EQ Pedal Through FX Loop or Input?

[SavageRiffer]

It would seem to me that rather than changing the EQ of your incoming signal, it would be better to change the EQ of your signal as it passes through your amp. Therefore, wouldn't it be better through the FX loop? Most of my guitars have different pickups, so I'd probably have to adjust the EQ pedal every time I plug in a different guitar. It seems like putting it in the FX loop would take care of that. Are there pros/cons to using them this way? Also, what's the deal with serial/parallel FX loops as far as true-bypass, analog, and digital pedals are concerned?

 

[stratjacket]

I've always used 2 EQ's; 1 last in the chain right before the amp input and 1 first in the loop chain right out of the amp. I like a smile before amp, frown in the loop as the best settings. I leave it that way with all my guitars. I tweak every now and then, but still keep the basic smile and frown eq settings.

If I only had 1 eq and no drive pedals, I'd put the EQ in front to help push the amp. If I had drive pedals, I'd put the EQ in the loop.

 

[SpiderWars]

IME, using it in the input changes the character/amount of the distortion and putting it in the loop is more of a bass/mids/treble adjustment of the overall tone. That is, they are different things that achieve different goals.

 

[petejt]

IME, using it in the input changes the character/amount of the distortion and putting it in the loop is more of a bass/mids/treble adjustment of the overall tone. That is, they are different things that achieve different goals.

This.

If you use it before the amp, it changes what harmonics appear more distorted. Whatever the frequency you raise on the EQ pedal, the frequency that is double that value will become 'distorted'. That's a bad explanation I admit.

Basically, if you want more of a 3.2kHz distorted sound, then boost 1.6kHz (with caution).

However if you boost 1.6kHz in the effects loop, then the damn thing will screech like a cat being swung round above your head! Think 'Soldiers under Command' by mid-1980s Stryper...

 

[SavageRiffer]

I only want it to achieve a better scooped metal sound. I don't want to change what's going into my amp, so it sounds like the FX loop is the way to go then.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

Pre distortion EQ and post are different animals. Different results. Pre to shape distortion/amp characteristics post to shape final sound.

 

[errrrrl]

I only want it to achieve a better scooped metal sound. I don't want to change what's going into my amp, so it sounds like the FX loop is the way to go then.

FX loop for sure then... for me it fine tunes what my amps lack when adjusting the treble and keeps the bass much tighter than what my amp could ever do.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

For scooped metal try a parametric in the loop. Experiment with cuts ateound 400hz and 7-800khz for metal tones.

 

[sg guy]

Pre distortion EQ and post are different animals. Different results. Pre to shape distortion/amp characteristics post to shape final sound.

-yup!

-alot depends on what kind of loop, and amp/circuit design

 

[SavageRiffer]

I'm thinking about a Maxon or an MXR. I've heard great things about the BOSS GE-7, but I am not a fan of BOSS's bypass. The Waza Craft stuff has good bypass, but they don't make a Waza Craft EQ.

 

[Mr. Willy]

I'm thinking about a Maxon or an MXR. I've heard great things about the BOSS GE-7, but I am not a fan of BOSS's bypass. The Waza Craft stuff has good bypass, but they don't make a Waza Craft EQ.

I've got a Boss GE-7 and a Danelectro Fish n' Chips. The Danelectro is more transparent, less noisy, and much cheaper. The only drawback is the switch is small and a little harder to engage. Not a problem if you just leave it on all the time.

 

[SavageRiffer]

How is the BOSS GE-7 bypass? Does it suck tone or anything?

 

[Mr. Willy]

How is the BOSS GE-7 bypass? Does it suck tone or anything?

Pretty sure it has a buffered bypass like most Boss pedals. It doesn't suck tone when off, imho. It does changed the tone (more sizzle, high end, noise) when engaged. Don't get me wrong, it's not super noisy but compared to my Danelectro, which is silent, it's noticeable.

 

[SavageRiffer]

Damn, that's what I was afraid of. From what I've read, the new silver MXR and the Maxon are the quietest and best of the three. I almost forgot about the Mesa Boogie 5-band EQ. It's more expensive than the rest, but people have lots of good things to say about it.