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, recording mixer, another guitar amplifiers
effects loop return (for Bi-Mono amping), etc.
The Effects Loop comes after the Preamp section. 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.)
You can also use the Effects Loop as a sort of power attenuator by plugging a patch cable
from the send to return and lowering the send and return level controls. This is great if you
like the cranked up master tone for thick power amp distortion leads, at lower volumes.
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 5 and 6.
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 consider the straight/effects blend at the signal processor, since all of
your Preamp's signal is passed through the Effects Loop. You may also use the "mix"
output, if the unit has one, adjusting the mix on the effects processor to suit your taste.
Note: If delay sounds such as slap echo, reverb, and repeat delay will be your primary
choice of effects, usually a 50% wet mix from the effects should be used.
The Effects Loop Send is configured so that it is always active, so you can use it as a
variable output. Note that if you use the Send to drive slave amps, etc., and have nothing
plugged into the Return jack, the signal still passes from the Preamp to the power amp even
when the Effects Loop is internally bypassed.
