FX loop...........

[Blueswede]

What is the real advantage to using an FX loop for pedals as opposed to plugging the guitar into the pedal board and the pedal board into the amp? I've never fully understood the purpose of the loop. Call me stupid; I just plug and play! Steve

[Kiwi]

Time-based effects like chorus, delay, and reverb generally sound better in the FX loop.

If the pre-amp is creating distortion, then those effects are spared the distortion.

If those effects are in the loop, then the distorted signal comes out of the pre-amp, enters the reverb/delay/chorus effects, gets effected, and then that signal goes in to the power amp. Sounds cleaner.

Kiwi

[VaughnC]

Like Kiwi stated, most players feel that time based effects generally sound better post distortion (pedal or preamp). Also, the signal to noise ratio is generally better by running effects in an FX loop....so the effects won't sound as noisy through the loop as they do running them through the entire amps preamp.

However, non-time based effects (such as wah, compression, OD, etc.) generally sound better in front of the amp. But there are no hardfast rules for getting your best personal sound. Try all of the configurations and use whatever configuration sounds/works best for you.

[shaneygoo]

How about using noise gates, volume pedals, tuner, or eq in fx loop?

[rockon1]

I play a lot of high gain stuff. I cant use an amp that doesnt have an FX loop because of my love of slight delay( I prefer it over reverb) and using an EQ in the loop for volume boosts. Both these dont work out in front of heavy pre amp distortion.

An EQ in the loop is like adding an extra channel to an amp. Its way more effective. It boosts the pre amp signal as much as you want and shapes the tone to a far greater extent. I run my delay and EQ thru a simple bypass box I made into the loop and when I want a slightly delayed and EQ'd boost I turn on both with it. Bob