Sansamp order in the chain

[Transverz]

Hello all, posted this in the amps forum, but maybe it is too effecty for that side. So here it is.

I'm interested in selling my practice rig (Ampeg SVP-Pro > QSC RMX 850) and starting over. In the meantime, I wanna go with a very simple and low cost solution to tide me over until I find what I'm looking for.

Anyway, so I think I'm gonna do a Sansamp BDDI (programmable or not is another dilemma) into a poweramp for simplicity. My question is, if I want to add an EQ or other effects, could this only go before the BDDI? It doesn't exactly have an effects loop and I've never put anything between a "preamp" and the poweramp. Is this because of a line level vs instrument level sort of thing? Any insight would be appreciated. Especially if you have this sort of a rig going on!

Thanks very much...

[Sir Edward V]

I'm pretty sure the sansamp stuff doesn't put out a line level signal. Usually people put them before a preamp and then a poweramp, so I think it outputs instrument level.

but I don't own one, so I don't know for sure, this is based off of spending a few hours a day traversing the effects forum

[BetterBottomEnd]

Sansamp can toggle between line and instrument level signals. So yes if you get a piece of gear that can handle a line level signal it will be fine. Also think about if you're using the Sansamp as a DI whether or not you want your EQ to be before or after FOH. I would suggest you get a Sansamp paradriver or the programmable BDDI depends if you want the extra flexibility in the paradrive or the three presets in the programmable.

[Transverz]

Thanks guys...

So, is it possible to put say a Boss Bass EQ pedal AFTER the Sansamp set to line level, then going to the poweramp?

In other words, can pedals like the Boss Bass EQ pedal or Compressor handle a line level? Or if I'm using the Sansamp as a preamp, am I only able to put it before the BDDI?

[niftydog]

Most pedals do not handle line level, and if they do they're functionality is hindered. For instance, the Boss EQ might handle line level without distorting, but the second you try to boost an EQ slider it might start distorting.

[JanusZarate]

Originally Posted by Transverz

In other words, can pedals like the Boss Bass EQ pedal or Compressor handle a line level? Or if I'm using the Sansamp as a preamp, am I only able to put it before the BDDI?

Like nifty said, most pedals aren't built to handle line level or similar signals very well.

If you're using it as a preamp, wouldn't you want the EQ pedal before it anyway?

Just think of it like a regular bass amp. There's almost nothing that should go in between the two, and only a few things that would be fine in either place.

BTW, a separate preamp/poweramp setup already has an effects loop - it's where the cable goes to connect one to the other

In general, you'll find that most effects normally don't work well in the effects loop unless they're rack gear or modulation effects. Everything else should generally be running in front.

Feel free to experiment, though!