Effects Loop or In-line?

walker rosewood · #1 11-16-2009, 02:01 PM

Simple question... complicated answers I'm sure. Effects Loop or in line? Pros/Cons of each? Considering single stompboxes, multi-pedals, pedal boards, etc.

current rig:
Fender Jazz 5 string
Boss ME-50B
Ampeg B2R
Ampeg PR-410HLF

*i searched real hard and didn't find a thread on this yet, but if there is one please direct me there thanks.*

stflbn · #2 11-16-2009, 02:02 PM

I've had trouble with non-rack type effects over-powering Effects Loops.

I go inline now unless it's a rack rig.

debassr · #3 11-16-2009, 02:07 PM

I go inline with an effect loop pedal that has a wet/dry blend knob. If I use the amp effect loop things always seem to sound wonky.

aBoMoFo · #4 11-16-2009, 02:13 PM

I usually go inline with my effects board. Sometimes if I'm looking for a different texture I'll place my board in the loop, but only in studio works never live.

warwick.hoy · #5 11-16-2009, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walker rosewood

*i searched real hard and didn't find a thread on this yet, but if there is one please direct me there thanks.*

There isn't a thread per se but it is a question that gets asked once every other month. There is a bit of a blurb concerning this in the FAQ stickied at the top of the subforum.

EFFECTS Forum Rules and FAQ -- MUST READ

It's the 3rd bold topic from the bottom of the page.

The long and short is there is hardly any harm in experimenting.

walker rosewood · #6 11-16-2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warwick.hoy

There is a bit of a blurb concerning this in the FAQ stickied at the top of the subforum.

ah, I read through that but somehow missed it. Thanks, the blurb is helpful.

I'd still be interested to here where people put different units, and to what degree of success.

Quote:

I go inline with an effect loop pedal that has a wet/dry blend knob

What pedal specifically is this? Would it make any sense to do that with a multi-effect unit?

Jared Lash · #7 11-16-2009, 04:33 PM

Basic rule of thumb is that the effects loop is for line level (aka rackmount) gear and stompboxes (both single pedals and multis) should go to your amp's input.

Some exceptions obviously, but by and large that's what I do. And at this point I don't have any rack gear so I don't use my effects loop at all.

+oM · #8 11-16-2009, 05:46 PM

My old Hartke 7000 has a loop. I also use a EH Bassballs pedal. That thing is sick and all, but inline, it is hard to bring it down to a more usable (For me) level of tone f*ckery, so the loop comes in handy for THAT pedal for MY purposes. My only other pedal at this point is a DOD envelope filter. This too is used as an always-on tone filter. I don't go for the auto-wah thing with it so much as I just use it as a general fattener of tone. This is inline. Oh yeah, and my Retrospec Squeezebox compressor.......that is used inline as well. Right now, that sweet piece of analog goodness is out in Jersey getting fixed, but as soon as it gets back here, it will resume its' normal, inline position.

+oM

debassr · #9 11-16-2009, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walker rosewood

What pedal specifically is this? Would it make any sense to do that with a multi-effect unit?

I'm currently using a barge concepts vb jr but anything that has a wet/dry loop blend and true bypass will do.

As for whether it will make sense to do this with a multi fx unit - that depends on what you're going for - I like subtle effects so I do it but if you like more effected (wet) signal - it's def an option.

walker rosewood · #10 11-17-2009, 01:03 PM

Quote:

I'm currently using a barge concepts vb jr

just read through Barge Concepts website. This looks really nifty. I don't think I really need it, but I sure do want it. For years I've run bass to head to cab. Same with my guitar. This site is definitely giving me GAS.

debassr · #11 11-17-2009, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walker rosewood

just read through Barge Concepts website. This looks really nifty. I don't think I really need it, but I sure do want it. For years I've run bass to head to cab. Same with my guitar. This site is definitely giving me GAS.

A word of advice. Don't order from their website, buy one off ebay or here in the classified section of TB. Barge's products are great, but their customer service and build/ship estimates are unreliable (and I'm being kind). You're far better off buying an existing one than dealing with them and waiting for them to build you a new one.