Ampeg SVT6-Pro and effects loop question

BassGen · #1 05-05-2011, 09:07 AM

I have an Ampeg SVT6-PRO. I've bought an effects pedal (Digitech BP-90) to experiment with. In reviewing the Docs that came with the pedal it says to set the EQ on the amp to flat.

Looking at the Block diagram for the Amp, using the effects loop circuit bypasses the EQ anyway.

I plug the Bass into the input on the amp and then run 2 lines for the pedal using the effects loop in/out on the amp.

Now here's the real question. Does anyone know if the Amp recognizes when the pedal is on by-pass and applies the Amp's EQ or is it still bypassed? I can't seem to figure it out from the documentation.

I know that I'll probably know as soon as I hook it all up but I figured someone here is more experienced and knows how this works.

I'd really like to maintain the tone I have dialed in on the Amp now for the most part. I just want the FX pedal for some small bits here and there. If I have to use the FX EQ exclusively I'm not sure it will be worth it for me.

AmpegUSA · #2 05-05-2011, 03:28 PM

It's the physical connection to the return jack that governs the EQ bypass.

So, if you are using the effects return (as you would in your scenario) then you will not hear the amp EQ at all.

EDIT: BUT, you can just run the pedal before the amp, bypass it when you don't want to use it and you should be good.

RickenBoogie · #3 05-05-2011, 06:16 PM

In fact, you SHOULD be running the fx unit into the amps main input. The fx loop on the amp is meant for line level gear, such as rack mounted fx. Just plug bass to fx unit, and fx unit to amps input.

BassGen · #4 05-06-2011, 05:26 AM

Thanks for the help guys.

The part that confuses me is that the pedal recommends a "flat" EQ setting using that set-up but I want to maintain my normal tone settings.

I'll give it a whirl like that tonight and see what I think of it. It's Friday and we rehearse on Fridays so lots of time to mess around with it.

AmpegUSA · #5 05-06-2011, 09:33 AM

I think they are just trying to keep people from fighting themselves with the pedal EQ and amp EQ...it can get pretty messy if you have different curves doing different things.

So, you can certainly use your amp EQ, just know what you got going on there if you decide to use any EQ on the pedal.

BassGen · #6 05-07-2011, 06:51 AM

That makes sense of course. Well I still have lots of work to do on the pedal to get the kind of tones dialed in that I'm looking for. Mostly I just want to throw a little emphasis on at certain points.

Thanks for the info.