Effects Loop Question

[AG2997]

I just got a Zoom MS-50G, and when I was looking at some demos on youtube, they said that the delays, choruses etc. should go through the effects loop of the amp. However, my amp does not have an effects loop (Marshall DSL 15 Combo), so will it sound better or drastically different if i used it (delays, choruses) through the front end rather than the effects loop? I don't have any distortion, overdrive or amp models running because the overdrive channel on my amp is good enough for those. I just have delays and modulations.

Thanks

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: Effects Loop Question

If you put the delays in front of an overdriven amp, it will sound really bad. But for coloring clean tones, everything should work fine running into the front end.

 

[Chris of Arabia]

Re: Effects Loop Question

You'd be better setting the amp up clean, and getting the overdrive/distortion from the Zoom. Feeding a delay/reverb/chorus etc. into something that is then being overdriven/distorted will tend to turn the whole thing into mush. You won't get the crisp modulated effects you're looking for that way.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: Effects Loop Question

This is all subjective. Just try it and see how it goes.

I've used delays and choruses in front, and in the loop. It depends on the amp, the effect itself, and the sound you're going for.

Anyone who says "you have to use delay/chorus in the loop" or "delay into an overdriven amp sounds bad" is speaking in generalities. Delay and chorus existed long before the concept of an effects loop ever did. True, you can't get crisp, clear repeats going into the front of a high gain amp, but you may not always WANT crisp, clear repeats