3.1.3
Cable Selection
In certain instances it is desirable to match a guitar cord to a specific instrument.
One can use the otherwise undesirable qualities of a cord to one’s advantage, if
one has the time and patience to experiment with different cords and guitars. You
should do this when playing with a band or when you are recording. Sometimes it
is difficult to tell a component’s true advantages until it is used in the right
context.
A guitar that has very piercing highs could theoretically be tamed down somewhat
by the use of a long guitar cord that offers some high-end attenuation.
The loops of your Diezel Herbert send signals at higher levels and impedances,
which makes this section of wiring less sensitive. You should still use reliable and
good quality wiring for all loops and inserts.
3.2
Rear Panel Connections
3.2.1
Send/Return Loop
The System consists of 3 separate Loops. It allows creation of effects path in
either serial, parallel, or switched configurations. The individual channel volume
controls determine the signal strength at the send jacks. The range is - ... to
+10dB. The output impedance is 4.7 kΩ. If you want to use the loops, then
connect the “Send” to the input of the Effects unit. Be sure and adjust the input
level of the effects unit to the amplifiers level. Most effects units have led bar or
other level control devices. The Output of the effects unit must be connected to
one of the return jacks, parallel, switched, or serial. If you use the parallel return,
then the signal can be mixed to the original signal via the rear panel mounted
“Volume” control.
3.2.2
Parallel or Serial
Which is better for you? Read on.
There are 2 ways to handle effects signals. If you use the serial return, then the
signal path of your Herbert is interrupted, the signal is sent to the processor, gets
more or less processed, then sent back to the serial return into the power amp.
Digital effects units often digitize this signal, then process it, then convert it back
to analog, then send it to the amp. This is called ADA conversion. It is necessary
for digital effects units to do this to your guitar signal, so that it becomes a digital
code, which the processor can read and understand. Your tubes, however, need an
old fashioned analog signal, so the processor needs to convert the signal back to
analog before it goes back to the amp. Generally, even in highest quality effects
processors, this causes a change in the original signal, typically a loss of tonality
and warmth, also noticeable as a “harder” sound.
