The Bright Onion Pedals Active Stereo Splitter with Phase Switching is a utility pedal that takes your stereo input signals and splits them to two pairs of outputs. The second pair of outputs carries a toggle switch that flips their phase, which is the tool for dealing with the thin, hollow sound that happens when two signal paths arrive at your amps out of phase with each other. Bright Onion describes it as an active splitter using the same phase switching circuit as its popular ABY pedal1.
What it does and how it is controlled
The pedal's job is simple: one stereo input in, two pairs of outputs out. The toggle switch on the second outputs reverses their phase, so if combining two paths leaves you with canceled low end, flipping the switch on one pair puts them back in phase. Because the circuit is active rather than passive, it buffers the signal on the way through, and the stated 1M input impedance and 1K output impedance reflect that: a high input impedance presents an easy load to your guitar or the pedals before it, while the low output impedance helps the split signals drive what comes after them1.
It sits in the wider family of switching pedals, alongside related Bright Onion utility units such as the Stereo AB Output Switch v2 and the Stereo AB Input Switch, which handle stereo routing in other directions.
Power and practical details
The pedal contains no battery. Bright Onion states that its products contain no batteries or lead, so a 9V DC supply is required to use it at all1.
Power needs are modest and standard:
- 9V DC via a 2.1mm center negative socket, the common pedalboard polarity1
- 20mA current draw, well within reach of most multi-output supplies1
The aluminum enclosure measures 110x60x31mm, a compact footprint that fits a standard pedalboard row1. Bright Onion lists it at £59.95 GBP on its own store, priced in pounds sterling as the maker sells it1.
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Questions
What does the phase switch do on the Bright Onion stereo splitter?
The pedal splits your stereo input signals to two pairs of outputs. The second pair of outputs has a toggle switch that flips their phase, so you can correct phase cancellation between two amps or two signal paths. Bright Onion says it uses the same phase switching circuit as its ABY pedal.
Does the Bright Onion Active Stereo Splitter take a battery?
No. Bright Onion states that its products contain no batteries or lead, so this pedal runs only from an external power supply. You will need a 9V DC supply with a 2.1mm centre negative plug that can deliver at least 20mA.
What power supply does the Bright Onion Active Stereo Splitter need?
It needs a 9V DC supply with a 2.1mm centre negative socket polarity, and it draws 20mA. A standard pedalboard supply or a dedicated adapter meeting those figures will run it; it cannot run on battery power.
What are the input and output impedances?
The pedal has a 1M (1 megohm) input impedance and a 1K (1 kilohm) output impedance, according to Bright Onion's product page. The high input impedance is typical of an active buffer input, and the low output impedance helps drive longer cable runs and downstream pedals.
How big is the Bright Onion Active Stereo Splitter?
The enclosure measures 110x60x31mm and is made of aluminium, so it fits alongside standard compact pedals on a board.
Sources (1)
- Active Stereo Splitter with Phase Switching, Bright Onion Pedals
