SA244 L.A. Lady Overdrive User’s Guide 12
Out of the box, the L.A. Lady operates in true bypass mode. In order to switch to buffered bypass
mode, edit the L.A. Lady’s global settings using the Neuro App.
We recommend you choose between the active analog bypass (a.k.a. buffered bypass) and relay-
based true bypass based on what is needed in your signal chain. Ideally, the first pedal in a signal
chain is a buffered input followed by true bypass in the rest of the signal chain.
Both bypass methods have pros and cons associated with them. Buffered bypass provides consistent
input impedance so that if the source is susceptible to variations in input impedance (similar to a
guitar pickup), there won’t be a noticeable change in tone. True bypass has the benefit of providing a
dedicated hardwired bypass signal path. The L.A. Lady features small-signal relays for true bypass
switching that offer reduced pops and clicks compared to the traditional true bypass switching
method using a mechanical switch.
Stacking and Parallel Processing “Inside the Box”
The L.A. Lady works great as a simple mono Overdrive effect, but it has the power to do much more.
Within the L.A. Lady, two completely independent overdrive, fuzz, or distortion circuits can be set up
to run stacked (in series), in parallel (side-by-side and mixed), or even in true stereo. Usually, this
would require two separate distortion pedals, but the L.A. Lady can do it all on its own.
Stacking (Series / Cascaded)
Stacking overdrive, fuzz, and distortion pedals is a common method for creating unique textures that
would not be possible with a single pedal. This normally involves putting two pedals in series, one
after the other, to create multiple gain stages. Typically, this requires two separate distortion pedals,
but the L.A. Lady can do it all internally. Each of the two drive stages, called A and B, can be
configured independently using any overdrive, fuzz, or distortion circuit, with its own independent
settings (drive, level, EQ, noise gate). This routing option is designated as MONO IN/OUT WITH
CASCADING CHANNELS in the Neuro App.
Parallel Processing
Another common way to create new and interesting distortion sounds is to split the guitar signal, run
it to two independent pedals in parallel, and then combine (mix) the results. Often, one path will
have a relatively low gain and the other will have high gain. This approach can combine high gain
power and sustain with low gain clarity, definition, and articulation. The right balance can make
parallel processing very effective. Usually this approach requires a lot of hardware: two distortion
pedals, a splitter, and a mixer. The L.A. Lady, however, can do it all internally. Each circuit has its own
clean and drive level controls, which allow for very fine balancing between the two sounds. There are
two parallel processing routing options available in the Neuro App: MONO IN STEREO PROCESS MONO
OUT and MONO IN STEREO PROCESS STEREO OUT.
Stacking (Cascade)
A
1 1
B
EQ
A
EQ
B
From Guitar
To Amp
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