The Saturnworks ABY is an A/B/Y switching pedal from Saturnworks, a Washington-based builder of small-batch switching gear. It lets a player send one input to two outputs, A or B, or both at the same time (Y), which is the classic setup for switching between two amps or blending a clean rig with a dirty one. The passive version can also be run in reverse, summing two inputs into one output. Saturnworks builds it in several versions, priced from $49.00 to $179.00 USD as of August 20261.
What it does and how it is controlled
On the compact passive version, the footswitch selects the A or B output, and a toggle switch passively splits the signal to both outputs at once (Y). On the active and standard versions, a second switch selects both outputs at the same time, so Y mode is a footswitch rather than a toggle1.
The stereo versions go further: they carry pairs of TS jacks, one pair of inputs switching to two pairs of outputs, with both channels piggybacked on two switches1. Jacks are heavy duty Neutrik/Rean, or Switchcraft on the black pedals1.
Passive or active
The choice between the two comes down to buffering. Because an ABY pedal splits the signal, Saturnworks says the passive version is best used after a buffer to prevent tone or level loss. The active version solves that internally: it features a built-in dual buffer to prevent signal loss in split (Y) mode, with each output having its own separate buffer. The active stereo ABY uses active buffering circuitry for the same reason1.
The passive version has one trick the active does not: it can be used in reverse to sum, or combine, two signals into one1.
As pictured, Saturnworks' active stereo ABY does not include LEDs1.
Versions and enclosures
Saturnworks lists nine configurations of the ABY1:
- ABY Passive
- ABY Passive Compact
- ABY Active
- ABY Active w/ Volume Controls
- ABY Active w Active Phase Inversion
- ABY w Active Phase Inversion + Volume Controls
- ABY Active Black w Soft Click Switches
- ABY Passive Stereo
- ABY Active Stereo
Enclosure sizes vary by version1:
| Version | Enclosure |
|---|---|
| Compact passive | 3.5" x 1.5" (125B sized) |
| Standard active and passive | 4.39" x 2.4" x 1.24" (1590B sized) |
| ABY black | powder-coated black 4.39" x 2.4" x 1.24" (1590B sized) |
| ABY with phase controls; stereo active and passive | 4.8" x 2.64" x 1.58" (125B sized) |
All are durable cast aluminum enclosures1.
Power
The passive versions do not need power to work; power is only to make the LEDs light up1. The active versions run on standard 9v DC center-negative power1. That puts the Saturnworks in line with other passive switchers: Premier Guitar's buying guide notes that the Radial Engineering BigShot ABY "requires no power (unless you want to power the current version's channel-indicator LEDs)"2, and CopperSound says of its own passive ABY that "power is only required for the status LEDs"3.
Phase inversion and the bass mod
Saturnworks' ABY pedals with phase inverting toggles feature active phase inverting circuits to help with potential out-of-phase issues, which can arise when two amps or two signals combine1. Comparable switchers work the same way: on the KMA Machines Active ABY, the Phase switch flips the A channel by 180 degrees, which can prevent signal cancellation and tone issues when combining or splitting signals4. KMA describes the same arrangement on its Active STEREO ABY5.
For bass players and low-tuned guitarists, Saturnworks offers a bass mod: it allows more lower-range frequencies to enter the circuit, does not cut any highs, and can therefore be used with guitars as well. The mod is added at no additional cost to any active splitter1.
Warranty and build
Saturnworks covers the ABY with a 1-year limited warranty against parts and manufacturing defects. The pedals are handcrafted and bench-tested in Washington with US and imported components1.
Questions
Does the Saturnworks ABY need power?
The passive versions do not need power to work. Power is only to make the LEDs light up. The active versions run on standard 9v DC center-negative power. If you want a switcher that works without any power supply at all, the passive models will keep switching whether or not they are plugged in.
What is the difference between the passive and active Saturnworks ABY?
The passive version simply switches or splits the signal, and Saturnworks recommends placing it after a buffer to prevent tone or level loss. The active version features a built-in dual buffer, with one separate buffer per output, to prevent signal loss in split (Y) mode. The passive version can also be used in reverse to sum two signals into one; the active cannot.
What does the phase inversion toggle do?
Saturnworks ABY pedals with phase inverting toggles feature active phase inverting circuits to help with potential out-of-phase issues. Flipping the phase of one output can prevent signal cancellation and tone issues when combining or splitting signals, the same job the Phase switch does on the KMA Machines Active ABY, which flips the A channel by 180 degrees.
Can the passive Saturnworks ABY combine two signals into one?
Yes. Saturnworks says the passive ABY, but not the active ABY, can be used in reverse to sum, or combine, two signals into one. That makes the passive version a two-in-one summer as well as a one-in-two-out switcher.
What does the bass mod do?
The bass mod allows more lower-range frequencies to enter the circuit. Saturnworks says the mod does not cut any highs, so it can be used with guitars as well as bass, and it is added at no additional cost to any active splitter.
What is the Saturnworks ABY warranty?
Saturnworks covers the ABY with a 1-year limited warranty against parts and manufacturing defects. The pedals are handcrafted and bench-tested in Washington with US and imported components.
Sources (5)
- ABY Pedal, Saturnworks Pedals, 2026-08-08
- Killer Pedals Under $100, Premier Guitar, 2021-03-08
- Passive ABY Channel Splitter, CopperSound Pedals
- Active ABY, KMA Machines
- Active STEREO ABY, KMA Machines
