Why use effects loops?

[charlie13033]

Please humor me a bit, but when I started playing guitar there were no effects let alone, effects loops.

 

I use a floor tuner, compression, distortion, and acoustic guitar simulator -- in that order directly into the amp. I also have an amp that has some modulation effects that I use -- chorus, and flanger.

 

Will I get a better sound going through the effects loop rather than direct into the amp?

 

My understanding is that the effects out takes the preamped signal and runs it through the floor effects and then the signal goes direct to the power section? Right? Then are the amp's modulation effects added after the loop?

 

Thanks for your help.

[phyrexia]

For the effects you're using, you've got it right.

If you bought any modulation effects or delays, you'd want to put them into the loop so that the front end of your amp does not get washy or muddy.

The built in effects are probably either right before or right after the loop.

[jay3265E]

Just to follow up, when you put it in the effects loop it accesses the effects AFTER the distortion circuit in your amp which make it sound much, much better. A good rule of thumb is to use time based effects in the loop (delays, choruses, phases, flanges, etc.).

[Wilbo26]

Originally posted by jay3265E Just to follow up, when you put it in the effects loop it accesses the effects AFTER the distortion circuit in your amp which make it sound much, much better. A good rule of thumb is to use time based effects in the loop (delays, choruses, phases, flanges, etc.).

 

 

+1. Although I always just use my effects in front of the amp, and when I did have an amp with an effects loop I never used it. I have heard that some pedals, especially loop pedals, can be a lot quieter and work better in a loop.

[ZeroFiveFour]

Originally posted by jay3265E Just to follow up, when you put it in the effects loop it accesses the effects AFTER the distortion circuit in your amp which make it sound much, much better. A good rule of thumb is to use time based effects in the loop (delays, choruses, phases, flanges, etc.).

+1

[gatordoc]

IMO, not all modulation pedals sound better in the loop vs in front of the amp. Just depends on the individual pedal as well as your own definition of what sounds good. You'll usually get a more saturated/intense sound in the loop which may or may not be the tone you want.

Even when using your amp's distortion channel, some people like chorus or phase or flange before the dirt whereas others prefer modulation after. I think the best thing about having the loop is that it gives you the option to experiment and find out what set-up creates the tone you're looking for.

[ZeroFiveFour]

Originally posted by gatordoc IMO, not all modulation pedals sound better in the loop vs in front of the amp. Just depends on the individual pedal as well as your own definition of what sounds good. You'll usually get a more saturated/intense sound in the loop which may or may not be the tone you want. Even when using your amp's distortion channel, some people like chorus or phase or flange before the dirt whereas others prefer modulation after. I think the best thing about having the loop is that it gives you the option to experiment and find out what set-up creates the tone you're looking for.

That's a good point,



I have my phase 90 evh in front of preamp (pedal board), and my delay after the preamp (in the amps fx loop).

054

[Cougarbruin]

What did they do before loops?

I can't believe that all these effects were invented AFTER loops were integrated into amps.

[Craigfnh]

Chorus sounds better BEFORE distortion/fuzz, damn it. F the loop!