selecting the variable BOOST, or a MUTE for silent tun-
ing and guitar changes. To activate the variable boost, as
set by the BOOST knob, simply press the STOMP switch,
the blue BOOST LED indicate’s when it’s on. Press the
STOMP switch again to turn it off. To activate the MUTE,
hold down the STOMP switch for about 3/4-of-a-second,
the red MUTE LED indicate’s it’s on. Press the STOMP
switch again to exit the MUTE mode, and the HIGH-
WIRE™ DUAL BUFFER/OUTPUT BOOST will return to on
or off BOOST state it was in, prior to activating the MUTE.
MUTE LED:
When illuminated, this red LED indicates the
MUTE is on/active.
BOOST LED:
When illuminated, this blue LED indicates
the variable BOOST is on/active.
BOOST KNOB:
Adjusts the amount of boost from the
integrated output line-driver circuit, from Unity to +22dB.
LEVEL COMP:
This mini-toggle switch provides a fixed
boost of +3dB from the integrated output line-driver circuit, to
make up for any losses or to compensate for different guitars.
FAQ & HELPFUL HINTS
Can I use the HIGH-WIRE™ DUAL BUFFER/OUTPUT
BOOST for my bass?
Yes you can!
I’m using a switched-mode power adapter/supply
(SMPS) and hear a high pitch “whine”, why is that?
Some of these SMPS adapters are noisier than others, es-
pecially those that aren’t from a reputable or brand-name
MI manufacturer. Another reason could be that you’re try-
ing to run to many devices from a single adapter. Though
many of them have a high current output and tout being
able to power many devices, doing so can result in the
development and/or increase of noise, for some reason.
If this is happening, we recommend either trying another
adapter, or better yet - using a universal pedalboard power
supply with enough isolated outputs to power every device
on your pedalboard individually; better power = less noise
= more tone!
What’s the maximum length of cable I can use between
my guitar and the HIGH-WIRE™ DUAL BUFFER/OUT-
PUT BOOST’s input?
Always aim for the best quality and shortest length pos-
sible shielded 1/4” TS instrument cable between the guitar
and buffer, but also keep in mind that zero capacitance is
not ideal, or practical. It’s safe to say that there’s no way
a pickup has been designed without expecting there to be
some length of cable, and therefore capacitance, hanging
off the output of a guitar. A certain amount of cable capaci-
tance is good, and necessary! We’re not trying to eliminate
it, but we are trying to control and prevent it from chang-
ing unexpectedly. So if you can afford it, experiment with
a variety of brands and lengths, to fine-tune the tone, until
you find what suits your tone best! There’s no one-size-fits-
all cable length, but generally speaking shorter cables will
yield a brighter tone, and longer cables will yield a darker
tone. Once again the key is consistency, so when you’ve
made your choice, always use the same cable.
I would like to use a vintage fuzz pedal, but have been told
that they don’t work well with buffered signals, is this true?
These pedals will function and sound differently when con-
SPECIFICATIONS:
• Input Impedance: 1Mohm
• Output Impedance: 150ohm
• Input Buffer Design: Discrete Class-A
• Output Buffer Design: High-Speed Low-Noise Op-Amp
• Nominal Operating Voltage: 9VDC
• Maximum Operating Voltage: 12VDC
• Typical Current Draw: 55mA @ 9VDC
• DC Adapter (Optional): 2.1 x 5.5mm Barrel Plug,
Negative Center
• Weight: 0.743 lbs (337 g)
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 2.48 x 4.48 x 2.06 inch (63
x 114 x 52 mm)
NOTE: Device specifications are subject to change
without notice.
Application Diagrams are available at www.mesaboogie.com
nected directly to the guitar because they are meant to be
fed with a high-impedance signal source, as opposed to
a low-impedance signal source, which is why they need
to be used first in the signal path. It’s recommended that
such pedals either be modified with true-bypass switching,
if not already so equipped, or used in conjunction with a
true-bypass loop-box to ensure the pedal is completely
bypassed when not in use.
Where exactly is the MUTE circuit located within the
HIGH-WIRE™ DUAL BUFFER/OUTPUT BOOST?
The MUTE circuit is located at the SEND jack. This allows
for any time-based effect pedals such as a delay, echo
and/or reverb, to trail-off naturally when the MUTE is ac-
tivated, instead of ending abruptly.
What’s the maximum length of cable that the HIGH-
WIRE™ DUAL BUFFER/OUTPUT BOOST can drive?
Cable runs to a back-line amplifier between 20-100ft
should not be an issue, but ultimately the maximum length
will be determined by the construction quality of the cable
and/or how “noisy” the venue is where the gear is being
used. As mentioned elsewhere; “...when using shielded
1/4” TS instrument cables, always aim for the best quality
and shortest length possible…”
Can I use the HIGH-WIRE™ DUAL BUFFER/OUTPUT
BOOST as a 3-way splitter for two amps and a tuner?
You certainly can, but keep in mind that under some
circumstances, the drive capabilities of the SEND and
TUNER jacks might not be as robust as the OUTPUT jack.
Additionally, the SEND, TUNER and OUTPUT jacks are
not transformer isolated, so it would be necessary to use
a CLEARLINK™ CONVERTER/ISO TRANSFORMER in
front of one amplifier, to prevent the hum and noise that
would occur as a result of the ground loop that’s always
created when running multiple amplifiers.
Why wasn’t a transformer isolated output provided,
for splitting or ground loop elimination applications?
A transformer isolated output was not included in the de-
sign for several very good reasons; (i) fact is, the noise
immunity and signal integrity provided by a specially de-
signed and shielded audio isolation transformer at the end
of a long cable run is far more superior than that provided
by a transformer at the beginning, worst-case is it’s just as
good (ii) we know from previous buffer/splitter designs that
not everyone makes use of a transformer isolated output;
so instead of including a great, and very expensive trans-
former, and of course having to charge for it - we made it
optional via our passive CLEARLINK™ CONVERTER/ISO
TRANSFORMER (iii) the primary utilitarian design goal of
the HIGH-WIRE™ DUAL BUFFER/OUTPUT BOOST was
to provide the two constants in every guitar rig, the guitar
and amplifier, with a resolute load and source, via its input
buffer and output line-driver, respectively (iv) pedalboard
real estate - specially designed and shielded audio isola-
tion transformers are not small, so you won’t see (or hear
them) in any sub-compact buffers (v) finally, experience
has also taught us that a good number of people who start
off with signal splitting, soon wish or opt for devices that
provide them with the ability to split AND switch each out-
put on and off individually.
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