Footswitch questions for Subwoofers (DIY 2.1 sub-bypass)

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alexdingley
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Footswitch questions for Subwoofers (DIY 2.1 sub-bypass)

Post by alexdingley » Fri Apr 30, 2021 8:42 pm

So... I am just starting to listen to my new studio monitors. I went with the Focal Twin 6be near fields + the sub6 subwoofer. The setup options are pretty elegant. The main outs go first into a pair of XLR ins on the Sub6, then back out through XLR outs to the near fields. There's even this clever "sub-defeat" 1/4" jack. I've never seen something like this on a sub before. I wouldn't be opposed to buying one (like this one from Hosa), but part of me just wants to buy the proper type of push-button switch, and then I'd mount the button somewhere handy on my studio desk.

Here's what the manual says about the bypass function:
- - -
2.1 Bypass:
This input allows for plugging in a control footswitch (not supplied) via a 1⁄4” jack connector.
Turning it active will :
- mute the subwoofer channel
- defeat the high pass filters in the satellites signal paths. The satellites will then be fed with full range signals.
This facility allows for instantaneous comparison between the 2.1 configuration (with sub) and the traditional stereo setup (without sub) with the same system.
- - -

I don't see any particular wiring-spec for this footswitch — and I know (from keyboard player land) that there are a couple different 1/4" wiring options for certain pedals. So, I just tried the Channel A/B switch from my Blackstar Amp head. It's a TS 1/4" jack. When I press the pedal button down, it mutes the sub... but it doesn't "lock" the muting. It ONLY mutes the sub while my foot is depressing the pedal. From the manual, I can't 100% tell if this is the intended operation, or if there was a different outcome that I'd get from a slightly different pedal footswitch type, like the "latching" one from Hosa.

Does anyone else have experience with sub-defeat footswitches / know what kind of switch I should buy, if I'm gonna DIY a switch?

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Re: Footswitch questions for Subwoofers (DIY 2.1 sub-bypass)

Post by The Scum » Fri Apr 30, 2021 11:10 pm

I believe you want a latching switch.

Quick experiment - get a guitar cable and a paper clip. Plug one end into the footswitch jack, then use the paperclip to join the tip and sleeve at the other end.

If it's one way when the clip is touching, and the other way when it's not, that would indicate a latching switch is called for.

something like this, for example: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner-Ben ... t-overview
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Re: Footswitch questions for Subwoofers (DIY 2.1 sub-bypass)

Post by Scodiddly » Sat May 01, 2021 6:50 am

I'm pretty sure you'd want a latching switch. What most guitar stompboxes use as the main big switch.

You could also use a toggle switch, which might be more appropriate since you can easily see what position it is in.

https://www.jameco.com/z/T100T1B1A1QN-J ... 76523.html

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Re: Footswitch questions for Subwoofers (DIY 2.1 sub-bypass)

Post by Nick Sevilla » Sat May 01, 2021 9:38 am

You'll need a toggle switch. Easy enough to solder.
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Re: Footswitch questions for Subwoofers (DIY 2.1 sub-bypass)

Post by alexdingley » Sat May 01, 2021 1:36 pm

Perfect! I'm definitely more of a mind to do a big fat toggle switch. Just did the Guitar-cable test, and yep... it ONLY mutes when the circuit is closed, so I'll grab a toggle switch and plate-mount it at some point.

Super-stoked about this. This 2.1 system sounds excellent! It'll be a while before I'm fully used to the new speakers, but this feels like a huge leap forward.

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Re: Footswitch questions for Subwoofers (DIY 2.1 sub-bypass)

Post by Scodiddly » Sat May 01, 2021 2:23 pm


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Re: Footswitch questions for Subwoofers (DIY 2.1 sub-bypass)

Post by Nick Sevilla » Sat May 01, 2021 4:09 pm

Scodiddly wrote:
Sat May 01, 2021 2:23 pm
Why not go full DefCon?

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11310
Is there any other type of switch?

NO.

This must be the switch used. Otherwise the Sub shall implode, or worse.
Howling at the neighbors. Hoping they have more mic cables.

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Re: Footswitch questions for Subwoofers (DIY 2.1 sub-bypass)

Post by alexdingley » Mon May 03, 2021 7:09 am

Haha! Excellent ideas — but I went slightly simpler:
Image

Works like a charm... cheap and easy (made with a long enough cable run for the eventual studio upgrade, with more distance between me and the sub woofer)

Thanks for the input, all!

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