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Fx Loops on your amp...does anyone use them

Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2014 9:22 pm
by Jwar
Hey guys! I'm sure there's a topic on here about this and I just can't find it. I'm thinking of dividing out my pedals into two boards and running modulations in the loop, dirt in the front end. I found a brand fucking new PT Pro at Guitar Center this afternoon for 69 bucks (it was on sale because someone accidentally cut the gig bag with a box knife) and I couldn't pass it up. I mean used they go for double that. So I divided my pedals into two boards. All dirt on one, all modulation on the other.


My question is. What effects are NOT safe to run in the FX loop? I'm reading the manual on my envelope filters, which the only thing like that I use is the Manta, but I usually use it for the phaser.

I'll post pics tomorrow, but am curious what others have to say. Also I'm curious if anyone does this or has done this.


Thanks homies.

Re: Fx Loops on your amp...does anyone use them

Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2014 9:39 pm
by Deltaphoenix
yuck

Re: Fx Loops on your amp...does anyone use them

Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2014 9:45 pm
by Jwar
Deltaphoenix wrote:yuck

Yuck?

Re: Fx Loops on your amp...does anyone use them

Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2014 10:03 pm
by Deltaphoenix
Using the effects loop. IDK really, I have never done it. In my mind, it is fine for racks to go there but not pedals, although there really isn't a difference.

I guess I am thinking about gigging though and having to get set-up and tearing down quickly.

Re: Fx Loops on your amp...does anyone use them

Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2014 10:13 pm
by Jwar
Deltaphoenix wrote:Using the effects loop. IDK really, I have never done it. In my mind, it is fine for racks to go there but not pedals, although there really isn't a difference.

I guess I am thinking about gigging though and having to get set-up and tearing down quickly.

Well that makes sense. I was thinking of it as ease of set up, but it's not a definite thing. I'm just curious. I've only messed with an Fx loop twice I think, and didn't really get the reasoning behind it.

The one thing I noticed is that when I hooked both boards together through the front of my amp, I was getting a loud humming noise, like unbearable humming. Not sure what's up with that. I wouldn't think it would matter how many pedal I have in my chain.

Re: Fx Loops on your amp...does anyone use them

Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2014 10:18 pm
by Fuzz_Pi
If I was using my amp's distortion, Id use the FX loop for modulation, delay, reverb and what not

I currently use mine to use the rusty box as my pre amp

Re: Fx Loops on your amp...does anyone use them

Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2014 11:33 pm
by Sparrow
i've been back and forth. For the Mesa Amp i was using. MOD effects sounded much Clearer/ Loud in the loop. i was using the AMPs Gain full tilt!
i had 2 boards basically.
other wise .. clean amp - effects up front.

if i don't NEED to use the fx loop . I won't .. is what i'm trying to say.

Re: Fx Loops on your amp...does anyone use them

Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2014 2:53 am
by coldbrightsunlight
If I was using amp distortion and don't like the sound of pedals running INTO that, then maybe, otherwise mehhhhh.

I used to try it a bit back when I did and I always just found the extra cables and shit more work than it was worth. Now I only use pedal dirt I don't see much point...

Re: Fx Loops on your amp...does anyone use them

Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2014 6:09 am
by frigid midget
Some fx loops work better than others imo, depends on the amp. But generally speaking, on a dirty amp, delay pedals sound best when run through an effects loop imp. My amp has both nice onboard high gain, as well as decent sounding fx loops for each channel, and Im a heavy delay user...But I always put all of my peds in front of my amp, just cause Im lazy and dont want to mess with extra cables :facepalm:

Re: Fx Loops on your amp...does anyone use them

Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2014 8:35 am
by Moose
I think really it depends on the pedals/amp.

I've tried several times to split my board and have delay/modulation through my effects loop on my amp, and found it just doesn't work for me. The sound isn't quite right to my ears.


Personally, it's all up front. That way the whole sound is consistent, because I've got all of my effects going through the pre-amp. Rather than just part of it, and some of it afterwards.

Re: Fx Loops on your amp...does anyone use them

Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2014 10:07 am
by zRobertez
Never! I usually run modulation before dirt pedals anyway and delay and reverb into amp driving is pretty good. I don't understand why everyone avoids running things into dirt, it's really cool sometimes and as long as you don't overload it, it won't get that muddy. Unless that's what you're looking for ;)
But especially for the tube OD, low gain drive ONLY guys. That's pretty much running pedals into a clean amp anyway :?:

Re: Fx Loops on your amp...does anyone use them

Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2014 10:17 am
by skullservant
Ask Ancient Astro about FX loops, he's a fan of them on his Dunwich. Honestly, personally if you aren't trying to get amp dirt I don't see a point in doing it. I've got an FX loop on my Verellen and I never use it

Re: Fx Loops on your amp...does anyone use them

Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2014 10:19 am
by leaves turn
Nope. Got a Classic 50.

I would theoretically use one if I ever picked up an amp with a really sweet vibe circuit.

Re: Fx Loops on your amp...does anyone use them

Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2014 10:39 am
by Jakezor
I use a delay and reverb in my effects loop of my Decatone.

Re: Fx Loops on your amp...does anyone use them

Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2014 11:02 am
by frigid midget
zRobertez wrote:Never! I usually run modulation before dirt pedals anyway and delay and reverb into amp driving is pretty good. I don't understand why everyone avoids running things into dirt, it's really cool sometimes and as long as you don't overload it, it won't get that muddy. Unless that's what you're looking for ;)
But especially for the tube OD, low gain drive ONLY guys. That's pretty much running pedals into a clean amp anyway :?:
"Overload it"...That's usually exactly the point:p

To me, high gain + maxed out modulation or verb or delay, sounds best when the dirt is first in the chain. Actually, a lot of times I prefer a little dirt before AND after verb:)