Synths into pedals (what do I need to know?)

[PanicProne]

So I might have mentioned this before, even made a similar thread a while back but didn't touch synths specifically.

Long story short I'm taking the first proper step into the world of synths.
I got a rack synth a while ago and haven't been able to try it out but looking to order some midi keys and start using it now.
Obviously I have some pedals I'd like to run it through eventually. Is there anything I need to know before I plug everything in?
Cue ridiculous questions:
Current home "headphone rig" is whatever I use into a pocket pod, would that work for the synth too or should I consider getting something else?
Is it possible to damage the pedals? I'm thinking the whole line/instrument level thing here. Do I need to take that into consideration?
Is there nothing to worry about? Should I just go ahead and play?
Any other useful tips?

Oh, it's a Korg EX-8000 btw.

[coldbrightsunlight]

I don't think any pedals are going to be damaged by line level signals but some might react strangely or be overloaded a bit. Personally I've never had problems with anything, but there's so many different pedals and synths who can say that there wouldn't be problems with SOME stuff.

Just don't like, immediately plug into a vintage pedal with full volume on the synth haha.


As for tips, fuzz is great with synths. Particularly if it has a powerful EQ. I personally love the crazy harmonics you can get from octavey fuzzes and synths

[friendship]

the first thing you need to know is that it fuckin rules.

the second thing is that it's mostly safe, but some pedals will not appreciate line level, as you guessed. start with the synths output low just to be safe. I don't think you can destroy a pedal, or at least I haven't yet. someone who knows what they're talking about may correct me.

the third thing is that I'm not sure what kind of input the pocket pod takes but I know the bigger pods take line level. unfortunately you will only be able to use Insane mode with the gain maxed out. sorry, them's the breaks.

there are some effects you might want to place after the output of your pod, as opposed to before the input like you would with a pedalboard.

the last thing you need to know is just be yourself and have a good time.

[coldbrightsunlight]

Very lovely and sound advice.

It does rule.

[Pepe]

I got a rack synth a while ago [...]

Oh, it's a Korg EX-8000 btw.

I have the DW-8000 and it's one of my favourite machines. Some of the DWGS waveforms seem useless at first glance, but take your time to experiment with different OSC combinations, filter and envelope settings, etc. and you will find out that this unit has a bunch of unusual and useful sounds in store.

[CSCD]

Can confirm, running synths into fuzz just f'n rules. I absolutely loved running my Dreadbox Erebus v2 and Korg Minilogue XD into dirt pedals — both sounded insane. Currently I'm trying to pair an Elektron A4 with my DOD Carcosa; not feeling it just yet but I need to spend more time on this.

And yeah, you aren't likely to break anything doing this. If you find that your pedals sound weird with a synth plugged in, you could also put a reamp box in between to bring it down to instrument level. But in my experience, just turning the synth's volume down does the trick (and even that isn't required all the time).

[crochambeau]

I got a rack synth a while ago [...]

Oh, it's a Korg EX-8000 btw.

I have the DW-8000 and it's one of my favourite machines. Some of the DWGS waveforms seem useless at first glance, but take your time to experiment with different OSC combinations, filter and envelope settings, etc. and you will find out that this unit has a bunch of unusual and useful sounds in store.

I just fixed a new to me DW-8000 last night, am delighted to be part of the club again after so many years.

These also have an output scaling switch, so you can knock it down to guitar region amplitude fairly easily (though I prefer having more power on tap, as headroom is no issue in my set-up).

[PanicProne]

Some good tips here guys. Thank you!
Just waiting on a my midikeys to get here and then down the rabbit hole I go.

[cantremember]

I've been running pedals with synths and drum machines for a minute and never had any issues with damaging a pedal but I have found that if the input is kinda low that running it through the aux send and return on my mixer fixes that for the most part.

[cosmicevan]

The best way to ruin a pedal is to give it the wrong power...audio will just process through...if the in is processed as garbage, garbage will come out, but you won't break the pedal...perhaps the amplification after the pedal, but the only way to break a pedal is the fry it w power or water or just breaking the circuit board.

[Pepe]

That's right. Otherwise every booster pedal should have a warning sign on it.

[cosmicevan]

That's right. Otherwise every booster pedal should have a warning sign on it.

Boosters should have a warning...should say "careful what you boost...garbage in garbage out, only louder"

[coldbrightsunlight]

That's right. Otherwise every booster pedal should have a warning sign on it.

Most aren't stronk enough. Only the Blowing Up