4

For example, if I have an amplifier that comes with a 4-button footswitch (2 cables for this footswitch), can I use just any footswitch in the store with 2 buttons (1 cable) and just plug 2 2-button footswitches in the amplifier?

This is the amp:

http://www.ibanez.co.jp/world/manual/amp/TB100H.pdf

This is the original footswitch:

http://medias.audiofanzine.com/images/normal/ibanez-tb100h-196201.jpg

I hope to use a 2-button footswitch with guitar-style cabel to use the first two buttons?

Would that work?

Improve this question
1
  • 1
    Note that the lights are powered by the amp, so it is not a just a simple switch.
    – horatio
    Commented Mar 20, 2013 at 15:47

4 Answers 4

Reset to default
8

No - you can't just use any footswitch with any amplifier.

Some footswitches are really simple - a make or break connection, but others do different things - sometimes voltage drops, sometimes active circuitry, sometimes polarity changes.

So while it may work, it may not, and in some circumstances you may be able to damage your amp (rare, but possible)

Improve this answer
2
  • I didn't damage it while testing with Behringer footswitch, but it didn't work. I'll order the original - IFS4 ibanez
    – Glorious Kale
    Commented Mar 21, 2013 at 7:59
  • Generally, the make/break connections will utilize TSR jacks and a stereo cable, not a mono guitar cable.
    – Kirk A
    Commented Oct 6, 2016 at 21:56
3

No, you cannot generally use a footswitch with another model.

Some are latching, meaning they stay in the position to which they're switched (either on or off).

Some are momentary, which mean they're only on while either depressed or released depending on the design.

Be especially careful with Peavey footswitches between models.

Improve this answer
1

It APPEARS to be latching as the switches are 'old style' and should audibly click when pushed.The amp connections APPEAR to be 1/4" stereo jack so something like a Peavey double footswitch COULD work.Whether this would switch the 2 functions you need with one wire depends on the configuration of the amp wiring.Certainly one switch out of the two will switch one effect, say reverb or channel change, but with 4 options on the original, you may be lucky.Behringer sells a double control pedal with many switching options, that may serve your needs.

Improve this answer
4
  • I actually ordered that one! :D It's coming tommorow so I'll test it.
    – Glorious Kale
    Commented Mar 19, 2013 at 11:59
  • It didn't work. :( I'll have to order the original one - IFS4 ibanez
    – Glorious Kale
    Commented Mar 21, 2013 at 7:58
  • Did you try all the functions, latching and momentary ?It's pretty comprehensive.
    – Tim
    Commented Mar 21, 2013 at 15:03
  • Ya, nothing worked.
    – Glorious Kale
    Commented Mar 22, 2013 at 7:04
0

Some footswitches have a 1/4-inch monaural "telephone plug" connector, the same as the output connector on a conventional electric guitar.

Other footswitches have the same physical plug size but in the TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) configuration.

Other footswitches use a five-pin MIDI connector.

Still others use any of a number of different physical connector plugs. The wiring of the connection mechanism may be proprietary to the manufacturer. These may even include digital connectors.

You must identify the exact make and model of your amplifier, and you must find the instruction manual for the amplifier, which will explain the exact specifications of the footswitches that can be used with it. Then you can determine whether you must use a particular model of footswitch sold by the manufacturer of the amplifier, or if you can use another brand of footswitch made by a different manufacturer.

Improve this answer
1
  • It's a guitar-style cable. I don't understand the manual. ibanez.co.jp/world/manual/amp/TB100H.pdf This is the original footswitch: medias.audiofanzine.com/images/normal/ibanez-tb100h-196201.jpg I hope I could use a 2-button footswitch with a guitar-style cable just to use these first 2 buttons?
    – Glorious Kale
    Commented Mar 19, 2013 at 5:43

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.