FX loop distortion

[Gunner]

When I put my Boss Delay in the FX loop and engage the loop, the delay sound is very distorted. I'm on the clean channel with the gain backed down. I tried a Boss chorus pedal and got the same issue. I turned the loop level down and still had distortion (the clip type of distortion). I ran the channel at 90 watts, tried a semi-clean setting on Channel 2, tried different cables and still distortion. Before I go swapping the V6 and other tubes I thought I would see if anyone on the forum had had this issue.

 

[mejoshee]

When I put my Boss Delay in the FX loop and engage the loop, the delay sound is very distorted. I'm on the clean channel with the gain backed down. I tried a Boss chorus pedal and got the same issue. I turned the loop level down and still had distortion (the clip type of distortion). I ran the channel at 90 watts, tried a semi-clean setting on Channel 2, tried different cables and still distortion. Before I go swapping the V6 and other tubes I thought I would see if anyone on the forum had had this issue.

i think some boss pedals and fx in general that are high impedance inputs don't take the line level signals well from the fx loop send. you might want to just try it out in front of the amp. i get the feeling that boss designs these for people who don't have amps with loops.

 

[SteveO]

My Boss delay didn't like being in the loop at all, for the very reason you are fighting with yours. Now I have a TimeFactor with no distortion issues whatsoever. DD-3s make great doorstops...

 

[jbm1122]

had the exact same problem with the chorus as well.. upgraded to a TC Electronics Nova Delay and its perfect..

 

[phyrexia]

I have run old and new Boss pedals in the loop and haven't had any problems like you describe. DD20, CE2, PH1R, RC20, RC2, DD7...

 

[Gunner]

I have a DD-5 and a CE-5. I replaced the V6 tube tonight, the one that is the Effect Return tube, and no difference. The clipping is intolerable. I have had numerable Mesa amps, most recently the Lonestar I traded in for the V, and never had any issue running my Boss pedals in the loop. Also, I believe right after I bought the amp I tried the pedals in the loop and it worked fine but it's been so long that I can't really completely attest to that. I just can't believe (or don't want to believe) that it's the pedals. I'm calling Mesa tech support tomorrow and I'll post what they say.

 

[Gunner]

Mesa is closed on Friday so I'm calling Monday. In the meantime, I did more troubleshooting. I tried a brand new Mesa 12AX7-A; different p/s for pedal; battery in pedal; some more different cables; tried it without the footswitch hooked up; turned the loop level way down; nothing helped. I'll let you know what Mesa says on Monday.

 

[eudaimonia02912]

Can you borrow another delay (perhaps of a different make) and try it in your amp? That would help to show whether it's your amp or the pedal.

I've run a Nova Delay and a Hardwire Delay without any issues.

 

[Gunner]

I called Mesa and they said to run the Output higher and the channel Master lower. I put my Output at noon and the Channel 1 Master at 9:00 and it did help but I still clipped. When I switched off the loop, I got pristine clean. Before I ditch my Boss delay and chorus pedals I'm going to take them to a Mesa dealer that has a Mark V and try them with my guitar. That way I'll know if my amp has an issue or not.

 

[Hendog]

I called Mesa and they said to run the Output higher and the channel Master lower. I put my Output at noon and the Channel 1 Master at 9:00 and it did help but I still clipped. When I switched off the loop, I got pristine clean. Before I ditch my Boss delay and chorus pedals I'm going to take them to a Mesa dealer that has a Mark V and try them with my guitar. That way I'll know if my amp has an issue or not.

That's a good plan.

 

[jpdennis]

... Before I ditch my Boss delay and chorus pedals I'm going to take them to a Mesa dealer that has a Mark V and try them with my guitar. That way I'll know if my amp has an issue or not.

+1

When I put my Boss Delay in the FX loop and engage the loop, the delay sound is very distorted. I'm on the clean channel with the gain backed down. I tried a Boss chorus pedal and got the same issue. I turned the loop level down and still had distortion (the clip type of distortion). I ran the channel at 90 watts, tried a semi-clean setting on Channel 2, tried different cables and still distortion. Before I go swapping the V6 and other tubes I thought I would see if anyone on the forum had had this issue.

I have used BOSS pedals in my amps and found that the .50 Caliber loses clarity as the power tubes warm up but the others do not. Also the .50 Caliber gets a high whine with modulation pedals like phasers with my M13 put ahead of the amp input & must be at least second stage once going through the power side with the 4CM for the problem to subside. I do not have this issue with any other of my amps. I have read that the early amps went through component adjustments/changes prior to leaving the factory during the final test stages; fine tuning and all. I don't know if that is what your are going through or if the line level has to be adjusted since I don't have any experience with the Mark V.

Good luck in your research and I would be really interested in the outcome. :?: :?:

Dennis

 

[satch4u3]

I know this is an older thread but I am wondering how Gunner made out with his test as I am having a similar issue.

 

[boogieman60]

Most Boss stompboxes are designed to go in the front end of the amp, Not the loop. You need to get a unit the matches the impedance of the loop. That generally means a better unit. From the Manual. NOTE: It is normal to experience some amount of change to the sound when using the EFFECTS LOOP. Normally this is minimal and most often appears as a subtle roll off in top end characteristics. This is a series loop and therefore the results you get using it greatly depend upon the quality of the devices you insert into the loop. We strongly suggest taking your amplifier and trying any processor before buying it to make sure it is compatible with the MARK V. Normally, the more professional series lines of most companies building outboard gear work well. However we have seen even so called pro stuff produce less than satisfactory results in terms of tonal thievery.

 

[Gunner]

Joe, Maybe it was because my two Boss pedals were so old, but there was absolutely no doubt that there was so much clipping when they were in the effects loop that I could not use them there. I did not want them in front of the amp because I switch channels and most know that affects the level of the effect. I bought a Nova Repeater from TC Electronics and couldn't be happier. I just use the input made for the FX loop on the unit and it works great. A side note, the Nova Repeater sounds much better using the supplied 12V adapter than using a 9V power supply. Gunner

 

[satch4u3]

Joe, Maybe it was because my two Boss pedals were so old, but there was absolutely no doubt that there was so much clipping when they were in the effects loop that I could not use them there. I did not want them in front of the amp because I switch channels and most know that affects the level of the effect. I bought a Nova Repeater from TC Electronics and couldn't be happier. I just use the input made for the FX loop on the unit and it works great. A side note, the Nova Repeater sounds much better using the supplied 12V adapter than using a 9V power supply. Gunner

I am glad it worked out for you. I am currently using a Vox Time Machine in the loop and I am getting distorted repeats. As well, in channel 3 the delay is hardly audible. Even after fooling mix knob on the back. I am currently looking into the TC Electronics Nova Delay. I hear good things about that pedal as well as the Repeater.

I did read some good suggestions on this board about running the Master Output, at least above 11 o'clock and the channel volumes no more than 11 o'clock. Apparently running the amp this was resolved some guys effects loop issue completely. So I will be trying that out once I get a chance.

Thanks for sharing Gunner.

 

[Shaner30]

I had a boss DD3 in the loop and had lots of clipping and noise. Switched to a Nova repeater and no issues. You need a pedal or unit designed to take line level inputs, not instrument level only.

 

[scoden]

I have a Vox Time Machine and I never noticed distorted delays.....I would think dropping the send level a bit would help ??..not raising it as Mesa suggested.
One stupid question...I hope you are doing this with a fresh battery in the delay or an adapter...a dying battery in a delay notoriously causes distortion.