Understanding Where Effects Pedals Could Be In Circuit
Greetings Dynastar Fans:
Today a quick discussion on effects pedals/racks and where they should/could be inserted in your guitar amplifier(s) systems circuitry.
Let’s get down to the nitty gritty of the ‘Effects Loop’. What exactly is an effects loop?
An effects loop is essentially tapping into the amplifier’s signal circuitry somewhere, and diverting that signal through your effects pedal(s) then routing it back into the amplifier’s circuitry. This essentially is a signal ‘loop’ through your pedals- Hence the definition ‘effects loop’.
So now we need to consider the places where the effects loop tap may be inserted. This of course is a permanent choice only made by the person that designed the amplifier.
The loop can be placed in various sections of the amplifier’s circuitry. The signal tap can be in the following places:
- After the first preamplifier stage but before the passive tone controls.
- After the tone controls, but before the final stage of the preamplifier section.
- After the preamplifier but before the power amplifier. Preamp out/power amp in if you will.
Additionally the effects loop may be configured in parallel with existing amplifier circuitry and not necessarily in sequential signal line.
Its a good idea to know where the loop is placed in your amplifier, because all these different loop placements will change the loops tonal characteristics; and let’s not forget the running your effects pedals straight into the input jack is essentially adding another stage prior to the preamplifier.
Some players have their amps custom modded to add an effects loop where the player wants it within the amplifiers circuitry.
At no time should you ever plug the speaker output of an amplifier into the input of a line level effects pedal or device, unless it is specifically designed to do this. You will damage it!
If your amplifier has a block diagram, refer to it, and or the operation manual in the effects loop section, or contact the manufacturer for further detail.
