A super quick and probably dumb question-

finalrequiem · #1 02-14-2011, 03:59 PM

I'm just starting to really get in to effects and it just dawned on me that, since my bass is passive, I might need some sort of boost at the beginning of my effects chain(?). My Mesa WA has an effects loop- will using that accomplish the same thing? Will any sort of powered pedal provide a boost, of sorts? Does it even matter? I searched a little bit but I couldn't find a specific answer. Thanks!

rratajski · #2 02-14-2011, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by finalrequiem

I'm just starting to really get in to effects and it just dawned on me that, since my bass is passive, I might need some sort of boost at the beginning of my effects chain(?). My Mesa WA has an effects loop- will using that accomplish the same thing? Will any sort of powered pedal provide a boost, of sorts? Does it even matter? I searched a little bit but I couldn't find a specific answer. Thanks!

Why do you need a boost?
Simple answer is, "No, you don't need a boost...unless you want to boost volume or drive pedals/your amp harder."

thombo · #3 02-14-2011, 04:09 PM

while some people may agree, i have found that a lot of effects respond better with passive basses. I have found this to be particularly true of filter effects, certain distortions (zvex wooly mammoth), and the boss oc2 respond. FWIW, the basses were stingray (active) and p-bass (passive).

bassteban · #4 02-14-2011, 04:11 PM

I also *usually* get best results w/passive basses- also, if anything, I'd guess you may benefit from a boost at the end of the chain- just before the amp, but I'm not too knowledgeable on boost pedals.

finalrequiem · #5 02-14-2011, 04:12 PM

I think I was just wondering if there would be a significant or noticeable drop in signal strength by the time the signal reached my amp. But, should I even be doing it that way or should I use the effects loop? I'm must really wanting to make sure that I build my chain right from the ground up.

bassteban · #6 02-14-2011, 04:16 PM

Some pedals don't *like* fx loops, some do- I don't think you can hurt anything by trying both ways & going w/the better(do NOT sue if your stuff 'splodes, though..).

Unrepresented · #7 02-14-2011, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by finalrequiem

I think I was just wondering if there would be a significant or noticeable drop in signal strength by the time the signal reached my amp. But, should I even be doing it that way or should I use the effects loop? I'm must really wanting to make sure that I build my chain right from the ground up.

Depends on the types of pedals you're using. If they're true bypass and you have a number of them plus a decent amount of cable, and you don't like how you sound you may want to look into purchasing a buffer pedal to increase your signal strength. If some/all of the pedals have a quality buffered bypass, though, this will likely be unnecessary.

finalrequiem · #8 02-14-2011, 04:52 PM

Sounds great, guys. Thanks!

Matt Dean · #9 02-14-2011, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassteban

I also *usually* get best results w/passive basses- also, if anything, I'd guess you may benefit from a boost at the end of the chain- just before the amp, but I'm not too knowledgeable on boost pedals.

I am probably contributing to going OT, but I have optimized my effects laden rig but using a pair of relatively high output, passive single coil pickups (Nordstrand Big Singles).