[QUESTION] DS-1 not distorting?
Story:
Last Christmas I got a Boss DS-1 from my mom, brand new, off Sweetwater. I was so excited, and went to plug it in... It didn't distort at all. It only got louder. I had to turn all the knobs all the way up to get any distortion at all. Even then, it was minimal.
So, I replaced the battery, tried it alone, nothing nothing nothing. So, I called Sweetwater and they said they'd call me back and never did. Long story short, life happens and I just finally got a replacement. They tested this one to be sure it worked too.
Nothing. Same issue. I don't understand!! I have a Helix Phaser and a RV-6 that work amazing, and I'm using the same exact setup with this one. I just cant figure out what I am doing wrong, because obviously, it's not the pedal! D:
If anyone knows the trick here, it would be greatly appreciated! I have been waiting MONTHS to use this pedal and I am so disappointed getting a replacement didn't do anything...
Info:
Telecaster > DS-1 > D'Addario patch cable > Begringer EuroPort PPA200 D'Addario cable > Focusrite > PC > Headphones
(Donner power supply)
Issue:
Not distorting barely at all. It just gets louder and the hiss gets grittier. Other pedals are working fine!
Tried:
Changing the battery, using different cables, tested it with no other pedals... Nada on the distortion... I'm at a loss.
Posted Apr 12, 2023, 7:33 AM UTC · edited
This signal path makes no sense. You want to try again?
God, I need to go to sleep. I looked back, and it made no sense at all. Is it better now, or do I need to try again in the morning? 😂
No that's good now. I wasn't sure if you were putting the DS-1 before or after the PA, because that could make a big difference. Guitar > DS-1 should work perfectly.
Weird one. Is it possible you're getting a very low signal out of the guitar?
Oh good! I don't know what I was doing there the first time LOL.
That wouldn't make much sense, I have 2 other pedals that work beautifully... wouldn't a weak signal affect those as well?
Oh good! I don't know what I was doing there the first time LOL.
That wouldn't make much sense, I have 2 other pedals that work beautifully... wouldn't a weak signal affect those as well?
Different pedals have different tolerances to input volume. What I'd do is use one of your other pedals as a pre-amp to boost the level before you go into the DS-1. If the DS-1 suddenly starts cranking, you're not feeding it a hot enough signal from the guitar alone.
Oh shoot sorry, I'm half asleep here. I've been trying to figure this out for way too long. What am I missing?
Oh oh wait LOL. I see what you mean I think 😂