Effect Loop Cable Runs

[spanny]

For those of you who use your amps effects loop, do you ever experience any signal loss in your amps effects loop with longer audio cables? Or does that usually just happen before the amp?

Reason I ask, Im looking to run a stereo rig with one amp on each side of the stage, and my stereo effects on are my pedalboard, therefore, the distance to the one amp is pretty far from where the effects are.

 

[misterchris]

Yes, I have noticed some hf loss, but then I also hear loss from the FX in the loop. I think you just have to test it with your amp and see if the run is acceptable. On stage you probably wont notice.

 

[FourT6and2]

Throw a buffer in the loop and you have nothing to worry about.

 

[cardinal]

Just put your cabs far apart and keep the heads together if that will help the loop cable run. Long speaker cables are no big deal.

If that doesn't help, use a buffer (or if any of your pedals are buffer bypass, you're already covered).

 

[PBGas]

The loop in my JVMJS has a boost level on it so I haven't noticed a volume drop. In any case, no real tone loss either.

 

[spanny]

Thanks for the advice! Having just the cabs spread seems like the easiest/cheapest solution, but Ill do a little experimenting.

 

[teslaman]

For those of you who use your amps effects loop, do you ever experience any signal loss in your amps effects loop with longer audio cables? Or does that usually just happen before the amp?

Reason I ask, Im looking to run a stereo rig with one amp on each side of the stage, and my stereo effects on are my pedalboard, therefore, the distance to the one amp is pretty far from where the effects are.

Any length of cable produces signal loss, and a change in frequency response.
Whether or not a player "notices" it, for sure it's still there.

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

PLay or set your amp a little brighter so that any loss is minimized on your ears... that's why i play JCM800's! Plenty bright. I figure this worked for tons of pros before buffers became the rage. I do have some BOSS pedals in line though!

 

[rp108]

Meh. I don't know. I run 20ft from the amp and then 20ft back and didn't notice any changes. Maybe that's not enough to notice but I have an RJM Tone Saver for sale if you are interested. I bought it for this exact reason.

 

[FourT6and2]

Like I said, use a buffer. Or if you have pedals that aren't true-bypass... they are already buffered. So you have nothing to worry about.

 

[spanny]

Like I said, use a buffer. Or if you have pedals that aren't true-bypass... they are already buffered. So you have nothing to worry about.

Right now Im only running an Eventide Timefactor and Modfactor in the loop.

 

[blackba]

A buffered pedal in the loop is a good idea. However in general I don't notice the effects of the pedal bypass in the loop like I do with pedals out front.

 

[metalmaniac93]

I have never noticed any changes. I must be tone deaf?

 

[GuitarGoat]

Your loop might already be buffered. It probably is unless its the old school style insert effects loop where it's just a couple of 1/4" jacks in the circuit.

 

[jet66]

A buffered pedal is the easiest way to go. I've got a GE-7 in the loop that I rarely use, it does the trick so well that I just leave it in, regardless of whether or not I might need it depending on the amp. I run about 25' to and 25' from, plus cabling between about 4 pedals. IMO, I'd try a dry run as-is first, and see if you hear a difference between loop in/loop out with the effects on and off in the cable run before looking for a solution. You might not have a problem to begin with.

 

[NJM 74]

Just put your cabs far apart and keep the heads together if that will help the loop cable run. Long speaker cables are no big deal.

If that doesn't help, use a buffer (or if any of your pedals are buffer bypass, you're already covered).

Long speaker cable runs ARE a big deal. Unless you plan on using a bigger cable gauge.
A 10' run with 14 gauge wire and a 20' run with the same gauge will sound different. You'll get a loss of lows for sure.

 

[rlord1974]

Throw a buffer in the loop and you have nothing to worry about.

^ this. Or, confirm your amp's FX loop is already buffered.