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Effects return input level???

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by perutxo, Jul 29, 2009.

  1. Jul 29, 2009 #1
    perutxo

    perutxo

    Sep 7, 2007
    La Rioja (Wine-Paradise)-Spain
    Hi everyone,
    How can I know if the signal I send into my effects return is too much? What's the risk of blowing the amp section?.

    I'm asking this because I want to use my ampeg little combo's unbalanced line-out (which signal is controlled by the combo's master volume) into my effects return of my bigger ashdown comb, bypassing in this way the ashdown preamp. However, how can I know if the signal (when having the ampeg at highest volume) is too hot for the effects return input???.

    Thanks
     
  2. Jul 29, 2009 #2
    bongomania

    bongomania Supporting Member Commercial User

    Oct 17, 2005
    PDX, OR
    owner, OVNIFX and OVNILabs
    There is zero risk of blowing the amp section. If the level is too much, you will hear distortion. Pretty simple.
     
  3. Jul 29, 2009 #3
    perutxo

    perutxo

    Sep 7, 2007
    La Rioja (Wine-Paradise)-Spain
    Thanks a lot Bongo,

    I've read many of your posts and they have always being very helpful. Just wanted to take this chance to appreciate the enormously helpful data you always bring to this forum,
    Thanks
     
  4. Jul 29, 2009 #4
    RickenBoogie

    RickenBoogie

    Jul 22, 2007
    Dallas, TX
    Of course, there is a chance you'll hurt your speakers. If it sounds bad, turn it down right away.
     
  5. Jul 30, 2009 #5
    Sten

    Sten

    Nov 18, 2001
    Estonia
    I've been thinking the same thing for a while. I play my Bassdriver DI straight to effects return of my head, bypassing its preamp. I've never actually heard a speaker to distort due too much power pushed into it. Since my sound from the BDDI is quite drive'ey, do you think I will know the difference?
     
  6. Jul 30, 2009 #6
    bongomania

    bongomania Supporting Member Commercial User

    Oct 17, 2005
    PDX, OR
    owner, OVNIFX and OVNILabs
    That's a tough one. Honestly it can be hard to tell for sure. The main sound that you should be able to hear that sounds different from pedal distortion is "farting", where the cones make a blap-blap-blap or a faster bbbbbbbr sound. Higher pitched cone distortion can sound like pedal distortion though.