Can I simultaneously run a single effects loop through 2 amps while they are both being used?

[FullumMusic]

Thank you! My purpose of doing this setup is that I have heard that direct outs on amplifiers generally sound less good than that of a preamp made to go direct. Is this just a misconception?

Ehhhhhhhhh {tilting my head back and forth}
Not to confuse things further, but, is it a misconception? Yes & no.
(As with everything in music, it depends).

It depends on the amp and the DI the manufacturer used.

The other issue sound engineers have using an amp's DI is, they're all different. Some are set up pre-EQ, some post-eq; some pre-gain, some post-gain; some it's the first thing after the input, some it's the last thing before the power amp; some you can select pre/post... if it's after any parameters, the engineer has no control over how the player sets the EQ or compressor or whatever else is on the amp, which might sound good through the amp at the rehearsal space or on stage, but might sound like trash in the venue through the PA mains. Much easier and safer to just put a DI before the amp.

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All that said, i think you're overcomplicating the issue.

Just put all your FX before the pre-amp/DI pedal and you'll be fine.

Bass --> [all your FX] --> Pre-amp/DI -->...

...--> Amp
...--> PA Mixer

If the FX gets to the Pre-amp/DI, it will go wherever you send the signal from Pre-amp/DI.
Don't use the FX Loop with your pedals. Just run the pedals in-line.

 

[Redbrangus]

My purpose of doing this setup is that I have heard that direct outs on amplifiers generally sound less good than that of a preamp made to go direct. Is this just a misconception?

Pretty much a misconception. It IS possible that a dedicated external preamp might sound better overall than the internal preamp in many bass amps, but it isn't automatically going to be better just because it's a dedicated preamp. A cheap external preamp isn't likely to sound any better than the preamps in some of the top-tier bass amps.

What preamp and amplifier(s) are we talking about? And are we talking about two complete amp and speaker setups, or is it just a preamp and only one amp and speaker?

Edit: @FullumMusic's response posted as I was writing the above -- I agree with him that it sounds a bit like you're trying to overcomplicate things.

 

[agedhorse]

Some onboard DI’s are better than external Di’s, most are at least as good and a few are inferior.

I wouldn’t jump to conclusions regarding DI’s.

 

[Tricaptain]

...more great responses here.

OK, @direwolfvt - hoping this all made sense for you! Your call to make, but I would agree with @FullumMusic and @Redbrangus in terms of keeping it simple... I honestly think that it makes little-to-no discernable difference in a live situation (though, heed the infinite wisdom of @agedhorse ! ). I've used FX loops, but lately, I'd been just keeping it all in-line. Any overdrive I get is from pedals, anyway, so... using an FX loop just becomes another set of cables to figure in for. Also, I use MarkBass and Mesa amp heads... always prefer Mesa, but between the 2 different amps (I also have GK and Ampeg heads), my journeyman ears really can't tell the differences in quality. I trust (and always communicate with) the venue sound engineers for how things are sounding out in the house, and monitor myself, as needed.


Either way... hope this all helped... GREAT question (a good thought exercise!)... cheers!

 

[direwolfvt]

Thank you so much!