MEDIORAYS ABY Box Line Selector Pedal True Bypass Review: The Compact Solution for Total Signal Control

If you have ever been in the middle of a high-energy rehearsal or, worse, a live set, and realized you needed to switch from your acoustic-electric to your solid-body powerhouse, you know the dread of the “unplug and pop.” We have all been there—fumbling in the dark for a 1/4-inch cable, praying the sound engineer has the channel muted, only to hear that soul-crushing thump through the PA system. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it is a momentum killer. Searching for a solution to manage complex signal paths led us to the world of ABY switchers. The MEDIORAYS ABY Box Line Selector Pedal True Bypass promises to solve these routing nightmares by offering a seamless, noise-free transition between instruments or amplifiers. Without a dedicated switcher, you are essentially tethering your creativity to a single signal chain, limiting your sonic palette and risking technical flubs at the worst possible moments.

What to Consider Before Buying a Guitar Signal Path & Pedal Tuners

A Guitar Signal Path & Pedal Tuners setup is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for any musician looking to expand their sonic architecture without introducing chaos. Whether you are splitting one guitar into two different amplifiers for a “wet/dry” setup or toggling between two different instruments into one single pedalboard, the integrity of your signal is paramount. The goal is total transparency. You want the utility of a switch without the penalty of tone suck or added hum. When we evaluate these tools, we look for devices that act as silent stagehands—performing their job perfectly without ever drawing attention to themselves through unwanted noise or signal degradation.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the complexity of multi-amp setups or multi-instrument performances, while it might not be suitable for those who strictly play one guitar into one amp with a very minimalist setup. If you find yourself constantly reaching for your cables to change your routing, you are the prime candidate. However, if you only play in your bedroom with a digital modeling amp that handles all your “virtual” routing, a physical ABY box might be overkill. For the gigging professional or the studio experimentalist, however, it is an essential piece of the puzzle. It allows for creative “bi-amping,” where you can blend the low-end of a bass amp with the grit of a tube guitar amp—a technique that can dramatically thicken your live sound.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: On a crowded pedalboard, every square inch is real estate. Look for “mini” form factors that provide full functionality without forcing you to remove a favorite drive pedal. A low-profile design is essential for modern, compact boards where top-mounted jacks or slim chassis make a huge difference in layout flexibility.
• Capacity/Performance: Does the pedal offer “A or B” switching, or “A and B” (ABY) functionality? True ABY performance means you can run both outputs simultaneously. Additionally, look for “True Bypass” circuitry, which ensures that when the pedal is not engaged or simply passing signal, it doesn’t add impedance that dulls your high-end frequencies.
• Materials & Durability: Since this is a foot-operated device, it will take a beating. Aluminum alloy housings are the gold standard because they offer a high strength-to-weight ratio. Avoid plastic housings, as they can crack under the pressure of a heavy stomp or interfere with the electrical shielding needed to keep the signal quiet.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The controls should be intuitive. In a live setting, you don’t want to be squinting at tiny labels. Bright LED indicators are a must to tell you at a glance which channel is active. Maintenance should be minimal—standard 9V power and durable jacks that won’t loosen over time are what we look for in long-term reliability.

Once you understand these requirements, you can see why professional-grade switching is such a highly sought-after utility. It transitions your rig from a simple “plug-and-play” to a professional “command center.”

While the MEDIORAYS ABY Box Line Selector Pedal True Bypass is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the MEDIORAYS ABY Box Line Selector Pedal True Bypass

When we first got our hands on the MEDIORAYS ABY Box Line Selector Pedal True Bypass, the first thing that struck us was the weight. Despite its diminutive “mini” footprint, it feels incredibly solid. The aluminum alloy construction gives it a premium, metallic feel that suggests it can handle the rigors of the road. Unboxing it was straightforward—no unnecessary plastic fluff, just the pedal and the manual. The sleek black finish is understated and professional, fitting in perfectly with high-end boutique pedals or industry-standard workhorses. We immediately appreciated the 1/4-inch audio interfaces; they felt tight and secure, which is a major concern with budget-friendly mini pedals. Compared to some of the larger, bulkier ABY boxes from the early 2000s, this feels like a significant evolution in pedalboard economy. It doesn’t require a dedicated power supply to function as a basic switch, though you’ll want to plug it in to activate the bright LED indicators that are vital for stage use.

Deep Dive: Putting the MEDIORAYS ABY Box Line Selector Pedal True Bypass to the Test

The Versatility of Bi-Directional Signal Routing

The standout feature we discovered during our testing of the MEDIORAYS ABY Box Line Selector Pedal True Bypass is its bi-directional capability. Most people think of an ABY box as a way to take one guitar and send it to two different amps. In our “Mode A” test, we did exactly that. We ran a Fender Stratocaster into the “Y” jack and sent “A” to a clean Vox AC15 and “B” to a high-gain Orange head. The transition was instantaneous. However, what makes this pedal truly special is that it works in reverse. We were able to plug two different guitars into the “A” and “B” jacks and run them both into a single input on our pedalboard. For a multi-instrumentalist who switches between a hollow-body for jazz tunes and a solid-body for rock, this is a game-changer. You no longer need to unplug cables; you just stomp the switch. This flexibility is a feature that really sets it apart in this price bracket.

We found that the integrated noise reduction works exceptionally well during these transitions. In cheaper switchers, you often get an audible “pop” when the circuit breaks and reconnects. Because of the sophisticated switching mechanism used here, the transitions were remarkably quiet. This is crucial when you are playing through high-gain amps where every little click is amplified tenfold. The “A & B” mode is equally impressive, allowing for a parallel signal path that lets you blend two different amp characters to create a massive wall of sound. If you’ve never played through two amps at once, you are missing out on one of the greatest joys of electric guitar, and this pedal is the most cost-effective way to achieve it.

Sonic Purity and the Importance of True Bypass

As tone purists, we are always skeptical of adding “utility” pedals to our signal chain. Every buffer and every switch has the potential to shave off those sparkling highs or muddy up the low-end. We subjected the MEDIORAYS ABY Box Line Selector Pedal True Bypass to a rigorous transparency test. Using a high-quality buffer at the start of our chain, we compared the direct-to-amp sound versus the sound going through the ABY box. We are happy to report that the True Bypass design is legitimate. We found no discernible loss in high-end “chime,” and the dynamic response of our tube amps remained intact. This is largely due to the high-quality internal wiring and the analog signal format, which avoids the digital conversion latency found in some modern multi-effects units.

The passive nature of the signal path is another huge win. While you need power for the LEDs (which we highly recommend using so you don’t get lost on stage), the actual audio signal does not require electricity to move through the box. This means if your power supply fails mid-show, your signal won’t die. You might lose your visual “A/B” indicator, but the show goes on. This level of reliability is exactly what we look for in professional gear. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to confirm that many other professionals value this “fail-safe” design just as much as we do.

Build Quality: The Aluminum Alloy Advantage

When you are gigging, your gear lives a hard life. It gets tossed in bags, stepped on by heavy boots, and occasionally has a drink spilled near it. The construction of the MEDIORAYS ABY Box Line Selector Pedal True Bypass is clearly designed with these realities in mind. The aluminum alloy casing provides a rigid shield for the internal components. During our evaluation, we intentionally applied more pressure than usual to the footswitch to test for flex. The chassis remained rock-solid. The sleek, low-profile design also means it’s less likely to get snagged on other cables, which is a common problem with taller pedals.

The stability offered by the metal construction also helps with electrical shielding. Plastic pedals can often act as antennas for RF interference or 60-cycle hum, especially in venues with “dirty” power. By using a grounded metal enclosure, MEDIORAYS has ensured that the signal remains as pure as possible. We tested it near several high-interference sources, including computer monitors and neon signs, and the pedal remained remarkably quiet. For anyone recording in a home studio where electronic noise is a constant battle, this shielding is a quiet hero. It is a small detail, but it’s the difference between a professional recording and a “noisy” demo. To ensure you’re getting this level of build quality, make sure to check the latest price and availability before your next session.

Ergonomics and Pedalboard Integration

Integrating a new pedal should be easy, but we’ve all struggled with “side-jack” pedals that don’t quite fit. The MEDIORAYS ABY Box Line Selector Pedal True Bypass uses a layout that maximizes its mini footprint. The jacks are positioned to allow for flat-ribbon patch cables to sit snugly against the sides. In our test board, we were able to squeeze it into a gap that would normally only fit a single connector. This “mini” style is the future of pedalboards, allowing players to carry more tonal options in a smaller, lighter flight case. Weight is a major factor for touring musicians, and this pedal adds virtually zero bulk to your load-in.

We also want to highlight the LED brightness. In a dark club, some LEDs can be blinding, while others are too dim to see under stage lights. The LEDs on this unit strike a perfect balance. They are clear and color-coded, giving you immediate feedback on whether you are in “A” mode, “B” mode, or the combined “Y” mode. This prevents those awkward moments where you start a solo only to realize your signal is going to an amp that’s turned off. It’s about confidence on stage, and this pedal provides it in spades. For those looking to streamline their setup, this pedal is an essential tool for any serious signal path.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general consensus among the community reflects our own findings. Users consistently highlight the reliability and simplicity of the device. One user succinctly noted, “Works as intended, no issues!” which might seem like a simple statement, but in the world of signal routing, “no issues” is the highest praise possible. It means the pedal is doing its job without adding noise, failing to switch, or breaking under pressure. Other users have praised its ability to act as a “mute” switch (by leaving one channel unplugged), showing the creative ways this simple box can be used.

While there are very few negative reports, the minor gripes usually center around the fact that it is a passive pedal that needs power only for the lights. Some beginners are occasionally confused that it doesn’t “boost” the signal, but as we’ve discussed, its job is transparency, not amplification. This feedback is relevant because it confirms that the MEDIORAYS ABY Box Line Selector Pedal True Bypass is a “set it and forget it” tool that integrates into your workflow without a steep learning curve. It is a testament to the “less is more” philosophy in guitar gear design.

Comparing the MEDIORAYS ABY Box Line Selector Pedal True Bypass to Top Alternatives

1. BOSS GE-7 7-Band Guitar Equalizer Pedal

The BOSS GE-7 is a legendary pedal, but it serves a very different purpose than the MEDIORAYS switcher. While the MEDIORAYS focuses on where your signal goes, the GE-7 focuses on what your signal sounds like. However, many pros use an EQ pedal in conjunction with an ABY box. If you are splitting your signal into two different amps, you might find that “Amp B” needs a little more midrange to cut through. In this scenario, the GE-7 is the perfect companion. If you only have the budget for one and your problem is routing, stick with the MEDIORAYS. If your problem is a “muddy” tone, the BOSS GE-7 is the industry standard for frequency shaping.

2. BOSS TU-3 Chromatic Floor Tuner for Guitar and Bass

The BOSS TU-3 is the world’s most popular tuner, and it actually shares a bit of DNA with the MEDIORAYS ABY box. The TU-3 has a “Bypass” and an “Output” jack, allowing for some very basic signal splitting. However, it lacks the “A+B” (Y) functionality and isn’t designed for constant switching between two active amps. The TU-3 is essential for staying in tune, but it won’t solve complex routing needs. If you already have a tuner and need to manage two amps, the MEDIORAYS ABY Box Line Selector Pedal True Bypass is the logical next step for your board.

3. Xotic EP Booster Mini EQ Pedal

The Xotic EP Booster is a “mini” pedal like the MEDIORAYS, making them great neighbors on a small board. The EP Booster is designed to add a beautiful, subtle “sheen” and volume boost to your signal. We often recommend placing an EP Booster before the MEDIORAYS ABY box. This ensures that the signal being split to your two amps is strong and harmonically rich. While the EP Booster is a “luxury” tone-enhancer, the MEDIORAYS is a “utility” necessity. They fulfill different roles, but both are masters of the mini-pedal format.

Final Verdict: Is the MEDIORAYS ABY Box Line Selector Pedal True Bypass Worth It?

After extensive testing and comparison, we can confidently say that the MEDIORAYS ABY Box Line Selector Pedal True Bypass is one of the most efficient utility pedals we have encountered. Its strengths lie in its uncompromising transparency, its “tank-like” aluminum build, and its clever bi-directional routing. It solves the very real problem of signal management without adding the “tone suck” that plagues cheaper alternatives. While its mini size might require a bit of precision with your foot, the benefits of saved pedalboard space and reliable switching far outweigh any minor learning curve.

We recommend this pedal to any guitarist who is ready to move beyond a single-amp setup or any multi-instrumentalist looking to simplify their stage rig. It is a professional-grade tool at a price point that makes it accessible to weekend warriors and touring pros alike. If you want to take control of your signal path and explore the world of multi-amp tones, don’t wait. You can pick up the MEDIORAYS ABY Box Line Selector Pedal True Bypass today and finally experience the freedom of total signal control.