Level/tone loss when using Peterson StroboStomp HD

David Mansfield · Post by **David Mansfield** » 10 Feb 2022 12:55 pm

When I use the Peterson strobe the normal way (inline), even with the "true bypass" setting, I lose some high end, and the level/tone changes. I have a Radial ABY pedal with a tuner output, but even using that, I get some change to the level and tone. I have another ABY box, and it seems that putting it in the signal path also causes a little bit of loss (not quite as bad as using the tuner output on the Radial). Buffers change my tone radically, they're not an option. Right now my best choice is to actually plug and unplug the tuner from the steel as needed. Is there some solution that wouldn't cause signal loss?

Jon Light · Post by **Jon Light** » 10 Feb 2022 2:04 pm

I've had tuners that interfered with/degraded tone even when parallel (not just inline) as you describe. I recall having issues with a Peterson Stroboflip years ago. Yes, a buffered output is ideal but you've stated your feelings clearly about that. I do see that the Radial is passive, not active, so that answers my initial 'wait...how can that still be a problem?!'
What volume pedal are you using (or is this for a rig other than pedal steel)? Because there is a hack at the top of this page for creating a 'barrier' between the two outputs on a Goodrich 120, creating a tuner-out that is pretty much out of the loop.

David Mansfield · Post by **David Mansfield** » 10 Feb 2022 2:09 pm

Yes, it's a Goodrich 120. I'll check out the hack, thanks.
Also, the Peterson TB is supposed to be pretty pristine, I wonder if it's just putting more "wire" in my signal path that's causing the problem.

P.S. Did a little experiment and used a short jumper cable instead of a long cord, and most of my high end came back (using the Peterson in TB mode). I think my guess was correct.

Jon Light · Post by **Jon Light** » 10 Feb 2022 2:26 pm

Note that the 'hack' is just moving a wire and adding a resistor. I forget how well it is presented (or buried) in that thread but when done smartly, you gain the option of silent tuning with pedal-up. IOW the pedal position does not affect the signal to the tuner.

David Mansfield · Post by **David Mansfield** » 10 Feb 2022 2:40 pm

Also my setup right now is highly sensitive to level/high end; Goodrich to Brad Sarno octal preamp into the console for recording. Would never notice this going into a Twin or Peavey live. I think I've got it sorted, without doing the mod, thanks!

John Sims · Post by **John Sims** » 15 Feb 2022 11:56 am

David Mansfield wrote:Yes, it's a Goodrich 120. I'll check out the hack, thanks.
Also, the Peterson TB is supposed to be pretty pristine, I wonder if it's just putting more "wire" in my signal path that's causing the problem.

P.S. Did a little experiment and used a short jumper cable instead of a long cord, and most of my high end came back (using the Peterson in TB mode). I think my guess was correct.

If you need a longer cable, try the George L's .155 cable. They seem to allow more high freqs to be transmitted.