Effects loop patched when not in use?

[Gold Tone]

Sorry gents;

I know this has been discussed but I've just done several searches and am NOT finding the info.

Why do I need to connect the in/out of an effects loop with a patch cord if it is not being used?

What is the reason and what will I hear?

THANKS!!

GT

 

[Frank C]

What kind of amp?..ive had 3-4 amps with efx loops and never patched them while the loop was empty.

 

[concert410]

I do this on a couple of my amps. They have send\return level controls on them. I can boost or increase gain in this way. I used to have an old Peavey Classic and even without the level controls, there was a small volume and gain boost so I left a 2" cable in there all the time. The Peavey became a bit more dynamic, though that amp was what it was. The amps I patch now are a 2001 Sunn T50c and 1983 Fender Concert II. I have a Mesa F-30 and a 1984 Marshall JCM 800 that I see no advantage in patching the loop. The Sunn loop is footswitchable, but I lways leave it on. The Concert II is not footswitchable, so it is always on also. Most of the reason I patch the loops is to make the amp more usable at lower volumes. Hope that helps.

 

[Don]

I also had a Concert 4-10 and used to sometimes put a patch cable across the loop for a gain boost.

I have a MESA/Boogie Express and have never tried it with this amp. It has a series loop with no level pots so I don't think it would do anything.

 

[Gold Tone]

It's a Marshall Jube....no controls for the effects loop, just send and return jacks.

So it seems this type would not benefit from patching the send and return?

 

[concert410]

Give it a try. You may notice a difference. Like I said, there was definitely a difference in my old Peavey. The amp was slightly louder and more responsive. I was surprised there was a difference but since there was, I went with it.

 

[Gold Tone]

So why is there (potentially) a difference? Is part of the guitar signal routed to the loop so it's weaker?

 

[concert410]

I can't answer that question, hopefully someone will chime in. That Peavey was probably 15 years old then and had tube power with tranny pre. The increase in gain definitely noticeable in that amp. I guess it all depends on the circuit design. BTW, that Peavey was one of the ones with the built in phase shifter. Thinking about it now, when that effect was engaged, the amp experienced the same gain boost.

 

[modoc_333]

it depends on how it's wired really. some will matter, some won't.
on my Bogner XTC it makes no difference to the tone. i run the loop in series, add the cable and then can use it as an extra lead boost.
some amps (especially those with a parallel loop) will benefit from a cable. some amps will still bleed signal off to the loop even with it off, so putting the cable in gets that back.

 

[jpap]

it depends on how it's wired really. some will matter, some won't.
on my Bogner XTC it makes no difference to the tone. i run the loop in series, add the cable and then can use it as an extra lead boost.
some amps (especially those with a parallel loop) will benefit from a cable. some amps will still bleed signal off to the loop even with it off, so putting the cable in gets that back.

+1 In my 1987X ri nothing happens if a patch is in and the loop is on (it has a switch). I think the jubes have a single series loop, that works only when a patch comes in to the return jack. In my ENGL SE 670 you may get a better sound because of the extra tube-driver that is used in front of the (3) loops... It always depends on... As concert410 says, give a try, I think that's the best way to find out and decide...

 

[Gold Tone]

Thanks gents!

Great info!!

 

[concert410]

Gold Tone, what happened? Don't forget to let us know.

 

[Gold Tone]

I honestly didn't hear any difference. It may be subtle so I'll keep listening for it.

So far though - no diff in a Jube.

 

[Offshore Angler]

Generally speaking no, you do not have to. The jacks are wired such that they only are in the circuit if there is a plug in them. I'm sure there is some exception somewhere. I would never, ever run an effects loop without a unity gain buffer.

 

[TheArchitect]

Sorry gents;

I know this has been discussed but I've just done several searches and am NOT finding the info.

Why do I need to connect the in/out of an effects loop with a patch cord if it is not being used?

What is the reason and what will I hear?

THANKS!!

GT

You don't. I have never heard of anyone doing that

 

[dwagar]

I used to have a JTM60 2x12 combo. It was a pretty standard thing to jump the effects loop, added gain and a bit of volume IIRC. That's the only amp I've ever had that that worked on.

 

[NickiC]

Last month I came into a JCM900 MKlll 2100. Jumping the FX loop is a standard. This gives you the advantage of turning up the level and using that as a boost of sorts. Tweek to taste with the pot on the back. You only need a screwdriver.