Sansamp RBI effects loop. What’s different?

[jeffnesham]

Would anyone be able to explain what the difference is between the effects loop on the RBI and just going into something from the output?

My understanding was that effects loop is after the preamp but before the power section. Since the RBI is basically a preamp, how is the effects loop different from just running out the output. Except for the 50/50 switch.

Im sure my logic is flawed somewhere.

 

[tech21nyc]

The effects loop can be used either in series which is like plugging one effect into another or in parallel which is like using an effect with a mixer. The send on the RBI comes after the SansAmp circuit. The last component of the SansAmp is the speaker emulation. This is similar to how effects are used in a studio post microphone. You can patch in another effect after the unit's 1/4" or XLR outputs if desired. You have to be mindful of gain staging either way.

You have to experiment with the loop. Not every effect will work the same in the loop or after the unit. If you have a stomp box pedal that is meant for an instrument level signal, the loop and or output of the RBI may overload the effect. If you are running a line level signal out of the RBI into a power amp and insert an effects pedal in between the RBI and power amp you may have a reduced signal level to the power amp. Depending upon the headroom you have in the power amp it may not be enough to achieve the same output level as before.

 

[jeffnesham]

Ah thank you so much this makes sense. Would it be bettee than to have an outboard compressor through the effect loop of a Sansamp or just after the output stage?

 

[tech21nyc]

It would depend on the unit. If it's a pro piece of gear and you want to run balanced, you can use it after the RBI.

 

[pbass2go]

The effects loop can be used either in series which is like plugging one effect into another or in parallel which is like using an effect with a mixer. The send on the RBI comes after the SansAmp circuit. The last component of the SansAmp is the speaker emulation. This is similar to how effects are used in a studio post microphone. You can patch in another effect after the unit's 1/4" or XLR outputs if desired. You have to be mindful of gain staging either way.

You have to experiment with the loop. Not every effect will work the same in the loop or after the unit. If you have a stomp box pedal that is meant for an instrument level signal, the loop and or output of the RBI may overload the effect. If you are running a line level signal out of the RBI into a power amp and insert an effects pedal in between the RBI and power amp you may have a reduced signal level to the power amp. Depending upon the headroom you have in the power amp it may not be enough to achieve the same output level as before.

Apologies for reviving this age old thread, but I am wondering if the Effects loop is Line Level out/in of my trusty old RBI?
I am planning to use my HX Stomp for processing and the RBI to feed our IEM's.

Thanks!

 

[tech21nyc]

It depends on how the level controls are set and what the HX Stomp is being used for. The RBI can be set for parallel or series configuration. I would just try it. You should have enough level control between the two units.