boost in the fx loop?

[spazmonkey]

Hi guy's, I have a question about putting a boost in the effects loop of an amp, especially to boost leads. Is this safe and does it sound ok? Sorry but I'm an electronics idiot, spent many years looking at penthouse and not schematics. Anyway, is this a good thing to do or is it going to boost some strange frequencies or do some freaky damage to the guts of the amp. Also, if it is safe, do a lot of guys do this? Seems like an easy way to get those leads out in front of the mix....

[matt5150]

Yep, safe and a bunch of guys do it.

Matt

[rockon1]

Its the ONLY way for me to do it since I usually play higher gain stuff and putting something out front doesnt work. Its totally safe and I suggest a decent EQ pedal for the job. That way you can not only boost the lead volume but tweak the EQ a bit for leads. I usually bump up the mids a bit. Its almost like adding an extra channel to an amp. Of coarse you dont have to but it gives added flexibility. Bob

[rob2001]

Yep, safe and potentially cool. Just start with the level on the pedal low. The boost is massive compared to the boost you'd get with the same pedal in front of the amp.

[jlagrassa]

its safe to do, I'm using a Boss EQ in my loop and just use the level slider for the desired boost. The only concern you might have is if the fx loop is just line level the signal could overload the pedal input, my amp has a selectable loop so pedals work great.

[kingsxman]

Very safe and works better than anything else. Experiment with different things. I use a boss EQ but you can use any overdrive pedal. I'd set it very clean and play with your settings. I like the EQ becuase it allows me to tailor the sound a tad if needed. (i.e. cut out some highs, etc).

You'll find that a very slight nudge on the level on the EQ makes a large difference in volume. In fact, you may even find that just altering the tone controls gives you enough of a boost from the EQ.

I searched for a long time before finding this solution. It truly is the best method. Especially if you need to boost already overdriven signals.

[doyle o'brian]

This only gives you a good volume boost if your preamp gain is high and master low. With master all the way up and preamp gain down low you are better off with the boost in front if you want a volume boost.

[rockon1]

Originally Posted by doyle o'brian

This only gives you a good volume boost if your preamp gain is high and master low. With master all the way up and preamp gain down low you are better off with the boost in front if you want a volume boost.

Not really. If the amp has anything left in it at all a boost in the loop will get it out of it regardless of the amps settings. Bob

[spazmonkey]

Thanks guys! You dudes rock!!!

[MetalGuitard]

Originally Posted by rockon1

Not really. If the amp has anything left in it at all a boost in the loop will get it out of it regardless of the amps settings. Bob

I sort of agree with both of you but having a boost/TS pedal in the loop would seem like it would boost the power section ( IE power amp distortion ) versus the pedal in front of the amp ( IE preamp distortion ). I'm new to boost in general so if I'm completely wrong just send me back the Harmony Central. I seem to recall there being a difference between boosting the preamp and boosting the power amp being discussed at length on a thread or 9 around here somewhere.

[rockon1]

Originally Posted by MetalGuitard

I sort of agree with both of you but having a boost/TS pedal in the loop would seem like it would boost the power section ( IE power amp distortion ) versus the pedal in front of the amp ( IE preamp distortion ). I'm new to boost in general so if I'm completely wrong just send me back the Harmony Central. I seem to recall there being a difference between boosting the preamp and boosting the power amp being discussed at length on a thread or 9 around here somewhere.

Theres definately a difference. The difference soundwise depends on whether your boosting a clean sound,slightly dirty ,high gain etc. With the boost in front the cleaner the amp is set the more volume increase you will get. As the pre amp runs out of "headroom" with medium and higher gain the boost will add little or no volume increase just add more pre amp distortion. In the loop its after the pre amp and just amplifies whatever the pre amp gives it. So if the pre amp is overdriven,out of headroom it doesnt matter you can get as much volume increase as the power section has left if you want. Just try it and you will understand.

I use an EQ or clean boost in front of the amp and an EQ in the loop. Lots of options that way. Either way its totally safe. Bob

[walterw]

Originally Posted by MetalGuitard

I'm new to boost in general so if I'm completely wrong just send me back the Harmony Central.

no way, we're just not that cruel around here.

a clean boost in the loop will give you a big volume boost without changing preamp gain. a boost in front of the amp will drive the preamp harder; if the preamp is on the clean side, you'll also get a big volume jump; if it's crunchin' already, you'll just get more saturation with little volume increase.

[ericb]

Originally Posted by doyle o'brian
This only gives you a good volume boost if your preamp gain is high and master low. With master all the way up and preamp gain down low you are better off with the boost in front if you want a volume boost.
Not really. If the amp has anything left in it at all a boost in the loop will get it out of it regardless of the amps settings. Bob

Yep Doyle, you're totally wrong here. (not dis-respecting you , just making sure that the facts are laid down here ) Those of us who play with any type of gainy amp would need to use the volume boost in a loop (POST-preamp) or you get no volume boost.. I have loads of boost pedals but most are useless in front of my amps except for giving extra gain.. Bob's totally correct

Eric

[angelo]

Originally Posted by kingsxman

Very safe and works better than anything else. Experiment with different things. I use a boss EQ but you can use any overdrive pedal. I'd set it very clean and play with your settings. I like the EQ becuase it allows me to tailor the sound a tad if needed. (i.e. cut out some highs, etc).

You'll find that a very slight nudge on the level on the EQ makes a large difference in volume. In fact, you may even find that just altering the tone controls gives you enough of a boost from the EQ.

I searched for a long time before finding this solution. It truly is the best method. Especially if you need to boost already overdriven signals.

A lot of guys who own boogies w/o eq's do this and love the results.

As stated, it will boost your tone as is. It certainly is not the same as blasting the front end Pre 1 tube, but I assume that is not what you are trying to do. Lot's of guys like this setup and the boss ?10? band gets good reviews.

[kingsxman]

Originally Posted by angelo

A lot of guys who own boogies w/o eq's do this and love the results.

As stated, it will boost your tone as is. It certainly is not the same as blasting the front end Pre 1 tube, but I assume that is not what you are trying to do. Lot's of guys like this setup and the boss ?10? band gets good reviews.

Right, not what I'm trying to do when I use an EQ in the loop. I want to take what is already a good tone...and just make it louder. No more gain.