Amp question - how important is an effect loop

[nuke_diver]

I've never had one

 

I've started gassing for the Mesa TA-15 .... it doesn't have an effects loop and is ~$900 so talk me out of it before it's too late

[benzem]

I've never had one I've started gassing for the Mesa TA-15 .... it doesn't have an effects loop and is ~$900 so talk me out of it before it's too late

 

If ya don't need one, get it:thu:

 

I have a tube amp w/no loop and love the tone and the feel/simplicity etc.

 

But it has some nice crunch so sometimes I wish it had an fx loop:)

[CoqBelliqueux]

If the preamp has a lot of gain, you need an FX loop for effects. Otherwise, it's not as important.

[Guitarist970]

The only thing I use my FX loop for is a BBE Sonic Stomp and a Boss GE-7 that I use for solo boosts. All my effects run straight into the amp.

[EADGBE]

I have two amps with them and I don't use them.

[Alex W]

I have never used the effects loop on any of my amps. I always run everything out front, even my analog delays.

[jr_vw2]

my 5150 has a loop and I run a GE-7 and an NS-2 in the loop. My Soldano Avenger does not have a loop, and I really love this amp. Simple and awesome.

 

They do have benifits though. Like putting an EQ pedal in the loop is WAY different than running it out front. Its more of personal taste sort of thing. IMO

[Saturn]

I run my effects processor using the 4 cable method so it's pretty important to me but I have had some amps without that were really good. Both my amps I have now have them and I use them.

[tlbonehead]

I've never had one I've started gassing for the Mesa TA-15 .... it doesn't have an effects loop and is ~$900 so talk me out of it before it's too late

well, you're gonna have to answer that one on your own.

[tlbonehead]

 

If the preamp has a lot of gain, you need an FX loop for effects. Otherwise, it's not as important.

 

 

not necessarily.

[tlbonehead]

I've never had one I've started gassing for the Mesa TA-15 .... it doesn't have an effects loop and is ~$900 so talk me out of it before it's too late

that said, I was pretty disappointed in the little Mesa for a design standpoint.

[CoqBelliqueux]

 

not necessarily.

 

Meh, I don't like distorted echo, that's what I meant.

[tlbonehead]

Meh, I don't like distorted echo, that's what I meant.

I know, but the amount of available gain isn't the issue. The issue would be "how much gain do you actually use" as far as putting modulation effects in front of the amp.

[tlbonehead]

for not much more money new or a bit less used, you can get a 5:25 Express. A lot more amp for the money.

[CoqBelliqueux]

I know, but the amount of available gain isn't the issue. The issue would be "how much gain do you actually use" as far as putting modulation effects in front of the amp.

[tlbonehead]

Well, if you have a car that will lay a patch 80' long, it doesn't mean you have to do so at every stoplight.

[CoqBelliqueux]

Well, if you have a car that will lay a patch 80' long, it doesn't mean you have to do so at every stoplight.

 

The words "dialed in" were implied. :poke:

[wagdog]

I have never used an effects loop and run my tonelab in front. It's simple, works and sounds good.

 

Prior to getting the tonelab, if I used effects, I ran them guitar->effects->amp.

[nuke_diver]

I don't use a lot of gain so that isn't a problem. I have a Crate V18 and I'm pretty ok with it but I sometimes GAS for a better amp. That TA15 sounds amazing in the clips I've seen on UTUBE and seems very flexible which I like cause I like to try and play a lot of different things. I also like the idea of a 2 channel amp. I play a Lonestar when I jam with my buddy and it's a great amp

 

Tom why do you say the 5:25 Express is a lot more amp? I'm off to check out clips of that too right now

 

Of course none of this is helping much...only the price might keep me from jumping...that and my wife

[NHLfan2010]

 

The only thing I use my FX loop for is a BBE Sonic Stomp and a Boss GE-7 that I use for solo boosts. All my effects run straight into the amp.

 

 

Hmmm...I never thought about that. Makes a lot of sense though. Nice.

[brandass]

I've pretty much given up on effects loops, because I've always liked my pedals better when they've been in front of the amp.

 

Probably depends upon the amp, how you use it, the pedals, how you use them, and the sound you're driving at.

 

I've tried a lot of combinations, and always end up back with the pedals in front. Oh well.

 

If you're going two-channel, I'd recommend that you get separate EQ for each channel, or at least verify that the shared EQ can dial in both channels with roughly similar settings. I love my H&K 20th Anniversary Edition to death, but its one downfall is that the two channels demand radically different settings on the shared EQ. That makes switching between them a real pain. I've tried adding external EQ to bridge the difference but no dice. This amp may be extreme in this respect, but I'd keep my eye out for that potential issue.

[Brian Krashpad]

I've never used an effect loop in my life. Of no importance to me whatsoever.

[benzem]

I like my amps distortion way better than pedals, especially at gig volumes, really no comparison. Therefore, I use fx loops.