Running an overdrive into an effects loop

[DLT]

I have a vintage korg PME 40X pedal board. I have chorus, flanger, overdrive and analog delay. I had a marshall Valvestate that had an effects loop, but Marshall's instruction was not to run an overdrive, fuzz pedal into the loop, as it was not designed for that operation and could damage the amp.

On my Carvin Nomad it does not indicate if you can do it or not in the manual. I called Carvin and they could not give me a straight answer. Should I proceed into calling Carvin back and suggest to speak with an amp tech or has anyboby heard if this is safe?

Thanks.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Running an overdrive into an effects loop

I'm not an expert on the subject, but Marshall may have suggested that because it could heat up the transistors in a SS amp....maybe.

But in an all tube amp, running OD models into the FX return seems like it's just itilizing it's tube output section. I can't see any damage occuring from that, as long as it's not sounding strange. Look at the power tubes when you kick on the highest gain from the preamp. It probably won't hurt anything.

 

[Low_fidelity2100]

Re: Running an overdrive into an effects loop

I'm not an expert on the subject, but Marshall may have suggested that because it could heat up the transistors in a SS amp....maybe.

But in an all tube amp, running OD models into the FX return seems like it's just itilizing it's tube output section. I can't see any damage occuring from that, as long as it's not sounding strange. Look at the power tubes when you kick on the highest gain from the preamp. It probably won't hurt anything.

+1

I've actually run various OD/Dist/Fuzz pedals through the fx loop on my 80's fender concert, an never had any problems. The Fx loop on the concert is tube buffered, or tube driven, or something, though...dunno if that makes any difference. I'm fairly certin I actually ran a Big muff through the FX loop of an old Randall head I had too, at one point. It didn't do any damage. So I'm pretty sure you'd be alright.

That said, EVERY time I've ever ran a dirt pedal of any sort through the FX loop of an amp, its always sounded completely horrible.

 

[Jessie Sammler]

Re: Running an overdrive into an effects loop

That said, EVERY time I've ever ran a dirt pedal of any sort through the FX loop of an amp, its always sounded completely horrible.

It makes sense that it would. An FX pedal (usually) does not have an actual preamp circuit in it, which you need in order to amplify and shape the sound of the raw guitar signal and get it strong enough to drive the power section. Normally, when you put a pedal in the FX loop, it's working on a signal that's already gone through a preamp stage and is ready to drive the power amp when it comes back in.

On the other hand, if you take a preamp into the FX return or power-amp in, it should sound fine.

 

[DLT]

Re: Running an overdrive into an effects loop

much appreciated.