Effects Loop or no Effects Loop?

[VTheHTyphoon]

So I was discussing the fact that I am trying to amass my collection of pedals before moving on to a new amp head that has no effects built in. I am going to be building a pedalboard and testing out pedal order and whatnot, but I am wondering what people usually do about getting their effects into their sound. Do you go direct bass to pedal board to amp or do you use your effects loop for your pedals? Any reason why or why not? I would love to know any disadvantages/advantages of either method.

[onionpuzzle]

Do a TB search...should be lots of discussions on this particular topic.
I have found that I prefer going direct from bass to pedalboard and then pedalboard to amp IF I am using a direct bypass system (switches that activate different "loops" of pedals)...or if I am only using a few pedals.

Don't expect any one answer...the answer lies within your own ears, by experimenting each way to get the best results. One thing to look for is easy volume control (if you are not using a volume pedal). Some heads have a handy mix knob.

[vivifiction]

I personally prefer no effects loop, but like onion up there said, the answer lies within your ears.

[NOISE!]

I Have never liked FX loops in amps. To me it messes with your clean sound with all the pedals off more then when you run them to the input even with ****** bypass.

[FunkMetalBass]

I don't use my effects loop for anything - I run all my effects into my amp, if only to alleviate the number of cables I have to attach between my pedalboard and my amp.

[JimmyM]

quickets way to de-ball your effects...use the loop. even effects made to be in a loop suck there imho.

[Jazz Ad]

As far as I'm concerned, effect loops are useless features.
Everything in front.

[K.Boxingham]

Controversial, but I actually liked the sound though my effects loop. I wasn't as amplified, I mean, it was louder when I plugged the lot in hot, but I thought the sound was clearer through my effects loop (Hartke LH500). Just my opinion though.

[VTheHTyphoon]

Yeah, from what I've been hearing from my friends and on here there seems to be a general consensus of putting effects through the loop is cleaner but less amplified and putting them in through the front is better for much more vivid effects.

[My name is Mudd]

I've always thought that racked effects were to be put thru the loop and/but pedals were to be in-line, due to the line-lvl vs instrument-lvl differences...is this not true?

[LAPetrarca]

Originally Posted by My name is Mudd

I've always thought that racked effects were to be put thru the loop and/but pedals were to be in-line, due to the line-lvl vs instrument-lvl differences...is this not true?

Ditto.

[VTheHTyphoon]

Also, I will mainly be using these with a GK MB500 amp. It has a footswitchable boost channel. Would you suggest using the boost channel when I use my effects? or just use the one channel altogether?

[vivifiction]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

quickets way to de-ball your effects...use the loop. even effects made to be in a loop suck there imho.

+1.

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by My name is Mudd

I've always thought that racked effects were to be put thru the loop and/but pedals were to be in-line, due to the line-lvl vs instrument-lvl differences...is this not true?

I've always looked at the scenario like this:

*Stomp switch and ka-nobs on top = front end

*LEDs on front, mounting ears on sides = effects loop

Riis

[My name is Mudd]

Yup...that's been my thinking also.