davidp158
Well-known member
I have read a few threads about the effects loop in the Lone Star, and just wondering if anyone has any new revelations on this.
I have a LSC, and really enjoy it, but struggle with the tone loss when using the effects loop. I have experimented with different send/return levels, always use good cables and calibrate my effects for unity gain, but I believe the tone loss I hear is entirely within the effects loop. With nothing connected to the effects loop, I can hear a fairly substantial difference between the effects loop engaged and disengaged.
BTW, I am using a TC Electronic Nova System in my effects loop. Yeah, its digital, but the converters sound pretty good, and I'm very careful about proper calibration of the gain stages. If I didn't rely the overdrive tones of the LSC's second channel so much, I'd run the Nova System in front of the amp. However, I can't use delay into overdrive (total mush). Lastly, I like the option of the SOLO foot switch, which is only available with the effects loop engaged.
• As this is a tube buffered effects loop, I'm wondering if there's an ideal tube for this application.
• Has anyone done any mods to improve the effects loop?
• Would the use of something like the Suhr Mini Mix (http://www.suhrguitars.com/tonetools.aspx#minimix) help in any way? From what I read, its main advantage is to eliminate audio degradation due to poor digital converters in effects. No doubt it could minimize signal degradation from effects, but it won't address the tone loss of the LSC effects loop.
The LSC is a great amp, and the effects loop certainly doesn't keep me from using it.
I have a LSC, and really enjoy it, but struggle with the tone loss when using the effects loop. I have experimented with different send/return levels, always use good cables and calibrate my effects for unity gain, but I believe the tone loss I hear is entirely within the effects loop. With nothing connected to the effects loop, I can hear a fairly substantial difference between the effects loop engaged and disengaged.
BTW, I am using a TC Electronic Nova System in my effects loop. Yeah, its digital, but the converters sound pretty good, and I'm very careful about proper calibration of the gain stages. If I didn't rely the overdrive tones of the LSC's second channel so much, I'd run the Nova System in front of the amp. However, I can't use delay into overdrive (total mush). Lastly, I like the option of the SOLO foot switch, which is only available with the effects loop engaged.
• As this is a tube buffered effects loop, I'm wondering if there's an ideal tube for this application.
• Has anyone done any mods to improve the effects loop?
• Would the use of something like the Suhr Mini Mix (http://www.suhrguitars.com/tonetools.aspx#minimix) help in any way? From what I read, its main advantage is to eliminate audio degradation due to poor digital converters in effects. No doubt it could minimize signal degradation from effects, but it won't address the tone loss of the LSC effects loop.
The LSC is a great amp, and the effects loop certainly doesn't keep me from using it.