Effects not sounding right through passive input...

[dirtjumper2001]

Hi all

Had to think about how to word that title for a little while. I am playing a passive Fender jazz, through an Ashdown MAG 300 head and MAG 414T cab, with a Boss GT6-B running through the effects loop. The amp/cab is a recent purchase and i'm still finding my way with it. I've noticed since having it that some of my effects aren't as pronounced as they were with my old amp.

Anyway, last night at rehearsal, I set everything up, played with the touch wah setting switched on on the pedal, and it sounded as it should. Surprised by this, I walked over to the amp to turn up, only to find that without concentrating I had plugged into the active input on the amp. So I plugged back into the passive input and I was back to the same problem, the effect is pretty much non existant.

Now if I could get away with plugging into the active input then I would be able to solve the problem, but due to the bass being passive, obviously, the volume is way too low.

Don't spose anyone's got any ideas?

[cheapbasslovin]

Put the Boss in between your bass and your amp.

That wah effect is input level dependent. When you put your bass into the active input, that lowered the signal going into the Boss, which in turn put your signal in the effects 'sweet spot.' It obviously also lowered the signal going through the whole amp. Running your bass to the effect directly should allow you to remain close to the 'sweet spot,' but you should still be able to get adequate volume from your amp.

[Floridabwoy]

turn your volume down on your bass.

[dirtjumper2001]

Ok cheers guys, I'll try this out tonight.

[L-A]

Can't your Boss adjust each patch's input and output levels?

[SpankyPants]

Use the other input?

[L-A]

Originally Posted by SpankyPants

Use the other input?

I think the point is that some effects on the GT6-B change the level too much. Otherwise, well yes you have the answer.

[dirtjumper2001]

I've got a few things to try out now, so thanks for your help everyone. I'll let you know how I get on.

[bassman1185]

The effects loop is for line-level, rackmounted devices, and its level will be too high for floor effects like the GT-6B. When you plugged into the "Active" input on your amp, you dropped the level of the effects loop by a significant ammount (probably 12-15db, which is a huge change in signal strength) so the pedal responded more like it is supposed to.

As has already been said, the GT-6B is designed to be plugged into an instrument-level signal from your bass. Just run it Bass -> GT-6B -> Amp -> Cab and all will be well.