(PREORDER) Analog Music Company / Pirate Fuzz Syndicate Xyba Line Driver / Buffer

Line driver and buffer based on the legendary 90s Centaur input topology and parallel op-amp design, as outlined in Douglas Self's Small Signal Audio Design.

Two stages utilize a dual parallel op-amp design to reduce internal voltage noise by 3 dB per stage. This achieves a total noise floor of approximately -123 dBu, which sits well below the measurement floor of standard audio test equipment. Gain is switchable between two fixed settings: 10 dB and 17 dB. Designed as an always-on device for studio applications, pedalboards, guitar, bass, synthesizers, drum machines, and DAW sidechaining.

Buffer stage:

The input stage uses a Centaur buffer topology expanded with a dual parallel op-amp design, as outlined in Douglas Self's Small Signal Audio Design. Splitting the input signal across two parallel op-amp paths reduces internal voltage noise by 3 dB per op-amp.

Amplifier stage:

10 dB Boost: A sweet spot to add life and presence to the audio signal. 17 dB Boost: Additional output to push a clean tube amplifier slightly past the edge of breakup. Great for lead work, solos, or driving saturated gain stages further.

Routing & Bypass

Using the second switch, the entire amplifier stage can be completely bypassed. In this mode, the device functions solely as a pure buffer based on the Centaur schematic improved by the Douglas Self concept.

Build & Component Selection
Each device is built by hand using through-hole components selected to maintain a low noise floor, which is the core concept of this device—namely tantalum capacitors in the audio path and studio-grade, ultra-low noise op-amps.