What type of loop does the Lonestar special have?

[zm4]

Ok, I looked and I have read all kinds of conflicting answers. What type of loop does the Lonestar Special have? I have a G system Ive been using with my Soldano and when my Special arrives I would like to use it. Anyone else use a G?
Thanks alot!

 

[MrMarkIII]

Look on page 12 of the manual.

 

[plan-x]

You mean like a series loop? Cuz that's what it has. And yup, it's on pg 12.

 

[zm4]

That was the problem I dont have it yet. Still waiting.............custom order. Has anyone used it with a G system here? The G works best with a serial loop, I dont think its the same as a series. I have been wrong before.
Thanks for the replys

 

[Octavarius]

That was the problem I dont have it yet. Still waiting.............custom order. Has anyone used it with a G system here? The G works best with a serial loop, I dont think its the same as a series. I have been wrong before.
Thanks for the replys

Wow, these days technology and innovation is moving at such a high speed. Who would've expected to see things like MANUALS online!?

http://www.mesaboogie.com/manuals/user_manuals.htm



To answer your question more quickly: it is a series loop, not parallel, with the addition of a send-level control. Series mean that there is a break at a point after the preamp section and before the power section in your amp. Like an insert loop, so to speak. All of the signal goes through any device you would "insert" into that loop, unlike parallel, where the device is supposed to "kill"/mute the dry signal (the original signal from the send-out) so that there are effects only, which are then to be mixed with an internally transmitted dry signal. This is very effective as the dry signal does not go through A/D D/A (analog to digital and vice versa) converters. However, not all units have the "dry-kill" function, therefore we have the series loop. You don't have the option of a dry/wet mix like in the parallel, but you could always get an external mixer for that purpose.

 

[zm4]

Thanks for the clarification and slap on the back of my head.

 

[plan-x]

I would think that the G system can mix the wetness internally and work just fine with the pig.

 

[Octavarius]

I would think that the G system can mix the wetness internally and work just fine with the pig.

Yes, of course. In fact, most processors, even pedals can. To talk a bit more about the parallel vs. series issue: the main difference here is that the mix is digital, while on a parallel loop, the mix is analog. The disadvantage of a digital mix is simply the fact that ALL of the signal goes through the A/D D/A converters. Of course, a mix is a mix, but with a parallel loop the original dry signal remains pure and untouched, as if you never used the loop. In fact, when your amp has a parallel loop, it doesn't matter if it's in use or not, as far as your tone is concerned. Some people just don't like having the tone from their analog tube boutique amp going through digital conversion, which I completely understand, because there IS a difference, just not all people hear it or are bothered with it. As everything else, the quality of A/D D/A conversion varies a lot. On cheaper units, the conversion is poor, which is exactly where a parallel loop is most beneficial. However, when you start to go high-end Eventide or Lexicon, the difference is really barely noticeable. I did notice a difference when I ran my Eventide Eclipse in the loop of my Lonestar, though (even with the processors bypassed).

In fact, this whole thing has even led to Wet/Dry/Wet-systems, which we all know well around here. My take on these is simply that they are somewhat unnecessary, as you can achieve the exact same results by running a parallel effects setup (mentioned earlier). Some just don't like the effects and dry tone to mix at all, not even in the power section, so they keep them separate all the way to the speakers in the signal chain. However, they are going to "mix" eventually anyway (in the room), so I personally think a simple stereo setup with parallel effects would do just fine. Apparently John Petrucci does think so as well.

Now to get back on topic! Yes, the G-system will work just fine with your Lonestar! Never used it myself, though...

 

[ajame13]

I have been using the LSS with g system about 2 years. I finally am really happy with my setup. I would STRONGLY advise you to get LAIRDS white paper asao-- see tc electronic forum on g system for that.

I needed to use 3 stereo cables for the 4 cable connection method (guitar - mono cable>>g input>stereo cable g send> LSS input front of amp> stereo cable from LSS send to g return>>>stereo cable from g output to LSS loop return . Setting levels on g is essential. I put the loop on the LSS at about 1pm. Also, gotta Hosa y cable 1 trs to 2 mono to change channels on LSS and use boost on LSS via the g footswitches. Nice and efficient.

I ended up splitting my head out of the combo and buying a seperate 1x12 c-90 cab. For me it works great - short 3' stereo cable runs from LSS to g (which reduces potential for noise), LSS head at my feet for tweaks and putting amp on standby. The sound guys love being able to put my speaker cab facing back of stage 25' away, and I love being able to crank the LSS. (It's a mega-church setting). This is pretty much the only place I use the LSS and g. For smaller gigs I'm usually just doing acoustic or jazz and use an entirely different setup altogether.

hope this helps

 

[zm4]

Thank you ajame13 for your insight into the LSS and G sys and to the others. I my have other questions, as soon as it gets here......... Can I post them in this thread to keep it simple?
Zack