ME50B question

JKT · #1 01-15-2008, 11:30 AM

I took the plunge and ordered an ME50B multi-effects pedal

Does anybody know what would be the best routing option for running it into a GK 1001? Inline or effects loop?

JKT

JanusZarate · #2 01-15-2008, 11:36 AM

Usually, most pedals and multi-effects units work best in front of the amp.

Most of the time, these sorts of things work poorly in the effects loop. The modulation effects and filter effects probably would sound fine in there, but depending on how the ME-50B is designed, you might kill a good chunk of the preamp's output... not a good idea unless you don't mind a huge volume loss.

The effects loop is best reserved for rack effects units, and certain effects which are built to operate well with the output and impedance of the effects loop.

JKT · #3 01-15-2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticBoo

Usually, most pedals and multi-effects units work best in front of the amp.

Most of the time, these sorts of things work poorly in the effects loop. The modulation effects and filter effects probably would sound fine in there, but depending on how the ME-50B is designed, you might kill a good chunk of the preamp's output... not a good idea unless you don't mind a huge volume loss.

The effects loop is best reserved for rack effects units, and certain effects which are built to operate well with the output and impedance of the effects loop.

This is what I expected. I run my current pedals in front, but didn't know if this BOSS unit wanted something different.
Thanks.

JKT

JanusZarate · #4 01-15-2008, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JKT

This is what I expected. I run my current pedals in front, but didn't know if this BOSS unit wanted something different.
Thanks.

JKT

The multi-effects units that do amp modeling can plug straight into the poweramp; they usually have more than enough output to do that. The Line 6 PODs are a good example of that. But even then, they don't tend to like the output of the preamp... so in those circumstances, it'd be best to leave the preamp disconnected, and plug straight into the unit - basically, bypassing the preamp entirely and using the unit as your preamp instead.

In many cases, you can get away with running preamps into each other and not lose output or have distortion issues, but the layers of coloration can be problematic. IMO, of course.

I love my GK amp; I don't really need another preamp. Just more pedals. Mmm... distortion... filters... delay...

MyUsernameHere · #5 01-15-2008, 01:11 PM

There was a post on this not too long ago. I can't remember exactly what they said (don't own one so I just skimmed through) but I think the general consensus was that you shouldn't use it as a pre. Output's going to be too low.

JanusZarate · #6 01-15-2008, 01:36 PM

True. There were two threads, in fact. I poked my head in one of them a few times.

Can you use a Boss ME50B as a pre-amp?
Which multi effects unit can you use as a preamp?

But JKT's question was different - it was about just putting it in the effects loop for its effects, not to drive a poweramp (which it does poorly, and should not be used for).

JKT · #7 01-15-2008, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticBoo

The multi-effects units that do amp modeling can plug straight into the poweramp; they usually have more than enough output to do that. The Line 6 PODs are a good example of that. But even then, they don't tend to like the output of the preamp... so in those circumstances, it'd be best to leave the preamp disconnected, and plug straight into the unit - basically, bypassing the preamp entirely and using the unit as your preamp instead.

In many cases, you can get away with running preamps into each other and not lose output or have distortion issues, but the layers of coloration can be problematic. IMO, of course.

I love my GK amp; I don't really need another preamp. Just more pedals. Mmm... distortion... filters... delay...

Makes sense. I'm not, nor ever been a full goose crazy effects kind of guy. I like to spank it ever so slighly with a little compression as long as said compression is of the intuitive kind at all. The rest is used very sparingly except for the one or (heaven forbid) two solo features I migh get asked for.

I might use a nice thick chorus on one part of a song or maybe even one chord or note. I'm definitely not a "turn it on and leave it on" player. That being said, I too love my GK amp.
The pre-amp,the boost,the tweeter, I dig the whole package and that's what I want to come through. My approach with the ME50B is just a little frosting here and there. Some sweetness. A pleasant nutty flav... oh you get the picture.

JKT