Efx Loop Problem

[shredhead72]

Hi All,

I've kind of struggled with the Efx loop volume/tone drop since day one with the Mark V. I've done a lot of reading on the forums and also in the manual, but I'm suspect I'm missing something. I know the amp is way more sophisticated than my knowledge of circuitry and I'm hoping there is an easy way to correct my issue.

I run one pedal in my loop - TC Electronics Nova Delay. I used to use short cables and leave the delay on the top of my combo (which I recall sounding better), but I wanted to put the pedal onto my board, but still keep it in my loop. I'm using 12ft planet waves (I know they aren't great). It doesn't seem like the Loop level knob does much and I've played with lowering the mater and raising the Output.

Question 1) Does the length/quality of cable really matter that much. Engaging the loop as is makes me want to wheel my amp down the steps.

Question 2) How can I keep the Delay in the loop and on my board without tonal loss or volume drop?

Question 3) Is it better to use a wah in the loop or in front of the amp? I just picked up the Zakk Wylde Wah and I thought it sounded amazing through the Blackstar in SamAsh, but not so dynamic with my current setup. I run the wah in front of the amp.

Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[golfnguitarz]

The wah always goes in front of your preamp. As for the Nova delay, I am not familiar with them, but it may have volume settings within that effect that you need to set. I am sure others will chime in about that.

 

[Chester]

Try the pedal out front with FX Loop in. Then try hard bypass and see which you like best. The amp behaves differently in hard bypass, so you may have to adjust channel settings

 

[screamingdaisy]

http://www.tcelectronic.com/media/Nova_Delay_US.pdf

Page 13. Try recalibrating the input level. If there's a volume drop when the FX loop is engaged then the issue is most likely the effects unit within the loop.

Where are the volume levels set on your individual channels?



To answer your other questions, Planet Waves cables are fine, particularily in a buffered FX loop like the Mark V has.

The wah should be used prior to the preamp. I use a Wylde Wah and it sounds fine with the Mark V, although it won't sound like it's plugged into a Marshall style amp (Blackstar) for obvious reasons.

 

[sean106ESP]

I also have a issue with my FX loop. For some reason when I run a simple Boss super chorus, or any pedal through the loop and use the clean channel I get a bit of unwanted breakup or slight distortion. Could it be the preamp tube for the loop, the loop is need of repair or perhaps I have the send level not at the correct level? I have it right now at the 11 O' Clock position. Thanks in advance.

 

[KH Guitar Freak]

Honestly, I thought that the cables affecting the signal will be reduced with a valve buffered loop. But hell, when I replaced my Planet Waves cables with Evidence Audio Lyric HGs, my tone sounded better, including whenever I engaged effects located in the loop. You don't need to go with EA Lyric HGs, but upgrading to "better" sounding cables might help. Also, the wah should be up front for best usage...

 

[LesPaul70]

Question 1) Does the length/quality of cable really matter that much.

Well it can and does matter, and you might not need to be Eric Johnson to notice that.
Basically, the longer (unbuffered) cable you have, the more attenuation (i.e., signal loss) will occur. Also the more (again, unbuffered) connectors/plugs you have, the more attenuation will occur. This will be especially bad if you've got nonmatching impedances. Connect five unbuffered true-bypass pedals in line and you're almost bound to experience noticeable signal loss, not just despite the fact that your pedals are true bypass but rather because they are.
Some interesting reading on the topic:
http://www.petecornish.co.uk/case_against_true_bypass.html

 

[satch4u3]

Question 1)
I use to use 15' and sometimes 20' cables to run my Nova Delay in the effects loop so that I could have to on my pedal board. I recently switched to two one foot George L cables to connect the Nova Delay to my loop and like you, have it sitting on top of the amp. The differences between the two distances, sound-wise for me wasn't a huge tone improvment. I loved my tone before and I love it now. You may hear some added high end and clarity by using shorter cables. Especially if you go from low quality to high quality cables.

Question 2)
As stated above, if you ARE hearing significant tone loss between longer and shorter cables you may want to invest in some high quality cables to run in your effects loop.

Question 3)
Wah always goes out front.

Good luck!

 

[Vogelsong]

Question 1) Does the length/quality of cable really matter that much.

Some interesting reading on the topic:
http://www.petecornish.co.uk/case_against_true_bypass.html

That is great a link everyone should read. I have referred to it time and time again with others.

In speaking with Mike at Boomerang, I have their E-155 chorus delay, he says, "if you don't have a buffered loop, it only takes one good pedal with a boost to solve the problem in a chain of truebypass pedals. As long as your only running 4 or 5 pedals.

 

[shredhead72]

This was the answer by the way... Recalibrating worked like a charm. I am very grateful for the help.

http://www.tcelectronic.com/media/Nova_Delay_US.pdf

Page 13. Try recalibrating the input level. If there's a volume drop when the FX loop is engaged then the issue is most likely the effects unit within the loop.

Where are the volume levels set on your individual channels?

 

[MusicManJP6]

Glad you got it straightened out man.