Interesting Boss GE-10 issue

[stevenrb718]

Got a weird one here with a Boss GE-10. Pedal functions normally, except the input level switch works but audibly doesn't change anything. Probed points connected to the switch and they all increase and decrease with position of the switch. The problem is the level on the output at S12 is always the same. I'm not sure which side is specifically which, but when the switch is on the S11 side, it's the same output as S13. But they both change to the others' level when flipping the switch. I'm explaining it poorly, but when one side of the switch is engaged the signal comes down to the flat level, and when switched to the other, it comes up to the same level... so there's no change in the output. I must be missing something stupid but I can for the life of me see it.
Boss-GE-10-Service-Manual.pdf

[g1]

That is normal function, it compensates to give equal output. Look at #2 and 3 in the chart under 'procedure for checking'.

[stevenrb718]

So what's the point of the switch if it outputs at the same level?

[g1]

I would guess it's like a pad on the input so you if you connect a line level device there you don't clip.
The owners manual would probably be more specific, but I don't see one online.

[stevenrb718]

I found one but it's in Japanese, which I cannot read haha. So would it be an active pad where it only kicks in when it senses clipping? I'm just so confused by a line level adjustment that doesn't actually adjust the line input level lol.

[g1]

It's not an active pad. It puts a pad at the input, but then boosts the output by the same amount, so you end up with equal amount of gain.

[Chuck H]

It's probable that at sensitive gain levels you might notice a change in "noise floor" or distortions due to input level dependent on switch position. In the most moderate usage circumstances I might expect the observations here. But the switch wasn't put there for no reason.