parallel vs series effects loops

[Bob C]

Some months back there was a thread about everyone's custom Barge blenders. I can't find it now.

Anyway, when I emailed Barge about getting a blender with two effects loops, he (Geoff? I can't remember his name) asked did I want the loops in series or parallel with each other.

I know the difference in signal path, sort of. But what is the difference in practical use? What are the pros and cons of each?

[bongomania]

Series is simplest: item A --> processor B --> fx return A

Parallel splits item A into two identical "A" paths. One path goes to an effect device, the other (clean original signal) bypasses the effect device. Both paths converge at the fx return.

That's where things get tricky. Passively combining two audio channels can cause all kinds of problems (signal loss, feedback). So we combine them with a small active mixer circuit.

Then there's the question of whether combining the two signal paths will cause dropouts or other artifacts due to the waves corresponding too closely. That's why some active blenders offer a phase switch option. It's not a cure-all, or even needed in all cases, but it's a useful feature for those instances where it can help.

I know you asked what are the pros and cons of each, but they should be evident from seeing how they work.

[Ric5]

I prefer parallel effects ... Then I can mix clean and dirty together ...

[cheapbasslovin]

The primary thing I use my parallel blend for is running a chain for my HOG that doesn't affect my main bass sound. The other thing I do is run my octave down from the HOG in parallel with my micro qtron for the uber-funk. Run that way the octave isn't killed by the sweep of the filter but you still hear the sweet quack of the filter.

A series set would more likely (in my mind) be used to group a plural amount of pedals into two stomps. So if you always use your fuzz with your flanger, you put them both in the same loop and engage them both with one stomp. Other than that, it's like all the pedals are in one chain w/ no switcher (as one blend loop).

For my usage, the dual parallel is more versatile. YMMV. Good luck.

[Bob C]

cheapbasslovin,

I think you answered most of my question. If I use a preamp, blender or other box that has two parallel effects loops, the signal starts "pure" at each loop - even if I run them simultaneously. Is that correct?

Conversely, if I run two loops in series I can still "submix" effects. But loop 1 and its contents will precede (and color) loop 2.

[cheapbasslovin]

Yup.

[Bob C]

Thanks. This is fun. I can't wait to find a couple of grand and start building the mother of all pedal boards.

[dantheman6690]

You can call it the motherboard!