The Yuer ABY channel switch is a passive signal router that performs two simple yet extremely practical tasks: splitting one signal source to two outputs or mixing two signal sources into a single output. While this might sound straightforward, it enables several interesting applications, such as amplifying a guitar through two different amps. But this is only one of many options that the Yuer ABY provides – in fact, there are so many that some musicians operate multiple ABY boxes. Due to its entirely passive construction, the Yuer ABY switcher/splitter requires no power supply for its routing functions. As a result, the signal does not pass through any buffering circuitry (as with an active splitter), meaning that the signal's integrity remains intact as it passes through the Yuer ABY.
The Yuer ABY channel switch offers two modes of operation: It can be used as a signal distributor or as a signal mixer. In splitter mode, a signal source is connected to the Y jack and fed out to jacks A and B at once. In mixer mode, two signal sources are connected to jacks A and B and sent together to the Y jack. What is particularly smart about the Yuer ABY pedal is that the user can choose whether only one of the jacks, A or B, is activated at a time – this is referred to as A/B-Y mode – or whether both jacks are activated at the same time, known as A&B-Y mode. In A/B-Y mode, the footswitch toggles between jacks A and B, while in A&B-Y mode – when both jacks are activated – the footswitch becomes inactive. The A&B-Y or A/B-Y operating mode is selected with a slider on the front panel of the Yuer ABY channel switch pedal.
Designed to work entirely passively, the internal routing of the Yuer ABY channel switch is achieved electromechanically using switches. Although a 9V DC connection is present, its sole function is to power a 3-colour status LED, which provides the user with optical feedback on A&B or A/B operating mode – red for channel A, blue for channel B, and pink when both channels are active (A&B mode). The actual routing and splitting functions (including footswitch operations) run without any power supply. With its compact aluminium housing weighing just 145g and power consumption of only 8mA, the affordable Yuer ABY switcher/splitter is a compact and low-current addition to any pedalboard.
Yuer is a brand that belongs to W-Music Distribution and is based in Neukirchen, in the German state of Saxony. Initially a manufacturer of premium basses, the company now offers an extensive range of musical equipment for recording projects and live performances, all of which delivers excellent quality at affordable prices. Yuer puts many years of experience into the development of its products, which also integrate numerous innovations and include audio interfaces, rechargeable power supplies, effect pedals, and wireless systems as well as portable guitar and bass amplifiers which also allow external playback via Bluetooth. The company also places great value on innovative and self-explanatory operation and the fulfilment of European safety standards.
Despite its compact size and unassuming appearance, the Yuer ABY channel switch has a surprisingly large number of practical applications. The classic arrangement is the aforementioned splitter application in A/B mode, allowing a guitar's signal to be sent to two amplifiers – one for the clean signal, the other for the distorted signal: The footswitch enables guitarists to switch seamlessly between the amps. Connect a stereo-capable effects pedal – such as a stereo delay or chorus – after the Yuer ABY and activate A&B mode for a genuine stereo setup. If you play two different instruments, simply connect both to the ABY pedal and mute the unused instrument with the footswitch in A/B-Y mode. Bassists, too, can create exciting effects with the Yuer ABY channel switch by combining two amps, one for clean low frequencies and the other for a distorted tone, to produce a monster sound.