Topmusicanswers
To be safe, having a buffer or buffered pedal last in your pedal chain is advisable. Many guitarists use time-based effects from companies like Eventide and Strymon at the end of their pedal chains, and, not surprisingly, many of these pedals have a selectable buffered-bypass or true-bypass mode.
Where does a buffer go in a chain?
A general guideline would be to insert the buffer between the guitar and first pedal, and no further forward in than the last overdrive pedal. If you use several true bypass pedals, there's a good chance your ensuing signal will weaker as they don't have any effect on incoming signal.
When should I use a buffer pedal?
Buffer pedals are often unnecessary when connecting a guitar straight into an amp and even when using a few pedals. However, having a good buffer pedal at a low-signal-level point in the signal chain can make or break the sound and tone of a guitar through a pedalboard.
Do buffers add noise?
Too many buffers in your signal can add noise. They act like a preamplifier. I usually only use one. But, some like to place a buffer at the beginning and end of their chain.
