How do effect loops work? (GK700RB and VT Bass content)

[nitsuj]

If I were to run my VT pedal into the effects loop, and turn it on, would this bypass the GK preamp? If the pedal was off, would I still be passing the pre, or would the preamp be then engaged?

Here's the chain to apply to your reasoning:

Active J -> VT -> Effects Return

While we are at it, when would you use the Effects Send?

[funkybassinator]

Yes, it will bypass the preamp, whether the VTbass is on or off. The circuit doesn't know the difference. And no you would not use the effects send in this case.

[singlemalt]

I've tried to make the effects loop work on my GK 1001. I got mixed results.

The thing is a loop, so go effects send to your VT box, (send the signal through your pedal) back to effects return, (returns the signal to the path) that's the loop. Like I said, the results where less than I'd hoped for.

Overall, the stuff sounds better going straight into the amp.

Guitar> stomp box> amp input (try the -14db pad if its way to hot and clipping all the time) or adjust the output of your VT box. Its OK if the clip lights up a bit when you are playing at the top of your dynamic level.

Now you are getting a good strong signal into the front of the amp, adjust the volume to set the preamp gain.

EQ and ad boost for a more GK growl, lastly adjust the woofer/master.

Now mess around with the VT to find something you like. WAALAA!

I use a either or: a MXR m-80 di +, sansamp paradriver, xotic rc 2 bass boost depending on active or passive basses. This warms up the tone and hits the front end of the GK harder so I get a warmer sound without adding overall volume.

The 700 should get growly and warm pretty quick. The 1001 has too much headroom and needs more help to get a cool tone with out getting smoking loud. If you need to knock people around, the 1001, and a couple 15's will do it.

[nitsuj]

if i wanted to send the VT through the effects Return, while still being able to get a GK Preamp activation when NOT using the pedal, how could i do this?

[randaddy]

This is complicated so get ready...

You need a loop switcher. It is a small pedal that has...
1. an input jack
2. an output jack
3. two loops that toggle back and forth with a footswitch
4. loop #1 has a send jack and a return jack
5. loop #2 has a send jack and a return jack

Hook it up like this...

bass...>...input of loop switcher,
loop #1 send...>...amp input,
amp effect loop send...>...loop #1 return,
loop #2 send...>... VT Bass input,
VT Bass output...>... loop #2 return,
loop switcher output...>... amp effect loop return.

The VT Bass would stay on all the time.

When you are switched to loop #1, the loop switcher goes to the amp, out the amp's send, through the loop switcher, into the amp's return. The VT Bass is not in the signal path. The amp's preamp is used.

When loop #2 is active, the signal goes through the VT Bass in loop #2, and then straight into the amp's return, skipping the preamp.

Sketch it out and it's easier to see.