Empress Buffer++

The Interstellar Tone Traveler has spent considerable energy scouting the universe for instruments and effects worth carrying — but the best signal chain in the world means nothing if the signal itself doesn't survive the journey. That's where the Empress Buffer++ earns its place on the board, and earns it decisively. Empress Effects has built their reputation on transparent, low-noise circuit design, and the Buffer++ extends that philosophy into something far more ambitious than a simple tone-preservation utility. This is a full signal routing hub: 12 internal routing modes, AB/AY switching, stereo effects loop with noise filtering, tuner mute, ground loop rejection, transformer isolation on Output 2, and input metering — all in a compact single pedal that replaces a sprawling collection of switchers, ABY boxes, and workaround cables. Whether you're running guitar into one amp and synth into another, converting a stereo rehearsal rig to mono on stage, or stacking gain-heavy pedals over long cable runs, the Buffer++ handles the infrastructure so you can focus on playing.

The technical spec here is serious. The all-analog signal path features Dolby-style filtering and differential loop returns for a noise floor of < -110dBu — a number that competes with professional outboard gear. Input 1 impedance is fully variable from 10kΩ to 1MΩ, and the Input Loading knob uses that range to simulate the warmth of cable-induced high-frequency rolloff without introducing the noise or signal degradation of actual long cable runs — vintage tone-shaping without the vintage problems. The footswitchable boost delivers up to 30dB of gain for level matching or pushing the next stage in the chain, and holding the footswitch engages tuner mute for silent tuning mid-set. Transformer isolation on Output 2 eliminates ground loops between amps at the hardware level. At 1lb in a 4.5" x 3.5" footprint, the Buffer++ takes up minimal real estate while solving problems that used to require twice the pedals and three times the cable. Stop compromising your rig. Start building it right.

Features:

12 internal routing modes
All-analog signal path with Dolby-style filtering
Variable input loading (10kΩ–1MΩ) for tone shaping
Footswitchable boost: up to 30dB gain
Tuner output — hold footswitch for tuner mute
Stereo effects loop with noise filtering
AB/AY amp and instrument switching
Transformer isolation on Output 2 for ground loop rejection
Differential loop returns
Input metering
Input pads for volume balancing
Polarity switching
Dual outputs

Specifications:
Input 1 Impedance: 10kΩ – 1MΩ (variable)
Input 2 Impedance: 1MΩ
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
THD+N Out 1: <0.1% (200Hz–20kHz), <1% (20Hz–20kHz)
THD+N Out 2 (Transformer): <0.1% (200Hz–20kHz), <1% (55Hz–20kHz)
Noise: < -110dBu
Power: 9V DC Center-Negative, 100mA
Power Connector: 2.1mm Barrel
Dimensions: 4.5" L x 3.5" W x 2" H
Weight: 1lb