Compressor in effects loop question

Aaron_D · #1 08-23-2010, 02:44 PM

Are normal patch cables like you would use for an effects pedal the best to use or are stereo or any other type of cable better?

Im running my rack compressor through my heads effects loop.

walker rosewood · #2 08-23-2010, 08:20 PM

AFAIK use regular instrument (patch) cables for that. In general amp head signal chains are preamp ->effects loop->power amp. Think of the preamp as just another effects unit (like an eq pedal for example).

bongomania · #3 08-23-2010, 11:48 PM

Yep. If you were using a preamp designed for a recording studio then you might be able to take advantage of balanced cables, but an amp's fx loop is unbalanced, which means use regular instrument-type patch cables.

Rocks · #4 08-25-2010, 12:21 PM

I'll ask this here as it seems like a good place rather than a new thread. Is a compressor/limiter (Boss LMB-3) best used between the bass and the amp/preamp or in the effects loop?

Unrepresented · #5 08-25-2010, 12:53 PM

I'd assume it's instrument level rather than line level, so it'd be better between the bass and the amp/preamp.

Rocks · #6 08-25-2010, 12:58 PM

I probably should have also mentioned that I use both active and passive basses. Not sure if that makes any difference but thought I'd throw it out there. Currently I've been using it between the bass and amp head but I do have an effects loop I can use as well. I just assumed that I wanted it already compressed/limited before the preamp since its solid state and I'm not trying to/trying not to overdrive tubes.

walker rosewood · #7 08-25-2010, 03:00 PM

I think this info is in a sticky topic.... in general stomp boxes are instrument level and thus work best right after your instrument. Rack Gear is line level and works best in the effects loop.

Also, many people will answer you with "it doesn't matter what people tell you is best, just try both ways and let YOUR ears be the judge." It won't hurt to try.

ga_edwards · #8 08-25-2010, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocks

I probably should have also mentioned that I use both active and passive basses. Not sure if that makes any difference but thought I'd throw it out there. Currently I've been using it between the bass and amp head but I do have an effects loop I can use as well. I just assumed that I wanted it already compressed/limited before the preamp since its solid state and I'm not trying to/trying not to overdrive tubes.

I run compression before the LMII. The LMII's preamp is quite transparent so I doubt you'll hear a lot of difference. However if you put it in the loop and you change your amp settings (gain, eq) it will affect how the compressor responds.