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Amp Effects Loop
PostPosted:Fri Apr 24, 2009 7:54 pm
by jackr
This is something I have never used but want to learn more about it. How do you guys use it on your amps? What pedals do you put through the loop and which don't you put through?
What are the send and return setting you are using? And what do they really mean?
I am afraid I am pretty ignorant about it. I am a little embarrassed that I don't know but feel comfortable enough with you guys to admit it!
Re: Amp Effects Loop
PostPosted:Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:18 am
by Emoto
I use mine for a volume pedal. This way I can control the volume after the pre-amp and tone controls, so I can raise and lower my volume without affecting the sound.
Re: Amp Effects Loop
PostPosted:Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:24 am
by jackr
after doing a little more reading on the web I see that most people put many effects there and others after the guitar. For example, the distortion and overdrive pedals go from the guitar to pedals to amp in. THe other effects such as reverb, chorus and delay go through the loop.
I didnt see anything about a wah, compressor and noise supressor.
I have
wah
compressor
blues driver
distortion
chorus
octave pedal
delay
noise supressor.
Re: Amp Effects Loop
PostPosted:Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:43 am
by Emoto
What I found with my Boogie, is that the signal from the effects loop out to any effects was very hot. Much hotter than the signal from guitar pickups. You have to compare running your effects with guitar signal and with effects loop signal and see how they are affected by this. For example, if I run my Qtron+ off of the effects loop, the signal is so hot that I can't seem to get a good vowel-like quack; the notes all just immediately open up all the way, so I have to run it off the guitar to get the good Shakedown or Fire on the Mountain sound...
Re: Amp Effects Loop
PostPosted:Sat Apr 25, 2009 9:05 am
by Rusty the Scoob
Emoto wrote:What I found with my Boogie, is that the signal from the effects loop out to any effects was very hot. Much hotter than the signal from guitar pickups. You have to compare running your effects with guitar signal and with effects loop signal and see how they are affected by this. For example, if I run my Qtron+ off of the effects loop, the signal is so hot that I can't seem to get a good vowel-like quack; the notes all just immediately open up all the way, so I have to run it off the guitar to get the good Shakedown or Fire on the Mountain sound...
Emoto has a very good point. I had a good talk about amp effects loops with Bob at DST Engineering while I was having a modification done to mine. The trouble is that every amp manufacturer configures them differently... some run them between the pre and power amp, some as part of the preamp, etc - so they could be running at very different gain levels from amp to amp.
Re: Amp Effects Loop
PostPosted:Sat Apr 25, 2009 11:02 am
by strumminsix
What's an effects loop?!
Kidding, I've found no use for one in any practical application where clear tone is key!
However, if you do, please consider using rack gear for the loop and NOT run another 20+ feet of cable to your board.
Re: Amp Effects Loop
PostPosted:Sat Apr 25, 2009 1:12 pm
by jackr
strumminsix wrote:
However, if you do, please consider using rack gear for the loop and NOT run another 20+ feet of cable to your board.
That is a good point. Its just I have so much invested in pedals and my board already.
BTW I wound up getting a Lonestar Head in a green and brown custom tolex. Found one cheap. I also liked the V30 better then the Lonestar Cap so I got a Recto cab and it sounds great. Still dialing it in though. ( that may be half the fun)