Effects loop problems.

[XevKai]

Hi all,

I am having an issue with my 2 Channel DR. Right now my set up is:

Front:
1. Guitar > OCD > ISP Decimator > Crybaby > Amp
Back:
2. Send > Ibanez SC10 > Boss DD3 > Return
Loop on Orange / Red - Send and Return pots @ 100% - Power:Bold - Vaccum Tube Rectifier
----

Two issues. I absolutely HATE being forced to use the Loop Active Master. I can't get a good usable balance between my clean channels and gain channels. Also the amp seems more pushed this way, in a BAD way. Is there a better way to set up and use the effects loop and Loop Active Master?

Second and most importantly Im getting quite a bit of HUM when the effects loops is ebing used. When I go direct with the pedals Im cool but with the loop active it's got a low hum to it. If I disconnect the loop cables but leave it active the hum is no longer there. So I replaced my cables (I use monster all around), still hums. Took Each pedal out of the loop individually , still hums no matter what pedal. Any ideas?

Thanks ahead of time!

 

[Chris McKinley]

The simplest solution might simply be to put the Decimator in the loop in front of the chorus or just after it. Especially for live playing, it's often more useful to put noise gates in the loop to give you the option of dead quiet when you're not playing that you might not get putting it up front.

 

[XevKai]

I figured out the hum. I misunderstood how to properly use the effects loop. I was sending WAY too much signal to the chorus and delay which created the hum and feeback issues.

I've tried the gate in the loop before but it seemed to not do much, but I'll mess with it again later. Im thinking about getting another and running it in front and in back be great for sticcatos and stuff.

 

[155]

isp in loop before delay

 

[NoGlassNoClass]

...sending WAY too much signal to the chorus and delay which created the hum and feeback issues...

A common issue it seems...you want to set the Loop Send at "unity gain" which is usually around 1:00-1:30 depending how strong the tube in V4 is. Any more than that will overload the input of your FX pedals or push the loop return into overdrive, causing distortion and a host of noise-related problems as you found out.

Another common source of hum comes from using the same power supply for your front-end pedals and FX-loop pedals. Separate power supplies (or batteries if you must) is the easy fix here.