PSA: Skeptical Buffer Send/Return

[ThePanda]

Just finished the send/return on my Skeptical Buffer and wanted to share for anyone wanting to add one to their build.

I had success with (1) Switchcraft Shunt jack and (1) Switchcraft Mono jack.

The Shunt jack let's you connect to the other side all the time. Unplugged, the shunt jack shunt terminal is connected to the tip of the Mono jack. When a cable is plugged into the shunt jack, it disconnects the Shunt and connects the tip like normal.

You should measure well and not use Lumbergs like I did. I initially tried to use a TRS as a shunt, but had no success.

I had to bend the terminals of the jacks inward and set them at a specific angle to clear the board, diodes, and surrounding caps.

I also soldered the jacks in the position they would be installed as.

For the send/return I used RobRob's 5E3 FX loop diagram:


It was a really tight fit so I ratcheted down the jacks so they wouldn't move.


As you can see those bottom outer caps are bent a little.

Here is what it looks like close up.


PLENTY of space!

Here is the foot switch:

 

[MichaelW]

How are you using the loop? Are you just using this like a buffered loop pedal?

 

[ThePanda]

How are you using the loop? Are you just using this like a buffered loop pedal?

I haven't had a chance to use it. I was thinking of using it to isolate a fuzz once I build one.

It doesn't have a buffer using the loop. It is bypassing the pedal completely.

 

[PanamaScoot]

If I wanted to add an fx loop between 2 pedals, does the wiring diagram still apply

 

[Robert]

There's a diagram over here: https://forum.pedalpcb.com/threads/skeptical-buffer-switchable-loop-wiring-diagram.20187/

If I wanted to add an fx loop between 2 pedals, does the wiring diagram still apply

Not exactly, this loop is only active when the pedal is bypassed. Are you wanting a loop between two circuits in a 2-in-1 pedal?

 

[pingpongcomputer]

Not totally on topic, but I tried a retail version of the Euna with my non-buffer-friendly fuzz in the loop and it still sounds better with the Euna removed entirely. Sold the Euna and am building a Skeptical buffer for a separate effects chain and will be skipping the loop.