The Vahlbruch BBQ XL is a buffer, booster and equalizer with two identical channels with the same controls (Volume and a three-band EQ section) and separate footswitches.
Besides acting as a double-boost, the BBQ-XL can also help fine-tune different guitars to your amplifier without having to turn knobs during the show.
The volume knobs have a range of -8dB to +16dB, and each band of the active equalizer has a boost/cut range of +/-15dB.
An internal switch lets you have the pedal operate in true bypass or buffered bypass mode, and there’s also a system in place that lets you have the pedal power up in “bypass” or with one of the channels activated as default.
The Vahlbruch “BBQ-XL”, which is the big brother of the “BBQ”-pedal, is a super versatile dual channel transparent clean boost, equalizer and high-end buffer, housed within a compact and pedalboard friendly enclosure. It perfectly serves as a booster to push your amp harder or it can also be set to clean up the tone of a crunchy amp, thereby transforming a single channel amp into a versatile 3 channel monster! The “BBQ-XL” can also help to adjust different guitars to your amplifier without turning a knob during the show. These are just two examples of a magnitude of applications! With its switchable high-end buffer / line-driver circuit, the “BBQ-XL” also eliminates impedance adjustment problems and therefore preserves your signal without changing or coloring your original tone even when using long cables and effect chains.The Vahlbruch “BBQ-XL” is also suitable for bass and acoustic guitars!Each channel features its own volume and active 3-Band EQ controls. The volume can be adjusted over a wide range from -8dB to +16dB, and each band of the active equalizer has a boost/cut range of +/-15dB for a precise adjustment of bass, middle and treble. In my unique circuit, the unwanted interaction between the individual EQ-bands is eliminated and each control does not interfere with the other. Via an internal switch, you can choose to have the “BBQ-XL” operate in true bypass or buffered bypass mode. An LED indicates the activated buffer mode as “Buffered Bypass”.This pedal is equipped with my unique “MagTraB” technology for both footswitches:
Inside the button a magnet is integrated which position is measured by a sensor on the circuit board. If the button is now moved, e.g. if it is pressed downwards, the position of the magnet will also change. The sensor measures this change without any mechanical contact to the button and the information is send via a micro-controller to a gold-plated relay, which then does the actual audio signal switching. The advantages of MagTraB:
– MapTraB buttons are as good as indestructible! MagTraB delivers an almost infinite number of switching cycles – many, many millions !!
– No annoying, mechanical switch clicks! Instead, the MagTraB push-buttons switch very smooth and quiet!You can choose if the pedal powers up in “bypass” or with one of the channels activated as default!
Only 4 steps are required to change this state:
Step 1: Unplug the power supply cable.
Step 2: Hold down the “MagTraB” button of the desired channel (either channel 1 or channel 2).
Step 3: Reconnnect the power supply cable, still holding down the “MagTraB” button.
Step 4: Release the “MagTraB” button.
DONE!
In order to undo the programming, simply repeat the steps 1-4.
The next time your pedal powers up, it will automatically start with the selected channel active or in its bypass setting, just depending on what you have stored.Specifications:
– Sturdy and unique “MagTraB” switching technology
– The volume can be adjusted from -8dB to +16dB
– The active 3-band equalizer provides a boost/cut range of +/-15dB
for the bass, middle and treble controls. No interaction between the controls.
– True bypass or buffered bypass mode can be selected via an internal switch.
– Also suitable for bass and acoustic guitars!
– Input impedance: 1.0M Ohms
– Output impedance: 100 Ohms
– Current consumption: 50mA
– This pedal requires an external regulated 9V to 18V power supply (not included)
polarity: postive@ring / negative@tip
– Dimensions: 120mm x 100mm x 48mm, Weight: 350g
– Handmade in Germany
