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5. Make sure that you set your straight/effects blend at the signal processor, since all of
your preamp's signal is passed through the effects loop. Do not use an effects-only
output to return from the processor to the amp. Always use the "mix" output, if the unit
has one.
Effects Loop
– Suprema, Chubster 55, R55-112 and R100-212
Of course, you can use pedals and rack-mounted effects between your guitar and the
amp. In fact, that's where most wah-wahs and other pedals sound exceptionally good.
However, rack signal processors are often best suited to being placed after the
preamp's tone-shaping circuitry. Your Rivera's Effects Loop is designed to give you the
best match between the amp and the processor by allowing you to set the level of the
signal going to the effect, as well as the one coming back. Therefore, you can tailor your
amp/effects levels for best signal-to-noise ratio and the amount of distortion you want.
Note:
The Effects Loop send can be used to route a signal to a guitar tuner.
The Effects Loop comes after the preamp and reverb sections. In addition, its low-
impedance circuitry lets you drive everything from the simplest stomp-box effect to the
most sophisticated pro signal processor with excellent results. It's also fully buffered,
meaning that it can drive long cords and line-level gear and mixing consoles. (Because
the signal is electrically unbalanced, you can use an unbalanced-to-balanced output
transformer to connect to equipment requiring a balanced input.)
Before you connect a signal processor to your amp, either turn the amp off or to
standby.
Use high-quality shielded cords between the amp and processor. Never use a speaker
cord.
Setting Effects Loop levels
1. After you connect the amp's Send and Return with the signal processor's input and
output, set the amp's Send Level and Return Level between 1 and 2.
2. Plug in your guitar, turn the signal processor on, and then turn on the amp (or flip the
standby switch).
3. Set the amp's Effects Loop Send Level and the signal processor's input level so that
you don't overload the processor. Keep your ears open for unwanted distortion from the
signal processor (you'll know it by its crackly, unmusical sound). Whack a few chords on
your guitar to check that your settings are correct.
4. Now turn up the Effects Loop Return knob until the proper volume and overdrive are
dialed in. You'll probably have to experiment with the signal processor's output level
until you get the best sound and lowest amount of noise.
5. Make sure that you set your straight/effects blend at the signal processor, since all of
your preamp's signal is passed through the Effects Loop. Do not use an effects-only
output to return from the processor to the amp. Always use the "mix" output, if the unit
has one.
