JHS Active A/B/Y Stereo Output Switcher - Flexible Signal Routing

In this review of the JHS Active A/B/Y Stereo Output Switcher, the bottom line is simple: this pedal is for players who need reliable, on-the-fly routing of one instrument signal to two destinations with the option to engage both for stereo. It shines when used to send a guitar or line-level signal to two amps, an amp and an interface, or multiple destinations during live gigs and studio sessions. The standout reason to buy is the active switching with a transformer on one output, which eliminates ground hum without an external ground lift and preserves signal integrity during quick changes.

Key Features

• Active switching: Provides clean, low-impedance routing so the signal remains strong whether sent to one output or both simultaneously.
• Instant A/B selection: A left footswitch toggles between A and B quickly, letting players switch amp or rig choices during performance.
• Y stereo output: A right footswitch engages both outputs for full stereo or dual-amp setups without rewiring.
• Output transformer: One output includes a transformer to remove ground hum, reducing the need for a separate ground lift box.
• Simple hookup: Plug an instrument or patch cable into the input and send outputs to amps, interfaces, or a mixing board with straightforward patching.
• Visual feedback: Dual-color LED shows red for A and green for B so the active path is always obvious on stage.

Who It's For

The Active A/B/Y is aimed at gigging guitarists, session players, and engineers who need dependable routing between two amps or signal paths. It is particularly useful for anyone who switches between tonal options mid-song or wants a simple way to run acoustic DI to an amp and an interface simultaneously.

Players who require additional tone-shaping, integrated switching of multiple pedals, or buffered loop switching with presets should look elsewhere; this unit focuses strictly on routing and noise control rather than complex signal-chain management.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reliable active circuitry keeps output level strong when switching between or combining outputs.
• Output transformer on one path effectively eliminates ground hum without a lift box.
• Easy, immediate A/B/Y control with clear LED indicators for onstage confidence.
• Versatile use with amps, interfaces, and mixing boards for live and studio setups.

Cons

• Some customers report noticeable noise with certain rigs, so noise can be a concern in sensitive setups.
• It does not include multiple loop switching or tone-shaping features found in more complex controllers.

Specifications

Product	Active A/B/Y Stereo Output Switcher
Brand	JHS Pedals
Signal paths	One input to two outputs (A, B) with Y (both)
Switching	Active footswitching with LED indicators (red A, green B)
Noise control	Output transformer on one output to eliminate ground hum
Use cases	Amps, interfaces, mixing board, stereo or dual-amp rigs

Our Verdict

The JHS Active A/B/Y is a practical, no-nonsense routing tool for players who need quick, reliable switching between two outputs or both at once. Its active design and transformer-equipped output make it a smart choice for reducing hum and keeping signal strong, offering good value for anyone prioritizing clean routing over advanced loop control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send my guitar to two amps at once?
Yes. Use the input for your instrument and press the Y footswitch to engage both outputs for true stereo or dual-amp operation.

Does it eliminate ground loop hum?
One output includes an output transformer that removes ground hum on that path, reducing the need for an external ground lift.

Will it add noise to my rig?
Some customers have reported increased noise in sensitive setups, so it may be worth testing in your signal chain before committing to live use.