Lets talk about the Boss PSM-5...What do i need to know?

[Chevus]

This pedal was given to me, and I'd like to find out different uses for it. I have 10 pedals on my board and power most of them with a DC Brick. I can obviously power the rest with this thing, but what else should I know. Is it worth using or does it totally degrade tone...Could I use it as a tuner mute to separate my Boss TU-2 from my other pedals, etc.?

Thanks!

[RobB]

What does your signal chain consist of? If you have an assortment of, say, MXR, Boss, Ibanez pedals then a true bypass box with a dedicated tuner out would solve most signal "degradation" issues: Loopmaster Bypass Box w/dedicated tuner out. Robert Keeley makes a great bypass box, though it does not feature a "tuner out."

Yes, you can use the PSM-5 to take the Boss tuner out of the signal path (guitar-->IN, SEND-->TU-2, AMP--> first effect in chain), but you've just substituted ANOTHER Boss box to begin your guitar signal. My quick and dirty solution is to have an Ernie Ball volume pedal first in line and use the "tuner out" to the TU-2. That way, with the volume pedal off you can tune in silence but not have the Boss in the signal chain. The "amp out" goes to a bypass switcher send/FX/return/out to amp. This way, no tone suckers are in your path when they are not engaged. This clever device also allows you to set up "patches" (say, DIST, PHASE, ECHO) before hand and bring them all in with a single stomp. Of course, the PSM-5 will do this in spades but there might be some tone coloration.

I live to put together budget pedalboards, so if you need anymore suggestions feel free to PM me. I don't want to waste bandwith debating the dubious benefits of "true bypass", analog or whatever. It's xmas, forgoshsakes!

[tafkathundernotes]

Is it supposed to switch the 9V on and off? I have one here that the LED changes color from red to green, but the DC doesn't switch at all. Is that the way it's supposed to work? I'm supposed to fix this pedal for a guy, but it's reminding me why I have a general rule that I DON'T REPAIR CHEAP PEDALS. Not worth the aggravation most times. He already went out and bought another one for $40 - less than it would cost for my time repairing it. Some people are a pain...

[Hamer95USA]

Hey chevus,

I used to own the red MIJ Boss PSM-5 & the BCB-6 pedalboard. It's a combination power supply and pedalboard loop switch. I used the PSM-5 to power about 5 of my Boss pedals & the TU-12 tuner, as well as use the loop switch to turn certain effects on/off. Very useful power supply/loop switch. It did squash the signal though so you may want to consider having a buffer in front of all your pedals like the VHT Valvulator or the Axcess Electronics BS-2. I hope my experience helps you out with your pedalboard setup.

Guitar George

[Chevus]

Hey RobB,

Thanks for the info...I thought about a Loooper w/ tuner mute, but I'm trying to save money for a new Hamer guitar...Plus, I need to build a board and buy a case/cables for my pedals. I was hoping the PSM-5 might be a quick-fix alternative.

BTW, I have a vintage DynaComp & a CE-3 both with FXDoctor mods, Keeley Modded Rat II, Indyguitarist modded MT-2 & CS-3. and GE-7 w/ Sniper mod. Then I have some other stock Boss pedals: CE-2 (MIJ), Two NS-2's, TU-2, and a DD-2. As I mentioned earlier, I also have a DC Brick to power the bulk of my pedals...I can use the PSM-5 for the rest. My amp is a Mesa Boogie F-30 amp, so I'll run the delay, chorus(s), and EQ through the FX Loop...The rest into the front of the amp. I will also experiment with pedal placement, but I'd like to have my entire collection of stomp boxes on the board. I don't play out anymore so size/weight is not a problem. Besides, I would most likely make a smaller board with a few pedals if I do gig in the future. My ideal setup would consist of a midi rig (think Voodoo Lab), so I could incorporate my Intellifex LTD, but that is not in the budget right now. Anyway, I'd appreciate any suggestions on setting up this pedalboard, it is my first attempt at this type of project. I am not a fan of Velcro, so I'm planing to mount the pedals w/ longer screws and bicycle chain links on a perforated metal board...I'm still looking for the board materials, but I have some ideas. It should be a pretty sweet and tidy rig...I'll be able to run the cables along the underside of the board. I am intrigued by your volume pedal idea!

Hey thudernotes,

It is a red and green light pedal, but mine actually needs a little repair, so I can't help you at this point...I have never used this pedal...Sorry!

Thanks for all the info!

Ps. I am planning to make the board 30" x 18" and 1"-2" tall for wire routing purposes.