TC Nova Modulator - effects loop or in front of amp?

[Konnis]

Hi guys,

I'm thinking about buying a TC Electronics Nova Modulator to spice up my clean sounds (Peavey 6505 :P) a bit, and play around with some effects etc.

However, does the effects (in particular chorus and flanger) sound best in front of the amp, or after distortion? I know that phaser works best in front of the distortion, not sure about chorus/flanger though.

[sgilmore]

You can try it both ways, but the more common way to use chorus and flanger are in the effects loop. That's where I would put the Modulator if I had one.

[XSSIVE]

flip a coin, or talk to 10 people and get a 50/50 split on the subject.

me, i like my MXR chorus last in line before the amp and MXR flanger right before it, both not in the loop.

however...

when i had the nova mod i liked it better in the loop even though it was doing chorus and flanger (and other things) which in single pedals i like better in front of the amp...go figure.

so try it in both and see what works for you there's no right answer here really it's all about your ears and what you want to hear.

-Mike

[12guitdown]

When I had mine I ran it after but some of the effects just sounded much better before the dirt.(phaser) This is one of the downfalls of this pedal. Another thing, for me anyway, was I found the flanger difficult to tweak, it sounded so so but like it was just limited at what it could do. The chorus on the other hand is just great, easy to dial in, from subtle to Alex Lifeson on steroids in that Tri-Chorus mode (if you want).

I remember only using this for chorus and trem and then ultimately sold it. I was really hoping to use the flanger a lot more too but never even used it live. For $240.00 compared to the little amount I used it, I had other interests and was glad when it was gone. It's a good pedal but when I consider a multi-effect pedal that only does a couple things good, it's not great.

[papersoul]

flip a coin, or talk to 10 people and get a 50/50 split on the subject.

me, i like my MXR chorus last in line before the amp and MXR flanger right before it, both not in the loop.

however...

when i had the nova mod i liked it better in the loop even though it was doing chorus and flanger (and other things) which in single pedals i like better in front of the amp...go figure.

so try it in both and see what works for you there's no right answer here really it's all about your ears and what you want to hear.

-Mike

I am like you on this. My Mod 50 has a hot loop so it needs line level or racks effects in the loop. For that reason I run pedals up front except delay in the loop. I will have to use a TC Nova Delay for that. I agree, up front I like my single phaser, flanger and chorus. On clean yes. I am still on the fence with gain though. I get my gain from the amp and flange and chorus can sound a little distorted out front for gainier playing. Tough call!

Maybe I'll pick up a TV Nova mod also for the loop.

[jnepo1]

I use the Nova Mod in the FX Loop. I especially like engaging the tri-chorus and tremelo in the loop. Love the dual engine feature. And with an Aqua Puss in the loop as well, it's a great combination. W/ that said, I run out front a SCF and a phaser on the board. But when running through a clean amp, the Mod in the loop is a good set-up.

[Guitar Goober]

I agree with trying it out in both places and seeing which you prefer. I personally have mine in the FX loop. I prefer the sounds of chorus/flanger after overdrive.

[braided_wire]

Well i know this one's an oldie, but let's try to refresh. Anyone could share some thoughts about this. I thought about buying it used which could be a nice deal. I took a look at the manual and it says, that if you put the modulator in front of the amp it should be placed after distortion pedals. Would that mean they wouldn't recommend using distortion from the amp this way?

[braided_wire]

anyone?

[In_the_Weeds]

I have a Nova Modulator and I like it a lot. Being able to use two effects at one time is cool. But I think that is mostly for at home use. When I have played with a band I have not used two effects at once. What does work with a band is to use one side for one effect and the other side for another effect that you use at a different time.
As for your question, the company's opinion on where it belongs in the effects chain is only a starting point. Try it in the loop and try it on the input after distortion. Then when you know how that sounds try it ANYWHERE. It's YOUR sound, you can do it however you want. Other opinions are a great starting point so you know "the usual" way that it is used but experiment with anything and everything. Some amps do not have effects loops so it would have to go in the input chain. I have an amp like this and I still get good sounds using the Nova in front of the amp's tube distortion.
Your guitar, effects, amp and playing style all affect your sound and the way a new pedal works with what you already have is going to be unique to you.
Last, do the experimenting when you are alone, other band members do not usually have the patience to listen to you noodling around with different sounds. When you find what works, then bring it to the band.

[The Unleashed]

I keep mine, and the Nova delay, in the loop. My Mesa has a parallel loop so keep the output mix at 100%. Very quiet and sounds great

[voxylady]

Why not both? Get a T1M dropout and you will be able to put it in your effects loop, and switch it out to your normal chain.

PS: I have one for sale for cheap in the emporium right now. PM me if you're interested