Question:
Simple question.
At present I have a Korg DT10 tuner pedal, a Boss DD3 Delay and Boss Chorus onsomble (spellign?)
Right now I'm just putting the pedals before my amp in my signal chain, I was wondering about how to and why should I use the effects send and return jacks on my amp.
The only practical reason I can think of is that it would allow me to attach my wireless system stirght to the amp instaed of on the floor with the rest of my pedals.
Thanks!
-Deren
Answer:
The general rule I've always heard (I don't use effects with my Tele rig, so not first hand here...) is that gain-influencing effects go out in front, while time-influencing effects are better placed in "the loop." Take it for what it's worth...
Nate
Answer:
agreed. most modulation effects produce a better sound after the distortion. Sometimes some people prefer the effect bfore the dist like phasers, but it's all preferance so fool around! Delays are generally after the distortion as well.
I remember when I frist got my legacy amplifier and put together my rig, the delay sounded horrible when i activated my dirty channel. I was afraid I would have to make some major changes to my rig, but it turned out that all i had to do was set my delay in the FX loop and everything sounded MUCH better.
you'll also have to keep in mind if you're going to be using the distortion from the amp. if so, it's best to put the dd3 and/or chorus in the FX. if not, you can set up everything before the input so that you can restrict the amount of cable used. sometimes too much cable can suck up tone.
if you want to place your wireless unit on your amp I don't see the harm in placing everything in the FX loop, unless you don't like the sound of course.
best of luck
(hm...it's interesting how i'm ambivalent towards my capitalization of my letters...sorry if that bothers you)
Answer:
Delays, reverbs, choruses, volumes, phasers, and flangers are generally in the effects loop. Distortions, overdrives, boosts, volumes, wahs, and equalizers are generally between the guitar and amp. The reason to put effects in the effects loop is to put them after the distortion phases. This is better for stuff like delays, becuse you're not distorting the delayed tones if they're in the effects loop, and most of the time, a distorted delay effect isn't too pleasant sounding.
Answer:
awesome, thanks for the help, I'm gonna try it right now to see if there is a change.
What about the tuner? Does it matter where I put it?
Thanks!
-Deren
Answer:
Just tried it and to my suprise it sounds better infront of the amp.
When I put in in the loop it ommited a very audible humming when I activated my Chorus...wierd, any suggestions to why this was?
Thanks for help.
-Deren
Answer:
welcome to the wonderful world of ground loops and/or level matching...
Answer:
Originally Posted by Deren What about the tuner? Does it matter where I put it?
It doesn't matter a whole ton, but I'd put it right after the guitar, so it gets the cleanest signal for the most accurate tuning.
Answer:
"level matching?" Please elaberate.
Is this why I get that really loud hum?
Answer:
Do you know what kind of level your effects loop wants to work with? It should say line or instrument or -20/+4 or something along those lines. I'm actually leaning more towards the ground loop problem...that can make a really loud hum. Do you use batteries or power supplies for your pedals? Were they plugged into the same outlet as your amp?
Answer:
My amp is plugged into a powerbar and my pedals are powered via a diasy chain connected to a wal wart 500ma power supply in another outlet on the same powerbar.
I should look at that impidence ground thiny, I didn't think about that. Thanks
-Deren
Answer:
Hmm...have to think about it (maybe go try it). I know I had all kinds of issues when I used a daisy chain with my pedals. Try it with batteries and see if it does it and let me know.
Answer:
I'm using a Boss Blues Driver, Boss Super Overdrive, Ernie Ball Volume Pedal and a DD-3 Delay in that order. I have a Peavey Classic 30 and I set it up with OD pedals > Volume pedal > front of amp > delay in the loop.
However, I found that it sounds better to me with OD pedals > volume pedal > delay > front end of the amp.
I also have Major Tom's attenuator which sweetens the pot. I think it helps me get a nice growl from my pedals and better harmonics (the good kind).