| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Tele_Man
Bronze Member
USA
86 Posts |
 Posted - 05/24/2009 : 22:29:35
|
I just acquired some new pedals from the Lovepedal Mini line. They sound great and will go a long way to simplifying and downsizing my pedal board. In browsing through Lowes looking for something to use as a starting point for a new, small board for my new small pedals I came across something that might be ideal. It is a bent metal shelf used in conjunction with those heavy duty mechanics tool chests. It would be the perfect size and is designed such that it would hold the pedals at an ideal angle. It's got magnets on the backside to hold it to a metal tool chest and magnets on the shelf itself to hold tools in place. My first thought was that the magnets are a perfect solution for holding these small pedals in place.
Here's my question: do magnets play well with pedals and tone? I one held a magnet up to the TV when I was a kid and thought I was going get in serious trouble when I saw what happened to the picture. How will a magnet affect the signal going through a pedal?
If the magnets won't do any harm, this might be an ideal starter solution until I can plan out something more long-term.
EDITED TO ADD:
On a related front, I have a BOSS BCB-30. The size is just right (for 3 Lovepedal minis, a TR-2 and a TU-2) but the protrusions that hold three BOSS pedals in place are a pain for laying out all the pedals efficiently. Can I use a dremel to remove those protrusions without any negative affect on the structural integrity of the BCB-30?
Thanks! |
Edited by - Tele_Man on 05/24/2009 22:33:10 |
|
|
Laurie
Double Platinum Member
Canada
4854 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2009 : 01:34:54
|
G'day! I'll probably get flamed, but I'm going to state it like this: "categorically, magnets will not affect your tone". There is no (zero) impartial evidence that suggests that permanent magnets have any effect on audio frequency signals.
As for affecting the pedals mechanically - can't see that being a problem either.
|
 |
|
|
natthu
Gold Member
Australia
756 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2009 : 09:28:57
|
Magnetic and electronic fields do interact - that's how a speaker works. However, magnets can also be used to reduce electrical noise in cables (audio, USB etc...). I'd just try it out and see what happens.
Laurie is probably right, you probably won't notice any change in tone.
|
|
|
|
zentropa
Gold Member
USA
837 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2009 : 12:29:53
|
quote:
G'day! I'll probably get flamed, but I'm going to state it like this: "categorically, magnets will not affect your tone". There is no (zero) impartial evidence that suggests that permanent magnets have any effect on audio frequency signals.
As for affecting the pedals mechanically - can't see that being a problem either.
even the magnets in pickups? :)
i would strongly recommend against using magnets on any digital chip set pedals (digi delays, cosm pedals, digital modulations, etc.). i can't say that the magnets will affect them in a negative way, but my gut instinct says there could be some long-term effects. |
|
|
|
Laurie
Double Platinum Member
Canada
4854 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2009 : 14:40:10
|
quote:
Originally posted by zentropa
even the magnets in pickups? :)
i would strongly recommend against using magnets on any digital chip set pedals (digi delays, cosm pedals, digital modulations, etc.). i can't say that the magnets will affect them in a negative way, but my gut instinct says there could be some long-term effects.
Difference with pickups is that there is moving metal in the static field 
Flame me baby... but digital chips-sets will be fine too 
If it weren't true, then everything with a built-in speaker would sound like crap - well, maybe some it does, but it's not because of the magnetic field!
|
|
|
|
warwick.hoy
Bronze Member
USA
80 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2009 : 20:37:27
|
| I'm not familiar enough with them to say for certain, but perhaps keep those (real) tape echoes away from the magnets??? |
|
|
|
Laurie
Double Platinum Member
Canada
4854 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2009 : 22:39:11
|
quote:
Originally posted by warwick.hoy
I'm not familiar enough with them to say for certain, but perhaps keep those (real) tape echoes away from the magnets???
Yes indeed. My comments earlier in this thread apply to solid state electronics. If the device has any sort of moving metal parts, magentic tape, electron beams (tubes), etc, best to keep magnets away.
To be specific about pedals - if the pedal has a tube in it, using magnets nearby will cause problems. |
|
|
|
Dr. Bob
Moderator
Australia
6593 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2009 : 13:48:39
|
Hi Guys
It's been interesting to read everyone's opinions on this topic.
But for now.
I'm with Laurie's opinion & comments on this topic.
(Excluding any pedal that contains a valve or valves.)
Boss pedals are extremely well shielded:
- Cast medal body.
- Bright mild steel base-plate, within a few mm of the PCB.
The only possible Boss pedals that might be affected by a strong magnet.
And I do mean an "extremely strong magnet", such as "Neodymium" type Rare Earth magnets.
Could possibly be the AW-x Auto Wahs, as they do contain a small inductor (Choke-Transformer) as part of their designs.
I know my AW-2 (for example) is affected by placing it near strong AC fields, as in close to a Tube. & some Solid State amplifiers.
But I do mean close, as in right up against the face-bottom-edge-floor of the speaker/s, or directly on top of the amp itself.
Next time I have my AW-2 out - I'll run a few large Neodymium Rare Earth magnets around it.
Of course as with all good Lab Eng-Tech's,
I am always open to new information theory's & findings.
Regards Dr. Bob
|
Edited by - Dr. Bob on 05/26/2009 13:49:12 |
|
|
|
Laurie
Double Platinum Member
Canada
4854 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2009 : 14:23:50
|
quote:
Originally posted by Dr. Bob
I know my AW-2 (for example) is affected by placing it near strong AC fields
Hi Dr. Bob!
I think you have hit the nail on the head... "AC fields". A DC field (from a permanent magnet) shouldn't affect the operation of the inductor?? |
|
|
|
zerksies
Double Platinum Member
USA
3406 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2009 : 02:45:07
|
| i would be very scared over new digital pedals with IC chips in them.i would fell more comfortable with analog pedals |
|
|
|
Laurie
Double Platinum Member
Canada
4854 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2009 : 04:53:16
|
| Ya worry too much. She'll be right mate |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Magnets, Pedals, and Tone
