just shorting the L or R to ground when you switch. maybe you already had that cable, i don't know, but still, very cool!!

Also, I was looking at your enclosure, you have a lot of space there, you could easily add some Signal Loops for your FX chain (if you use pedals) and/or FX loop (if you want more from your FX loop than just ON/OFF). It would be a great way to get as much as you can from such a cool little enclosure... Come to think of it, I just might do that when I build one for my C30!!

Again, awesome instructable, you've helped me a lot!! Thanks!!

[ag918w35]

I can follow what this box does, but I'm curious to know what signal the amp is looking for. Also, how did you figure this out? Is there a circuit diagram for the Vox jack, or did you just copy an existing footpedal? I ask because I have one of their Valvetronix amps and would like to give this a try.

[dentsinger]

I don't quite follow your question on "what signal the amp is looking for". It's simply an array of switches. I believe I found some 2 switch schematics that led me in the right direction and found this circuit to work perfectly.

[woodythdog]

hi I am looking to build a footswitch for my vox amp Would you mind clarifieing the pinout for the 1/4 " stereo plug that goes into the amp?

[dentsinger]

The stereo plug uses the TRS (tip, ring, sleeve) that is split into two mono plugs at the opposite end of the cable. I'd suggest buying one already made if you don't know how to make one. I didn't make mine either.

[brian6699]

where did you get the heavy duty SPDT footswitches? thanks

[dentsinger]

I had them on hand from a Peavey footswitch

[dentsinger]

Are you saying you don't follow the pictorial layout and require reading a schematic??? You could fore go the 1/4" instrument jacks and just hard-wire a stereo cable in place. Using my stereo to dual mono cable worked for me due to it's length for stage purposes and the fact that I don't like mangling cables unnecessarily or hardwired cables at all for that matter. Especially if I were to mount this to a pedal board. I just unplug the cables. It also allows me the option to switch cables to change which footswitch becomes the channel switch and which one becomes the FX bypass. Depending on how I orient the pedal to me on the floor makes this option understandable.

[navichip]

i still dont get it....
just the wiring part though
can u explain it a little more plz
=O
or send me photos or sumthing....
thx