The age-old question: which A/B switcher reigns supreme? In this comparison, we'll delve into the features, functionalities, and overall performance of the JHS Mini A/B Box and the Lehle Little Dual II. Both products are highly regarded in the music industry, but they cater to different needs and offer distinct advantages.

JHS Mini A/B Box

The JHS Mini A/B Box is a compact, pedalboard-friendly switcher designed for guitarists who need to toggle between two separate signal paths. This tiny titan boasts a rugged, compact design that's perfect for crowded pedalboards. The Mini A/B Box features a simple, intuitive layout with a single footswitch that allows for seamless switching between the two inputs.

One of the standout features of the JHS Mini A/B Box is its ability to handle high-impedance signals with ease, making it an excellent choice for guitarists who use vintage or high-end instruments. Additionally, the unit's buffer circuit helps to maintain signal integrity and prevent tone loss, even when using long cables or multiple pedals.

However, some users may find the Mini A/B Box's lack of isolation between the two channels to be a limitation. This can lead to "aby gates" – unwanted bleed or crosstalk between the two signals – which can be problematic in certain situations.

Lehle Little Dual II

The Lehle Little Dual II is a more feature-rich A/B switcher that offers a range of advanced functionalities, including channel isolation, phase reversal, and a built-in buffer. This German-engineered unit is designed to provide pristine signal quality and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for professional guitarists and touring musicians.

One of the key advantages of the Lehle Little Dual II is its ability to completely isolate the two channels, eliminating any potential "aby gates" or crosstalk between the signals. This is achieved through the use of a high-quality, gold-contact relay that ensures a clean, noise-free switch.

The Little Dual II also features a phase reversal switch, which allows users to correct phase issues when combining multiple signals or using out-of-phase effects pedals. Additionally, the unit's built-in buffer provides a robust, low-impedance output that can drive long cables and complex pedalboards without sacrificing tone.

Comparison

So, how do these two products stack up against each other? Here are some key differences:

• Size and portability: The JHS Mini A/B Box is significantly smaller and more compact than the Lehle Little Dual II, making it ideal for crowded pedalboards or travel cases.
• Channel isolation: The Lehle Little Dual II offers complete channel isolation, eliminating any potential "aby gates" or crosstalk between signals. The JHS Mini A/B Box, on the other hand, may exhibit some bleed or crosstalk in certain situations.
• Features and functionality: The Lehle Little Dual II boasts a range of advanced features, including phase reversal and a built-in buffer, making it a more versatile and powerful tool for professional guitarists. The JHS Mini A/B Box is more straightforward and simple to use, but may lack some of the advanced features that users require.
• Tone and signal quality: Both products are designed to maintain high signal quality and tone integrity, but the Lehle Little Dual II's built-in buffer and gold-contact relay provide a slightly more robust and noise-free output.

Ultimately, the choice between the JHS Mini A/B Box and the Lehle Little Dual II will depend on your specific needs and requirements. If you're looking for a compact, simple A/B switcher that can handle high-impedance signals with ease, the JHS Mini A/B Box may be the perfect choice. However, if you require advanced features like channel isolation, phase reversal, and a built-in buffer, the Lehle Little Dual II is likely to be the better option – even if it means dealing with a slightly larger footprint and higher price point.