Empress Effects Buffer++

The Buffer++ is an advanced analog pedalboard interface from Empress Effects, succeeding the Stereo Buffer+ with a redesigned panel, rewritten manual, and two new operating modes (Momentary Loop Select and Momentary Loop Sum). The unit offers 12 signal routing modes, a buffer with a variable Input 1 impedance of 10 kΩ – 1 MΩ (pickup loading simulation), a transformer-isolated Output 2 for ground loop elimination, Dolby-style noise filtering, a +30 dB footswitchable boost, and LED input metering. THD+N (Out 1): below 0.1% (200 Hz – 20 kHz). Noise: below –110 dBu. Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz. Power: 9 V DC, 100 mA. Dimensions: 114×89×51 mm. Weight: approx. 450 g.

12 routing modes – what this means for a complex rig in practice

A standard ABY box provides one fixed signal split. The Buffer++ provides 12 configurable routing modes covering scenarios from basic stereo configuration through effects loop summing to advanced instrument and amplifier switching. Independent (Stereo) Loops and Summed Loops handle two independent effects loops or combine their signals. Loop Select and Loop Sum Select switch or sum the active loop via footswitch. Momentary Loop Switching and Momentary Loop Sum (new in Buffer++ versus the Stereo Buffer+) allow temporary activation or summing of a loop while the footswitch is held – returning to the previous state on release. Instrument Select in four variants (Mono Loops, Summed Loops, Independent Stereo Loops, Separate Rigs/Shared Effects) enables switching between two instruments while sharing or separating effects chains. The footswitch function changes to boost, A/B, or A/Y switching depending on the selected mode.

Transformer-isolated Out 2, noise filtering and input loading

Transformer isolation on Output 2 eliminates ground loops when running into two amplifiers simultaneously – without an external DI box or isolator. THD+N for Out 2 is below 0.1% from 200 Hz – 20 kHz and below 1% from 55 Hz upward. Dolby-style filtering keeps the system noise floor below –110 dBu – a parameter that directly determines quality when running gain-heavy pedals through the effects loops. The Input Loading knob simulates pickup loading from cable capacitance: turned up gives a thin, bright character with no warmth; turned down progressively rolls off upper frequencies to imitate long cables without their noise and signal loss. LED input metering on Input 1 and Input 2 allows fast level verification from different instruments before switching.

KEY FEATURES

• Advanced analog pedalboard interface with 12 signal routing modes
• Input 1: variable impedance 10 kΩ – 1 MΩ (pickup loading simulation)
• Input 2: 1 MΩ impedance
• Out 2: transformer-isolated – ground loop elimination with two amplifiers
• 2 effects loops (Loop 1 and Loop 2) with differential returns
• Boost: +30 dB, independent footswitch (or A/B / A/Y depending on mode)
• Dolby-style noise filtering – noise below –110 dBu
• Input Loading knob – cable capacitance simulation
• Input metering: LED (Input 1 and Input 2)
• Modes 7 and 8 (Momentary Loop Select / Sum) – new in Buffer++ vs Stereo Buffer+
• Power: 9 V DC, 100 mA

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: analog pedalboard interface with routing, buffer and boost
• Routing modes: 12
• Input 1 impedance: 10 kΩ – 1 MΩ (variable, Input Loading knob)
• Input 2 impedance: 1 MΩ
• Out 2: transformer-isolated (ground loop elimination)
• Boost: +30 dB (footswitchable)
• THD+N Out 1: below 0.1% (200 Hz – 20 kHz) / below 1% (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• THD+N Out 2: below 0.1% (200 Hz – 20 kHz) / below 1% (55 Hz – 20 kHz)
• Noise: below –110 dBu
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Power: 9 V DC, centre-negative, 2.1 mm, 100 mA
• Dimensions: 114 × 89 × 51 mm
• Weight: approx. 450 g