Splitting outputs of effects

[cheapbasslovin]

So I have a HOG, and I am currently splitting the dry and wet out (both are buffered) into two different sets of effects and then into a 4 channel mini mixer. I am pretty happy with the results.

But I want MORE!!!!!!

I am wanting to set up a blend situation with both my dry and wet outputs to hopefully create a sonic range from bass ->amp to ridiculously rich and lush. If I split each output passively will I overload the outputs on my HOG or will I simply have the troubleshooting issues of four signal paths? I plan on using all true bypass or buffered pedals, nothing old school that needs modded to avoid major tone suck. I don't think I should overdraw the pedal, but that doesn't mean I'm right .

If it is a problem, I know I could start by looking at stereo pedals or actual blenders, but are there any other solutions I am not thinking of?

Thanks!!

[JanusZarate]

Huh?

So you're planning to split the two outputs of the HOG into four? Overloading never even comes into the picture; I'm not sure how you even thought of that! Rather, you'll have decreased output on all four paths. Your signals will get quieter if you split passively, not louder.

So, besides troubleshooting signal drops in each path, you might also run into phase issues depending on what you plan to do with those paths.

You're probably better off with two blend loop pedals. Have the dry output of the HOG go into one of them, and the wet output into the other. Put whatever effects you want in each loop.

You'll dodge the bulk of possible problems that way, and you'll have switching convenience.

[cheapbasslovin]

You pretty much nailed it. I have a mini mixer that should do the job of putting everything together nicely enough, it has enough gain that I think it would get'r'dun with regard to low output of each signal, and I am a cheap enough sob that I'll be pulling teeth as it is to creep this thing forward with the different effects, let alone buying blenders on top of it. I am thinking I may start with a stereo trem or chorus and then go from there, but I wanted to clarify that if I did a passive divide to the outs I wasn't going to be trying to 'force' too much power through either of them.

[edit:read your post too fast] I wasn't worried about overloading any of the downstream pedals, but overloading the HOG's outputs. That was the question I wanted answered.

[bongomania]

You can't overload an output, the electrons may technically be swimming backwards but the voltage is moving outward only.

I strongly recommend a "real" mixer, an eight to twelve channel unit with no less than two effects sends. I had an old Sunn 10-channel with three aux sends which was perfect for this sort of thing, but they're a bit uncommon. A nice older (pre-LOUD) Mackie 1202 VLZ Pro will only have two effects sends, but will be easy to acquire and work beautifully. Seems there was an Alesis rack mixer with three aux sends IIIRC. At any rate, an active mixer of decent quality will serve you much, much better than any passive mixer, cheapo gadget, or jury-rigged hodgepodge.

[cheapbasslovin]

So to be clear (hopefully), I can't pull so much signal from my HOG that it will damage anything, I can only tap out the signal so there is not enough to go around?

The thing is that I want it all to fit onto my board. The mixer is doing a fine job right now with the HOG's two outputs, so I figure that it will continue to do fine with 4. I'm not a real tone junkie, so as long as it is getting the feel of what I want across and isn't too noisy or crappy I don't care if it tweaks the tone a little. A big mixer is great, but not what I need at this time. I just didn't want to break my HOG trying this out because it's all spendy and took up my gear budget for the year .

I'm going to give it a go and if it sounds like junk, then I'll stop.

Thanks y'all.

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by cheapbasslovin

So to be clear (hopefully), I can't pull so much signal from my HOG that it will damage anything, I can only tap out the signal so there is not enough to go around?

Right, there is absolutely no way to damage any pedal by "pulling too much signal" from its output. It can only generate what it can generate, putting four or a million other devices at the output won't change that.

[cheapbasslovin]

Thanks a lot.

It occured to me since my last post that this is all an ABY box does (doh!). Oh well.

BTW, the mixer is active, it's just tiny and with channel levels and master gain as its only adjustments.

[JanusZarate]

Originally Posted by cheapbasslovin

[edit:read your post too fast] I wasn't worried about overloading any of the downstream pedals, but overloading the HOG's outputs. That was the question I wanted answered.

I did answer that. You read my post too fast again.

But it's okay - Bongo took care of the damage control.

[cheapbasslovin]

Naaah, didn't read it too fast, just missed your meaning. Read it again and saw the same thing (but also was able to see what you were trying to beat into my skull). Simply a misunderstanding. :P

Print sucks sometimes.

[JanusZarate]

Yeah. You can never figure out what someone really means.