Effect Loop Question

[gjbassist]

Yes, I did a search but could not find the answer I was looking for. I have never been totally clear on the purpose of the effect loop (send/return) on an amp? What are the pros and cons of using it?

[playbass1983]

The effects loop allows you to put effects after the pre-amp (the eq section, tone shaping) of your amp and before the power amp. This is useful for some effects like modulation (chorus, delay, flanger, reverb, tremolo, etc) though you may experiment with other effects in the loop to.

Though I wouldn't be comfortable putting any distortions in the loop, I've always heard that was bad for your amp.

[Femto]

Well, here's a good starting point. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_loop

I use my effects loop for sending the output of the preamp part of my amp head to my rack compressor unit and then from the compressor unit into a exciter rack unit. From the output of the exciter unit, the signal is fed back into my amp head via the "effects return" socket, which is connected to the power stage of my amp.

The effects loop typically operates at a signal level suitable for rack equipment, so it's not usually suitable for use with stomp boxes, as pedal type effects are expecting the lower signal levels that you get straight from your bass.

I hope that helps!

[gjbassist]

Great info! Thanks for the replies!