EFFECTS LOOP STEALING TONE

[jackson111]

I have a Carvin X100B and I clicked off the effects loop yesterday and I noticed the volume picked up a lot. also the tone was much better. I clicked the effects loop back on and the volume dropped and the tone wasn't as crisp. I noticed with the effects loop the amp lacked definition when I would do palm mutes. I know the question will be asked so here is my effect chain. effects loop send -- decimator (noise gate) -- BBE Sonic Stomp -- TC Electronic Corona Chorus -- MXR Carbon Copy -- BBE Soul Vibe -- Digitech Jam Man -- Effects loop return. can the problem be I have to many pedals? should I boost my effects loop by going to the high setting on the back? or could it be one of my pedals?

 

[jackson111]

Re: EFFECTS LOOP STEALING TONE

I usually keep the effect loop engaged and select what I want as I need. I went to hit my mute switch and accidently cut off the effects loop that when I noticed the difference. the amp doesn't sound bad with the effects loop, but the harmonics aren't as crisp, the bottom end has a farty character to them and the sustain isn't as long. cut it off and the amp sounds much better, fuller and harmonics leap out of the amp.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: EFFECTS LOOP STEALING TONE

the less stuff in your signal chain, the more alive and rich your sound is.

 

[devastone]

Re: EFFECTS LOOP STEALING TONE

I would guess that one or more of your pedals can't handle the signal level of the fx loop, meaning the loop is line level and some of the pedals in it are only good for instrument level (the MXR CC being an analog delay I'm sure is instrument level only). So, setting the loop level to -10, not +4 might help. Also, check all the patch cables in the loop. If you really want to be thorough, pull everything out and add them back one at a time, starting with just a patch cable, until you find the offender.

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: EFFECTS LOOP STEALING TONE

 

[jackson111]

Re: EFFECTS LOOP STEALING TONE

ok got it fixed. thanks guys I checked the effects loop level and mine has 3 settings -10dB, 0dB & +4dB. mine was set on 0dB so I changed it to -10 dB and all is right now. the effects loop is almost transparent now, volume is exactly the same just slightly darker sounding which is remedied with the sonic stomp engaged.