Effect loop

[one]

I searched and found nothing.

I was always told and lead to believe that running a gain effect pedal in the effect loop would never be a good idea! possibly blowing my amp.

heres my problem: would it be safe to rig my computer to the effect return and have my bass plugged into the usual input. I currently use a 1/8 to 1/4 jack lead to my input of my amp(comps headphone out to amp). I want to play along to some music but don't want to set up two amps. Would the input signal from the computer be too 'hot' for the return? As returns don't have a clipping signal light.

Thanks all for the input - no pun intended
One

 

[Bryan316]

First... what amp you using? Does your effects loop sum the signal from your original preamp signal with the effects return? Or does the effects return completely break the signal chain from your preamp to the effects return before going to the power amp?

Next, the computer's signal level. That's an easy one. YOUR EARS. Play your bass rig as is, then send the signal from the computer to the effects return. Is one louder than the other? If so, adjust as necessary. Set your bass' gain level so you get as strong a signal into your preamp before clipping (if you have a clip light for the preamp gain, this helps) then leave your bass gain level alone, and adjust the computer's output volume level (I assume you're using line-out, not headphone/speaker out?) to equal your bass' level.

 

[A9X]

First off, in use, very few things cause damage to an SS amp (apart from shorts for poorly protected ones), mainly not listening. When it gets distorted, back off the level.

Bryan asks an important question about the FX being sidechain or series. If it's series, I doubt you'll be able to play along. In that case, as small Behringer mixer will do fine.

I doubt your PC puts out much more than a volt or so, or about the level at the FX I/O, so I doubt it'll be a problem, but check the specs for the amp and PC to be sure.

 

[bongomania]

I was always told and lead to believe that running a gain effect pedal in the effect loop would never be a good idea! possibly blowing my amp.

The other guys have answered the computer question as well as I could have, but I just wanted to address this first bit- whoever told you that putting a gain effect pedal in the loop could blow your amp, well, they were misleading you. It may not be a good idea depending on the specific design of the loop and the pedal in question, but only because it could sound bad, not because anything would get damaged. If you click on the compressor FAQ link in my sig, there's a link in there about using pedals in an effects loop. Basically, try it- if it sounds bad, then stop doing it, but there's no risk of damage.