Buffered bypass vs. true bypass – Empress Effects Tape Delay User Manual
Page 10
Exiting the advanced configuration: Hold down both the tap and
bypass stompswitches. The bypass LED will blink twice to confirm
that the Tape Delay has exited the advanced configuration.
Buffered Bypass vs. True Bypass
The Tape Delay can operate with buffered bypass or true bypass. It
ships with buffered bypass enabled. This option can be changed in
the Advanced Configuration.
Buffered bypass: When the effect is bypassed, the input to the
delay line is disconnected and the dry signal is set to unity gain. The
output of the delay line is still summed with the dry signal however,
so the delay repeats (commonly referred to as "trails") will be
heard.
True bypass: When the effect is bypassed, it is completely
disconnected from the signal chain using a mechanical relay.