How to improve a buffer on Boss CS-3?

cicimici · Post by **cicimici** » 08 Feb 2012, 12:31

I am a noob for electronics to start with. I have a CS3 with MA Ultra plus mod on a way.
I really like the base sound of my stock CS3 and feel that this Ultra plus mod will deliver great compression.
Still I miss a slightly better buffer (clearer bass and presence) on CS3 and I just found the Ultra plus mod doesn't cover a buffer mod.
I want to use CS3 as my buffer instead of T1M buffer which is on my board at the moment, so TB is not an option.
Please help me modding CS3 buffer. Which parts to swap?
Thanks!

phatt · Post by **phatt** » 09 Feb 2012, 13:30

Um? not sure but I think you will find they already have a buffer.

Phil.

mojah63 · Post by **mojah63** » 09 Feb 2012, 15:29

cicimici wrote:I am a noob for electronics to start with. I have a CS3 with MA Ultra plus mod on a way.
I really like the base sound of my stock CS3 and feel that this Ultra plus mod will deliver great compression.
Still I miss a slightly better buffer (clearer bass and presence) on CS3 and I just found the Ultra plus mod doesn't cover a buffer mod.
I want to use CS3 as my buffer instead of T1M buffer which is on my board at the moment, so TB is not an option.
Please help me modding CS3 buffer. Which parts to swap?
Thanks!

huh?

boss pedals are buffered to keep it stock don't change

r1, c2, IC1, d2, d3, r3, c14, r25, q5, c15, r26, r27, q1, r29, c17, r31, r30

cicimici · Post by **cicimici** » 09 Feb 2012, 16:27

Thanks guys and sorry if I am asking stupid question. I wish to have a slightly better sound when cs3 is in bypass. I saw the guts of mine T1M buffer and it is a circuit of few resistors and a capacitor. Mine idea is to replace buffer elements of the CS3 circuit with more quality parts, as I think those stock parts are not of the best quality. Does this make any sense? Thanks!

mojah63 · Post by **mojah63** » 09 Feb 2012, 16:53

I don't know what your "mod" is changing in the cs-3. Some people like to change the electrolytic
caps in the signal path with box film caps or a better grade electrolytic cap. I've used box
1uf caps and Panasonic FC series electrolytics in builds myself. C14 and C17 would be a place
to start.

cicimici · Post by **cicimici** » 09 Feb 2012, 19:57

So c14 and c17 are parts of the buffer - active in bypass mode? Tnx

phatt · Post by **phatt** » 10 Feb 2012, 14:27

Or just go purchase the mod kit?
http://www.monteallums.com/pedal_mods.html
I have no idea how good these are as I've never bothered with them.
Phil.

cicimici · Post by **cicimici** » 10 Feb 2012, 15:51

Yes, I already purchased Monte's mod - the Ultra Plus mod and it's in the mail.
The thing is, his mod doesn't affect bypassed signal, which is my wish to improve too.
Thanks!

phatt · Post by **phatt** » 11 Feb 2012, 12:33

To the best of my understanding the chips in the *Bypass* are replaced with this mod so it may or may not improve the situation.

Frankly I doubt any massive improvement will be heard. What you may not have realized is that the signal will lack life when bypassed.
Whether that bypass is done by True ByPass or not There can/Will be a big difference in sonic signature depending how the knobs are set.

That is the whole point of the pedal,, to make a difference. If that where not so then they would not sell many pedals

Phil.

cicimici · Post by **cicimici** » 12 Feb 2012, 00:27

Sorry Phil, I don't get it.
There are some pedals that have good and bad buffers. Many people say Visual sound pedals have a great buffer. Also many say MXR makes some pedals with horrible buffers. When I say a good or bad buffer, I mean how my guitar signal sounds and feels going through the pedal FX off (bypassed).
Boss CS3 has a pretty good buffer - it leaves a good bypass sound. I have 9 true bypass pedals in the chain so I need some kind of buffer to retain the tone. For this application I would like to use my CS3 instead of my T1B standalone buffer, because of the advantage of having a compressor effect on tap also. I am just looking how to improve the quality of the bypass signal of my CS3..

mictester · Post by **mictester** » 12 Feb 2012, 01:46

cicimici wrote:Sorry Phil, I don't get it.
There are some pedals that have good and bad buffers. Many people say Visual sound pedals have a great buffer. Also many say MXR makes some pedals with horrible buffers. When I say a good or bad buffer, I mean how my guitar signal sounds and feels going through the pedal FX off (bypassed).
Boss CS3 has a pretty good buffer - it leaves a good bypass sound. I have 9 true bypass pedals in the chain so I need some kind of buffer to retain the tone. For this application I would like to use my CS3 instead of my T1B standalone buffer, because of the advantage of having a compressor effect on tap also. I am just looking how to improve the quality of the bypass signal of my CS3..

There's nothing wrong with the buffer as it comes out of the Boss factory. However, the bypass switching (using FETs) is less than ideal - you'd hear a slight difference if you replaced the FETs with real switch contacts (or relay contacts). Changing transistors, capacitors, FETs and capacitors will have no audible effect whatsoever

mojah63 · Post by **mojah63** » 12 Feb 2012, 15:47

Ahh the old sound of capacitors argument again..... Some say no some say yes...