Volume loss in FX loop issues 2009 DR. Please help...

[alheeren]

I snagged up a 2009 "new in the box" Dual Rectifier about 5 months ago from a local retailer. I just fired up my DR after not using/gigging it for a couple weeks. I usually gig with the FX loop always "on" or "FTSW" and have an EQ, Chorus, Flanger, Delay and Reverb running through the FX loop. A Phaser, Compressor, Distortion, Accoustic Simulator and Noise Gate running through the front.

I fired the thing up and I noticed a bit of a fuzz/distortion sound underlying back in each of the channels. I tried adusting the send (usually at about half) and the return (usually full) to level out the volumes when the footswitch shuts off the FX loop but it didn't help. When I switched off the FX loop from the pedal my volume increases. If I engage the FX loop from the pedal it decreases the overall volume and sounds, well, dirty/muddy.

Another thing I noticed is it seems to happen intermitently as well. While playing sometimes it will spike to what I think it the "normal" volume and then drop again.

Any ideas would be welcome in pointing me in the right direction to troubleshoot this problem.

 

[domct203]

Start by taking everything out of the loop and put a good patch cable from send to return. If the loop still has the issues you described swap out V4 with a new 12AX7.

If the problem goes away with using just a patch cable the problem is in the effects chain. Could be a bad cable, or one or more of the pedals are getting too much signal and are clipping.

Dom

 

[Addictedtokaos]

+1 on check your preamp tubes.

Also, try some electrical switch cleaner on your All your fx jacks. Send, return, and input and output on all pedals you use.

Using the jumper trick as mention above will really help steer you in the right direction of either amp or gear in effects loop.

Are you using batteries for any pedals? Im guessing no - but another thing to check if you do.

 

[alheeren]

Thanks for the replies! So I started from what I thought would be the easiest way to check. patched the send into the return with a known good cable and fired it up. Using the FX loop button on my pedal I switched it on and off. Absolutely no noticable volume decrease/increase. I'll assume this means the loop is not the issue.

I'll start the task of sytematically checking all my pedals and patch cables this weekend to find the culprit(s).

Thanks for the starting point! I never would have thought to do something that easy.

There are no batteries in my pedals and they are powered from a Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 mounted on a Pedaltrain.

At this point I'll figure it is
1. Bad cable(s)
2. One of my actual pedals

You guys rock.

 

[BostonRedSox]

+1 Dom!

I think it's always better to check your cables and pedal connections first before playing the "find the bad tube" game. I once searched for a bad tube when I experienced similar issues with my effects loop, only to find that I erroneously mixed up the cords for the send and return. This actually happened to me twice, except the second time involved a bad cable.

Good luck.