Routing options and modification to a headphone amp and UniCab

[CheapSuitG]

Synchrony Pedalworks put together the Marriage Keeper, a headphone amp and UniCab in one. I think it’s an awesome idea, VERY well done and I’m 100% "borrowing" it with a few tweaks. Since this will be a desktop unit, I want to move the headphone jack to the bottom instead of the top—my SSL2+ interface has the headphone jacks on the back, and it drives me nuts. Easy fix.

The bigger question: Can I keep the UniCab functionality but bypass the headphone amp when recording direct? Would it be as simple as wiring up a DPDT switch—one side going to a 1/4" jack and the other to the headphone amp input?

Also, is there a way to keep the stereo spread on at all times without using a switch? How would I make that work?

As always, thanks in advance!

Thread 'Marriage Keeper (headphone amp + UniCab)'

Nov 20, 2024

I thought “Marriage Keeper” would be an appropriate name for this combo pedal. At some point, I hope my wife likes my guitar playing. However, I know it is terrible to hear someone play the same songs over and over or hear someone learn a new tune.

This pedal allows the opportunity to play silently and keep my marriage. Add your favorite preamp and reverb to the chain, and this pedal really rocks. Thanks to @amplifyfun for the drilling and printing.

• Synchrony Pedalworks
• Replies: 7
• Forum: Build Reports

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[ThatDude]

I am also "borrowing" Synchrony Pedalworks' idea soon, and will be following both threads for additional inspiration.

 

[Caedarn]

Same here….

 

[CheapSuitG]

I am just looking for a chonky on/off switch. Want it to feel like an amp when I turn it on versus a pedal.

 

[PunchySunshine]

I am just looking for a chonky on/off switch. Want it to feel like an amp when I turn it on versus a pedal.

I've gotten some nice chonky switches off aliexpress actually. They aren't my usual go to for parts, but these switches have been working a treat. And cheap as chips.

 

[Synchrony Pedalworks]

@CheapSuitG Could you use a SPDT switch for the routing of the signal to the headphone amp or the direct out jack? The main signal is routed to the middle lug and the other lugs are done for the headphone amp and direct out.

As for the stereo option, that would be easy. I think you only need to place a jumper between the middle lug space and the correct second lug space. It may take some trial and error to know if you need to jump the middle lug with the top or bottom lug.

I’ll place my art PDF in the art section. Feel free to use it or modify it. It has my drill coordinates too.

Also, I find that this set up needs a preamp pedal before it. Otherwise, the toan seems to be missing that special sparkle. I like placing the Cobbler before it best.

 

[CheapSuitG]

That’s awesome, thanks!

 

[CheapSuitG]

As for preamps I have the cobbler, Dixie and Bobby in the queue to build for this as well, couple different flavors.

 

[CheapSuitG]

There are a couple cool ones there, how would you wire this fella?

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805005450780.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.229.4c351802s1L10t&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

I was thinking a 3DPT so I could just us a breakout board.

Want it to power on both sides and an LED.

I've gotten some nice chonky switches off aliexpress actually. They aren't my usual go to for parts, but these switches have been working a treat. And cheap as chips.

 

[Nic]

I was thinking a 3DPT so I could just us a breakout board.

Want it to power on both sides and an LED.

I think a simple SPST can do the trick... cut the power rail right at the source, before powering the boards and led.

Like I did here :


Ok ... hard to see. But here I have two boards and a led (plus footswitches and order switch). If on battery, the input cable must be plugged in for the pedal to come on.

 

[jcpst]

Very nice. I have ones of these cooking up. I have the unicab, and I’ll be adding

headphone amp and
line level output,
both with boards from THCustom.

For the preamp I wanted something super basic and cleanish for just a touch of character - like the PPCB Celsius or the EVPreamp.

Finally, a 2nd courtesy DC jack for plugging in a gainy pedal without having to use an additional power supply.

I already have a Destiny Behemoth, but I’m going to try and cram this in a 1590BBS.

 

[Synchrony Pedalworks]

Thread 'Headphone amp and Unicab (Marriage keeper)'

Feb 14, 2025

This artwork is arranged to be used with Amplifyfun. If you want to use Tayda, you will need to make alterations. It has the location for drilling, etc. The enclosure is a 1590XX

• Synchrony Pedalworks
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Artwork Repository

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[CheapSuitG]

Need opinions from the brain trust on this. What layout?

I like the volume on the right so it is easier to reach without anything in the way.

But it’s backwards pedal order, which isn’t a big deal.

That’s said, it may be nice to have the Unicab on the right so I can tinker with sounds.

The switch next to the light is power. The one in the middle is for allowing the Unicab to go to an output so I can record with it and bypass the headphone out.

Thoughts?

 

[lowpitch]

Need opinions from the brain trust on this. What layout?

I like the volume on the right so it is easier to reach without anything in the way.

But it’s backwards pedal order, which isn’t a big deal.

That’s said, it may be nice to have the Unicab on the right so I can tinker with sounds.

The switch next to the light is power. The one in the middle is for allowing the Unicab to go to an output so I can record with it and bypass the headphone out.

Thoughts?

As a righty, I'd put the fine controls on the right for easier access.

 

[CheapSuitG]

As a right I see having the controls on the right as well.
That said, I like the right hand volume of my SSL2+ interface, but rarely touch the gain pots on the channels.

I have gone back and forth so many times. Should just flip a coin and go with it!

 

[spi]

The bigger question: Can I keep the UniCab functionality but bypass the headphone amp when recording direct? Would it be as simple as wiring up a DPDT switch—one side going to a 1/4" jack and the other to the headphone amp input?

I was thinking of doing something similar, but with using a switched jacks to control the bypass.
i.e. route the signal from the unicab to phone amp through a switched line-out jack. when a line out is plugged in, the tip switch disconnects the headphone amp and the signal is straight from the unicab.

 

[Feral Feline]

If the pedal were for LIVE use, I'd put the VOL on the right for a RIGHTY and on the left for a South-Paw — presumably VOL will be tweaked by toe more in those circumstances.

For studio use (or live if the VOL isn't going to be tweaked much, I'd have VOL LINKS (left).

 

[spi]

But it’s backwards pedal order, which isn’t a big deal.

isn't a big deal?
I think it you put it backwards it would mess with my mind

 

[CheapSuitG]

isn't a big deal?
I think it you put it backwards it would mess with my mind

The headphone out is going to be on the front vertical face, the guitar input and output are on the back/top face so should be fairly straight forward.

 

[jcpst]

Need opinions from the brain trust on this. What layout?

I like the volume on the right so it is easier to reach without anything in the way.

But it’s backwards pedal order, which isn’t a big deal.

That’s said, it may be nice to have the Unicab on the right so I can tinker with sounds.

The switch next to the light is power. The one in the middle is for allowing the Unicab to go to an output so I can record with it and bypass the headphone out.

Thoughts?

Vol on Left. Just looks more correct to me. I say that as a southpaw.