Buffered bypass

A bypass arrangement in which the pedal's input buffer stays connected to the output even when the effect itself is switched out of circuit.

The effect is removed but the buffer is not, so the signal remains low impedance and the chain stays consistent whether the pedal is on or off. This is the standard approach in digital pedals, where a microcontroller and converter need a defined input anyway. It is more reliable than true bypass in long chains, though it means a battery is being used even in bypass, and some players find the always-on buffer slightly discernible.

Example: on a board where every pedal is digital, buffered bypass is the norm and the front of the chain stays bright with no extra effort.

Buffered bypass

See also