BARGE CONCEPTS

VFB-X

VFB-X  Expression Controlled  Variable Feedback & Blend Bypass Looper.  $220

X IS HERE!
VFB-X Expression Pedal Compatibility Chart
Pic of the dual circuit board design for the X. (jpg, opens in new window)
VFB-2 Product Manual (X Manual Coming Soon)
For more info on the VFB series, click here.

This expression pedal update to our Variable Feedback and Blend/Buffer/Bypass looper features unique active opto-isolator technology to provide dynamic foot control to the stock VFB Clean Blend and Feedback Blend controls, as well as internal DIP switches to fine tune the response sweep for compatability with a number of industry standard expression pedals. 

The VFB-X is a fully buffered True Bypass loop with Clean Blend control and a foot-switchable variable Feedback Blend.  The VFB-X uses audio grade Burr Brown op-amps to buffer the Send and Receive signals to improve signal strength over long pedal chains and cable runs and minimizes “tone sucking” from vintage and mass-produced effects.  The Clean Blend control mixes your clean/direct signal with the output of the effects loop, while the Feedback Blend circuit controls the amount of Receive signal that is fed back to the Send jack. 

The watchword of the VFB series is unparalleled versatility.  Whether you simply need a signal buffer or true bypass looper , want to add a blend control to your favorite stompbox, or are ready to start exploring the endless possibilities of feedback looping, the VFB-X has a place in every musicians rig.  With its fully buffered signal path, complete isolation of inputs and outputs, and an intuitive and interactive control set, the VFB-X is in a class by itself in the sometimes confusing world of loopers and buffers.


Application Suggestions:
It's a True Bypass loop.  Use it to turn on/off multiple pedals at once, keep noisy or tone-sucking pedals out of your signal path, add true bypass to any or all of your pedals without complicated or overpriced modifications.

It's a Blend control.  Mix your clean tone with that oscillating delay or your heavy fuzz and distortion sounds. Run a chorus or flanger in the loop of the VFB-2 to add some swirl to your dirt sounds and modulate your delays.  It’s perfect for Bass and Baritone players that want to use conventional guitar effects, but need to dial in some of their clean instrument signal for improved low end response.  Also a perfect addition to digital delays and multifx unit that may have a blend/mix function, but are mixing in a digital/processed version of your clean tone - not your actual direct signal.  Use the expression control to change your blend settings on the fly - fade from clean to distorted with your favorite overdrive, wet to dry with your delays and modulation FX, add a compressor for subtle sustain to extreme squish, or use a clean boost for violin volume swells - all with out having to turn a knob or take your hands off the strings.

It's a Feedback loop.  The feedback circuit takes the signal at the Receive jack and sends some or all of it back to the Send jack, creating sometimes unpredictable, but always interesting and unique new sounds. The Feedback Blend determines the amount of signal that is fed back into the loop for more accurate control.  Fuzz and dirt boxes will feed back, delays and reverbs will repeat and oscillate into gigantic walls of sound - combining multiple effects in the loop opens up entire new worlds of sonic mayhem.  And since the Clean and Feedback Blend controls are indepentent and interactive, anything from completely clean to wild osciillation can be dialed in with the turn of knob or a quick foot movement. 

It’s a Signal Buffer. The VFB-X uses very low noise, audio grade Burr-Brown amplifiers internal buffers to insure transparent sound across the entire audible spectrum.  With all signals buffered, you have a lower impedance signal driving the pedals both in the loop and after your VFB, as well as high impedance inputs to insure that a clear signal passes to the output. All internal signals are actively blended so that there is absolutely no unexpected interaction between your instrument and your effects. 

 
VFB-X Features:
•    Compact, aluminum enclosure.
•    3PDT True Bypass switching.
•    Bi-color LED indicators for Bypass and Feedback switches.
•    Low noise Burr Brown op-amps
•    1% Metal Film Resistors, film and sealed Tantalum capacitors for improved signal fidelity.
•    Switchcraft jacks.
•    Alpha pots, with set-screw knobs.
•    Clean interior layout using a 4 layer silkscreened and solder-masked circuit boardfor the lowest possible noise floor and clean power distribution.
•    Industry standard 9V DC power jack (operation supported up to 18V with regulated power supply)
•    Comes with a quality 9V battery pre-installed.