Easy Parallel Stacking Setups - My 5 Favourite Setups

Here are five setups to help you get started with mixing pedals in parallel. You can create customised overdrive sounds, add a dry blend control to any pedal, simulate dual amp setups, add a blend control to your modulation effects and more.
Here are links to some pedals that can be used for parallel stacking / mixing -
- Boss LS-2
USA: amzn.to/3QAx69H
UK: amzn.to/3wrh2Ai
- Great Eastern FX Variable Crossover
www.greateasternfx.com/produc...
- EHX Tri Parallel Mixer
USA: amzn.to/3y2oZfJ
UK: amzn.to/4a9uVBa
- Joyo Orthros Selector
USA: amzn.to/3QCkvTt
UK: amzn.to/4dxwz26
00:00 - Intro
00:26 - Parallel vs Series
01:33 - Adding a Clean Blend Control to an Overdrive Pedal
03:36 - Blending Two Gain Pedals with Different EQ Characteristics
05:57 - Simulating Dual Amp Setups
09:14 - Modulation as an Auxilary Effect / Adding a Blend Control
11:54 - Parallel Blending with Variable Crossover Frequency

[@thisdyingsoul76]

I'm considering trying one of these line selectors. The idea of blending 2 drive pedals in parallel appeals to me.

[@jeffoberg772]

Like every other video of yours I’ve watched, I come a way knowing more than before I started. You are by far my favorite guitar KZbinr in regards to pedal how to’s

[@AnthonyEvans-wl5ts]

Yessss! It's a beautiful day when I see you post up videos. Mad excited 😊 thanks!!!

[@jonathanwapner6262]

The modulation in parallel is really great

[@delefo]

Just last night I was thinking what happened to Michael Banfield he has not popped up on my feed in a while. Today I come home and here he is ! Always a slightly different take on signal chain. Very clever. Whatever pedal college you went to it was well worth the money LOL....

[@dannyjesse3655]

i used a DD-5 to split the signal into an overdriven amp and a seperate chain running a drive into a clean amp. Also had a phase 95 *first* before the DD-5. Such a huge sound, the guitarist in my band loved it! (i was the drummer 😂)

[@stoatystoat174]

I got a Boss LS-2 recently and its great fun - some more things you can do with it: Lots of guitar pedals, like fuzz, reduce low bass guitat tones going through. Bass can go through untouched on one channel and then through guitar pedals on the other so you keep all the bass you want. You can use vibrato pedals as chorus because chorus is just a vibrato mixed with clean signal anyway. The unlached Boss VB-2 or Behringer UV300 fades in vibrato when you stand on them so now you can add in chorus with a footswitch while playing too Currently have a Synth going through a wah pedal into the Boss LS-2 one line has a flanger (mostly set like chorus, thanks for the guide in earlier video) going into a RAT and the other line has a Behringer UV300. Then recombined, couple more pedals and sounds like 70s Italian horror film soundtrack. Happy Days

[@scramblesthedeathdealer]

That's a cool signal path!

[@stulora3172]

mixing the Big Muff with an overdrive is magic. Been doing it for years. But with less OD mixed in than in your example.

[@AbeldeBetancourt]

Well, it seems quite a silly tone

[@stulora3172]

@@AbeldeBetancourt I like silly

[@eddienomoney1882]

I'm changing the subject a bit here but I use an LS-2 to boost the volume of my mxr EVH flanger for the drop-D chug chug chug parts of Van Halens UNCHAINED. It works very well! Turn the gain up all of the way on the LS-2.

[@ThomasHope73]

I use a Boss LS-2 to split my signal for a Wet-Dry-Wet setup. It’s such a useful pedal.

[@scramblesthedeathdealer]

It really is, I need to take mine off the shelf and set up something whacky.

[@roscius6204]

I love parallel setups. The LS 2 is a great and cheap way to start. Every should have one. I have an ES8 which allows preset versions. One staple is a Cali 76 and a Compadre, both already have parallel dry blend and there own flavour and feel. Together in parallel they give a very studio compression.

[@boatman-rn1en]

Thank you for this inspiring video! I may recommend the "tri parallel mixer" from electro harmonix, which I use for a year by now, and which allows you a nearly orchestral sound. I love the parallel universe!

[@joaofernandes8360]

LS2 is the bass best friend.

[@TheMFactor-xx7cl]

I am ok with OD-3 compressing. I like a more uniform sound, especially with a wah pedal.

[@metalmick]

Love your content Mike. Keep doing what you do.👍

[@danieldesjardins6615]

With no phase switch, you have to be carefull of phase cancellation that can occur with pedals in parallel!

[@roscoeswraps2510]

So happy to see this! Amazingly i formative and watchable videos. God tier videos Michael.

[@augustusbetucius2931]

I'd had the idea of a blend control with overdrive for about twelve years now. It started with a Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive. I loved the ability to blend the clean and OD, but I just don't care for Tube Screamers. I tried modding it. Reducing the mid hump, different diodes, and other things. It didn't work. I wanted a simple one knob blend pedal, maybe two knobs, the second a master output level. At that point I couldn't find such a thing. A line selector never occurred to me. Great idea.

[@chilidogcowboy]

8:50 sweet sounds. This video is such a super fantastic resource as are all you your vids, sir.

[@MichaelBanfieldGuitar]

That's very kind. Thank you!

[@JimmyGallowayGuitar]

Excellent demo. The Helix can do this all in the box- but using standalone pedals jut helps visualizing the signal chain. Great sounds.

[@roscius6204]

and the LS 2 is a way cheaper option for anyone who already has some simple pedals

[@jamiebuchanan1500]

fantastic video and demos - such a basic, easy to understand explanations, and some great ideas to try out. I hadn;t thoight of parallel drive/clean before but will definitely give that a go. Always great info - thanks

[@nikokp3269]

The Dual Amp tone si really great ! And the example with the crossover is also very inspiring :) Thank you for all your videos and your explanations which are always very clear and educational.

[@nownomiss]

DSR-1 By fender is my favorit effect!

[@juanmanuelvera1896]

Awesome!

[@immortalobelisk6302]

Dammit, Michael! Now there’s another pedal I have to buy because of you!

[@andrewhall576]

This vid couldn’t have come at a better time. I was looking into a wet/dry rig with two amps, but it looks like I don’t need the second amp now. And I could get the same effect using a line selector pedal instead. I have an ambient sound, but I want the drier tone to come through for more definition. Thanks Michael!

[@Baker5874]

Nice, I’ve always wondered about this.

[@JasonAyalaSpare]

Great video

[@michaelfowler3187]

Nice one Michael. I'm always running in series and have found a few ways to get closer to a nice blended sound but a true signal splitter / blender is always going to outcompete. Good to see you back, you sound great and the comments I'm reading are people who are truly thankful for your approach.

[@erikolsen1333]

Brilliant bro

[@xaviermarini7602]

Thank you, your videos are just the best for someone who's into getting how pedals work (like I currently do), very didactic and instructive ! I also couldn't be happier right now cause I didn't know anything at all about these tricks, and as a bass player this will be very helpful :))

[@luismendo]

Great video as always! The last example is so much The Cure-like

[@mackenziegreen1215]

your videos are great, always make me want to go play guitar, and experiment with techniques. thank you for producing this great content

[@fcojaviermorillo2451]

I missed you. Thanks!

[@nicolasmaurin182]

Eureka ! Super educational. Thanks.

[@MichaelBanfieldGuitar]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kevinkingrey4506]

one of the most valuable videos for me personally, that I have seen in some time. You have just made a subscriber out of me

[@MichaelBanfieldGuitar]

Thanks, and welcome aboard!

[@user-ib8uj1ic7d]

Wow, thanks for the info. And you used my favorite OD, the Boss OD-3, as well!

[@MichaelBanfieldGuitar]

I struggle to make a video without using the OD-3! Glad you liked the video. Thanks!

[@eitea3468]

Cool video ! Last one was super

[@MichaelBanfieldGuitar]

Thanks!

[@eoinjennings519]

I bought a KMA Machines dual ABY to run 2 single in stereo out chorus/dimension style effects in parallel without losing the stereo of either and of course can now blend them as well which is closer to how old style rack effects would have been set up

[@rafaelyamasaki90]

Can an Aby Pedal or P10 Y stereo cable do this same function?

[@AbeldeBetancourt]

Michael Banfield did it again!

[@larsfocken3456]

You can also mix a compressor with the original signal. Like the Wampler Ego Compressor does.

[@MichaelBanfieldGuitar]

Yep that's a good one I forgot to include! Great way to give vintage compressor pedals like the MXR DynaComp or a Ross style compressor a more subtle and transparent sound. Thanks

[@roscius6204]

I run 2 dry blend compressors (Cali 76 and a Compadre) in parallel, works really well. Also parallel chains, so 2 sets of compression and drive......and don't get me started on delay and reverb 🙄

[@19goodman90]

Boss od3 with gain at Zero and a compressor pedal in parallel Sounds good to

[@user-wl7rb5ri5m]

Try mixing a squashed compressed sound with a dry sound. It restores some of the dynamics.

[@aurora3655]

I guess u could do this with a splitter into the amp, and still run pedals in series.

[@toninice6876]

The Kma tyler split the Signal in high and low. Very nice for Bass Player. U can use Any Guitar pedal and never run out of low end

[@afellowguy1933]

also great for getting a stereo sound

[@MichaelBanfieldGuitar]

Indeed! It's on my list to do a video a stereo setups.

[@mirllewist3086]

How are you mixing the two parallel signals back together? Amp with two inputs? Or something fancier like a mixer in the chain? Thanks! Awesome demo!

[@mirllewist3086]

Sorry!!! Figured it out!! (Long day…)

[@allanflippin2453]

Thanks for this interesting and useful video! I've been using two amps in my setup for several years but it's no big deal for me since I don't gig. My point is, I've been using the two amps to accomplish the same kinds of things you're doing with parallel pedal stacking. Perhaps I could combine your technique as well? Right now, one amp is for "dirt" and the other for "clean". Time-based pedals go the "clean" amp. But I could expand the concept without adding more amps by using your technique. I'll be thinking about it :D and my wallet will be in danger

[@montygibbon1905]

The problem with this video is that the hand flailing at 4:11 is way too low. It needs to be (a) chest level or above and (b) sufficient to induce sea-sickness. Hope this helps the channel.

[@weicco]

So it's all about mixing wet and dry signal? Some amps have that ability but of course it is more flexible to do it with pedal(s) so you can create a monstrosity of effects going here and there. I believe there is mixers that could be used to do this, and if I remember correctly Behringer has cheap one.

[@peterhall4852]

Well,luckily I have a TS and Big Muff. Here we go...

[@Mike-rw2nh]

Due to financial constraints I have focused on ear training, rhythm and music theory (it’s cheaper than pedals). Thanks for these clear signal chain explanations that are devoid of esoteric corksniffing, nor gatekeeping, you’ve helped me to dip my toe in. Thanks. It means a lot.

[@severebash9153]

That’s why I’m all about the really cheap Behringer pedals. I have an amp that can take two inputs simultaneously, and an EQ with two outputs. I put two Behringer vibratos that were like, $25 each, on each of the outputs on different speeds and depths and it’s an amazing sound.

[@bobbycotton3312]

Get a job

[@Mike-rw2nh]

@@bobbycotton3312 🤣👍

[@bobbycotton3312]

Lol. Jk

[@markhermann]

There's no reason you can't work on theory, ear training, and rhythm while also enjoying effects. I understand having financial constraints. But to insinuate that having and or using effects somehow takes away from learning the foundations of playing your instrument is a giant cop out.

[@bobbycotton3312]

Do u run the line selector in your effect’s loop

[@caged-melody]

Hell ya, PH-2! Wish there was a Waza version of that pedal. I use the EHX Tri Parallel mixer. I enjoy using it for modulation but not for overdrive and fuzz pedals. To me it sounds odd, like the tone changes. The pedal comes with a phase knob to correct the inversion and a EQ button still doesn’t sound pleasant.

[@MichaelBanfieldGuitar]

That's a shame. Phase issues are a pain. Hey, I have a full video on the Phasing which features the PH-2 if that's your thing!

[@geoarthur6593]

Its a great way to achieve more tonality to your sound, where overdrive is concerned would it not be a lot easier to buy the Boss - JHS Angry Driver and select Parallel mode ?? a lot easier and less connections and cables .. 😐

[@MichaelBanfieldGuitar]

Yes! They're a bunch of great pedals that allow parallel mixing or have dry blend controls. But with a mixer/switcher like the LS-2 or EHX Tri Parallel Mixer you can do it with any of your pedals; overdrives, compressors, modulations etc...

[@larslevinberget9558]

Nuno and Schenker use this pedal ... just so you know

[@VioletDeliriums]

do this if only if notes are important somehow. (they are not for me. there is nothing more non-musical than playing notes, except maybe the Boss Flanger.) :)

[@fcojaviermorillo2451]

What do you think about Slicer Boss????

[@roscius6204]

I would have seen it as a one trick pony until I got the RC505 which has the Slicer in both the In FX and Out FX, I use it a lot. Great for rhythmic loops.

[@666prin3]

Use obne signal blender it’s better than ls2

[@Unusednickname_1970]

I recently bought an LS-2 to switch between two different groups of pedals, but I just started experimenting with parallel drives and I love it. Much better than stacking in series, for me. This opens up so many possibilities. Wish I’d thought of it years ago. Great video!

[@adamp8765]

criminal how this misses out running delay pedals in parallel. set one to dotted eights and the other to triplets, or one to quarter notes and one to dotted eights, one to slapback and one to crotchets... the possibilities are endless. delays are far better in parallel than in series if youre using them rhythmically

[@svenjansen2134]

Are you The Edge from U2?

[@adamp8765]

@@svenjansen2134 i feel pathetic for saying this but the way he plays is super useful for performing pop music... particularly playing drum machine or sequencer and guitar parts at the same time

[@svenjansen2134]

@@adamp8765 I know dude I was only kidding. Can't you take a friggin joke? If you can't take jokes or criticism you better quit playing. Grow some skin dude

[@adamp8765]

@@svenjansen2134 i wasnt getting offended, merely making a remark about his playing style lol

[@FilipArlet]

Don't you have to know which pedals invert signal and which not ?

[@KoryPodgaysky]

Why not just try it? If it sounds good, use it. If it sounds bad, dont.

[@stevemyers2092]

Michael - question is there any AI/electronics online or in a box out there that when you play a song that you wrote it will add and you can somewhat control or choose from a few variations: drums, base lines, keyboard, horns, lead guitar, congas, or a triangle (hahaha) - seems like that would be something special - ?????

[@smarkalet9078]

Phase and Flange effects are created by blending the effects sound with the original, they should have the amount controllable built in.

[@mrchrisbeaver]

Do you know if it adds a buffer to the send/return?