Problem with a parallel FX loop -- will a serial mod help?

[Tor]

I have a Mesa/Boogie F-50 with a parallel FX loop (from 10% to 90% mix), and when using the FX loop in conjunction with the Boss DD-20, I get what I best can describe as «low-frequent steady pulses» from the F-50. It is like a «motorboat sound». This is the most prominent when I don't play notes. When I play, the guitar sound pulsates in a way I would believe a tremolo would sound somewhat similar to.

It seems the «smooth-setting» on the DD-20 is making troubles here -- at least that's what I've experienced so far. For those who don't know the smooth-setting, this is a delay with some reverberation.

I use full-clock mix on the DD-20, and turn down the fx mix pot on the amp to taste. I use the -20 output level (+4 is optional, but when I tried it, the DD-20 got noisy). Is this the out-of-phase problem associated with parallel loops? Would it help to mod it to a serial loop?

 

[Tor]

Re: Problem with a parallel FX loop -- will a serial mod help?

Bump?

 

[Tor]

Re: Problem with a parallel FX loop -- will a serial mod help?

Bump #2. Sorry, I'll not bump this anymore. But there must be someone who knows something about this...?

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Problem with a parallel FX loop -- will a serial mod help?

You should give the Mesa Tech Support a call here in the USA if you can.

Have you tried using the FX loop with a different delay pedal?

Bill

 

[Tor]

Re: Problem with a parallel FX loop -- will a serial mod help?

Hm, do you think giving them a call from the abroad is okey for them? I thought of maybe hearing with the local Mesa dealer here in Norway, but perhaps I will be better off if I hear with Mesa directly.. (scares me to call Americans, trying to speak english over the phone, though )

I've not tried the FX loop with another pedal, but if I get the possibility, I will try it out. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Problem with a parallel FX loop -- will a serial mod help?

Maybe if you call, you can get an e-mail address for one of their techs and correspond that way.

Good luck!

Bill

 

[Tor]

Re: Problem with a parallel FX loop -- will a serial mod help?

Hm, yeah, I can ask for that. Thanks again!

 

[muttonchopsrule]

Re: Problem with a parallel FX loop -- will a serial mod help?

i had the same problem running a delay pedal in the loop of my single rectifier when i used to have it.

i never did anything about it because i sold off that head not too much later, and now i run my delay in front of the amp. but i remember someone on this board saying they knew how to counter the problem. it either had something to do with the way the FX loop is wired up, or the pedal not being able to cope with line level signals. i'll try and dig up the thread.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: Problem with a parallel FX loop -- will a serial mod help?

To answer your question: no. A parallel loop with the mix knob turned up all the way is basically a serial loop.

 

[Tor]

Re: Problem with a parallel FX loop -- will a serial mod help?

To answer your question: no. A parallel loop with the mix knob turned up all the way is basically a serial loop.

Even though the maximum of the mix knob is labelled as 90% ...?

muttonchopsrule: very appreciated if you manage to find it.

 

[muttonchopsrule]

Re: Problem with a parallel FX loop -- will a serial mod help?

muttonchopsrule: very appreciated if you manage to find it.

NVM about that, i just looked up the thread and there wasn't anything said in there that hasn't been said here.

but i'm about 95% positive that someone in the past has said it just has to do with the way the FX loop is wired in those amps. apparently it's pretty simple to modify it, but hopefully someone will come along who can give a more solid explanation.

good luck though!

 

[Tor]

Re: Problem with a parallel FX loop -- will a serial mod help?

Ah, okey. Thanks for the try, though!