Q: The Fulltone Clyde Standard Wah has a switchable buffer with a level control on the outside of the pedal but there’s also an internal trim pot that controls gain. What’s the difference between the two controls?
A: The internal trim pot controls input gain and low-end response and is technically a resonance control. This adjusts the amount of signal that gets into the pedal so you can overdrive the transistors and Inductor. Its function is more of a tone shaper and pre-wah-circuitry gain boost, to get more or less grit out of the pedal.
The external Buffer/Booster offers up to 20dB of clean gain boost that is post-wah circuitry It can be switched off if no volume boost is needed. Its function is to raise the overall volume output of the wah with no tonal difference. This is useful for driving pedals, especially overdrive/distortion pedals, to get the proper gain response from them. Since the “wah” sound in and of itself is a radical tone shaping effect, it tends to drive pedals differently when it’s engaged.
