Trying to clean up a Muddy FX Loop

[wavey davey]

*** Problem Fixed - Read on***

Hi TB FX Junkies.

I'm hoping for a bit of help with my FX set-up. I'm just not getting the results that I want.

I'm running a Trace Elliot AH1000-12 Head, which has a pretty comprehensive effect loop section, with Low / Full and High sends and Left / Right (mono) / Mono returns. There's also a series / Parallel setting and overall loop level.

I'm using the Low send to an EBS Octaver only, as apparently, cutting the high Hz out improves the triggering.

Then the Full send goes to a Big Muff PI -> Dunlop Bass Wah -> EHX Bass Balls -> EHX Electric Mistress

The 2 sends are fired back into the 2 mono channels on the amp.

I'm also using a Warwick Powered pedal board with 2 loop channels. I'm using one for the octaver and one for the rest (full send). All the pedals are powered from the board.

I'm also using Planet Waves cables from and to the amp and the cables on the Board are from the Planet Waves Patch kit

So the problem starts, whenever I switch in the loop, I lose all clarity of the sound, regardless of whether the pedals are actually on / or off. I've tried adjusting the loop level and the series / parallel settings, some / none / all effects on / off but it just comes out 'Muddy'

It's all pretty much decent Kit, the cables are good - so what gives?? Could using the Pedal Board's inbuilt loops give that much signal loss? (I'm trying that out tonight)

If anyone has any advice, I'm all ears (and fingers!!)

Thanks
WD

[bongomania]

Couple of things to consider:

Process of elimination. Remove one item/connection at a time from the chain, and listen to how the sound changes. That way you can identify any glaring culprits. Could be a loop connection, could be a pedal with bad-sounding bypass, could be a patch cable that is not as good as you thought.

Level of the signal coming out of the loop send. Just because you can adjust the level at the return doesn't mean that your pedals are getting an ideal level at their inputs. Check it out to see. This can affect the signal quality at the return.

[Smurf-o-Deth]

Have you tried running the effects in line before the head? The signal from the amp's effect loop may be too hot (regardless of setting) and doing something to your buffered pedals (especially the awful buffer in the 105 Q).

[wavey davey]

Thanks for the replies, I'm gonna have a good crack at them tonight

[wavey davey]

Problem Solved.

Basically bypassed the In - Outs on the Warwick Pedal Board, went straight into the pedals, and hey presto Mud Gone.

So the sound is fixed, but I'm back to the fiddle-farting around with cables every time I set up / pack down.

So the lesson here is, don't use a Warwick board if you want clear sound...