Original Suhr RL into Passive 3-way Splitter: best output and should you use a buffer or line driver?

[Wheelbirds]

Hi, longtime lurker so please forgive me if this is the wrong forum. I’m planning on running the output from the passive Suhr RL (non-IR version) into a passive Radial Bigshot.

Since the Bigshot has three outputs (Radial says you can use the tuner output to connect a third “amp”), I’d like to connect each of the three to individual Ox Stomps (seems overkill, but I like the idea of having multiple mic and cab options to record with from the same amp source).

Couple questions (maybe @Oso can chime in)

1. Would it be best to use the Suhr’s balanced output to run into the input of the Bigshot splitter (XLR to TRS)? I’m not savvy enough to know whether this may cause impedance issues or if the Bigshot can take line level (assuming it can?), so wanted to check.

2. Would it be best to run the Suhr’s output into a buffer (like a JHS-style op amp mini buffer) or into a line driver (like the MXR CAE Boost/Line Driver) before hitting the Radial to minimize signal loss when passively splitting? In this case, would line level still be best, or would that not play well with these pedal buffers?

Thanks! This is definitely a weird setup, but still cheaper than a new Ox.

 

[GreatRedDragon]

Does the Bigshot even have a balanced input? Even if it does, I don't think you'd need it.

But my question is, why?

An Ox Stomp can store over 100 presets, and six can be assigned for recall at the turn of a knob. So if you're recording, why not record a the DI signal from the Suhr and reamp through the Ox Stomp?

Also, my experience with a UA's pedal was resoundingly negative. Many functions of the pedal require the app to use, and the app is fucking awful. The lack of MIDI is ridiculous. And it draws current well above the 400mA the manual calls for, and if it doesn't get enough juice it restarts which takes way too long (since it's just a computer in a box). I had it on a 500mA output of my CS12 and it was still dipping out. The sound quality and feature sets are fantastic, but everything else really sucked and it soured me on any of their pedals.

I run my Suhr RL into a Boss IR-200 and it sounds fantastic, while being controllable by MIDI, having a moveable stereo effects loop, an easy to use interface, a headphone jack, an aux input, and USB connectivity that not only lets your load up your own IRs but also lets you use it as a recording interface.

 

[Wheelbirds]

Does the Bigshot even have a balanced input? Even if it does, I don't think you'd need it.

But my question is, why?

An Ox Stomp can store over 100 presets, and six can be assigned for recall at the turn of a knob. So if you're recording, why not record a the DI signal from the Suhr and reamp through the Ox Stomp?

Also, my experience with a UA's pedal was resoundingly negative. Many functions of the pedal require the app to use, and the app is fucking awful. The lack of MIDI is ridiculous. And it draws current well above the 400mA the manual calls for, and if it doesn't get enough juice it restarts which takes way too long (since it's just a computer in a box). I had it on a 500mA output of my CS12 and it was still dipping out. The sound quality and feature sets are fantastic, but everything else really sucked and it soured me on any of their pedals.

I run my Suhr RL into a Boss IR-200 and it sounds fantastic, while being controllable by MIDI, having a moveable stereo effects loop, an easy to use interface, a headphone jack, an aux input, and USB connectivity that not only lets your load up your own IRs but also lets you use it as a recording interface.

Thanks for the quick feedback! Yeah, I went to check the Bigshot manual and Radial site and it only lists that they’re 1/4 in. inputs and outputs, so I’m going to guess they’re unbalanced if it’s mainly meant to be used for ABY’ing into the front of amps. So either getting a balanced splitter or taking the unbalanced line out of the Suhr would probably have to do.

For the why, it’s mainly that I’d prefer to simplify my workflow and avoid needing to reamp, and that I like the Ox “dynamic” IRs (whatever they actually are) better than most of the other IRs I’ve tried. Plus this would make it easier to run one with one cab emulation and one with another, or to use multiple mics to blend, etc. and run the six outputs straight into the DAW for quicker mixing.

I actually use a Waza TAE for its attenuator and loadbox, but frankly have never been crazy about their stock IRs, computer UI, or modeling despite how useful the Waza is as a jack of all trades tool. Plus since they seem to often stop supporting their new tech after release (even though UA also does the same), I’d rather just go with Boss for their pedals and stick with the Stomps for cab and mic modeling.

I’m glad the IR-200 is working better for you though than the Ox pedal. I’ve had two of the UAs for a while now, and surprisingly the app hasn’t given me any trouble so far (maybe I just got lucky and it’ll crap out at some point).

In any case, thanks for your helpful input!