Running delay and other effects in front of the amp...

[OverDriven]

I'm considering several amps...all single channel bare bones type amps. Plexi and Hayseed 30 are at the top of the list. I'm wondering if I can get a good result without an effects loop if I get something like a Plexi. Mainly I will be running delay and using it to create an Edge (U2) type sound as well as a wall-of-sound type of sound with a bit more gain. Has anyone tried time based effects in front of the amp? If I go with the Plexi, I will be building it myself, so should I install an effects loop or can I go without?

 

[Greazygeo]

If you are going to crank the amp to overdrive the power amp, no sense in a loop really....better to slave it....if you are running the amp clean fx in front sound ok.

 

[blackba]

I always like delay in the loop when I can. However, if you are getting your gain from pedals and have the amp clean, delay out front last in the chain is fine. If you are getting your gain from cranking the amp, than I would add a loop.

Those Hayseed 30's are supposed to be killer

 

[fetishfrog]

I run a delay into the front of my VHT Deliverance and it sounds great, even when overdriven. The key is to run the mix much lower than you would if it were in the loop, 10-20% at most. Also, I'll bet (although I have not tested) the fact that my delay is analog helps, as the delays are slightly degraded compared to the original guitar signal.

 

[dstroud]

I set my plexi breaking up a bit then use a modded Tubescreamer or SD-1 to get me the rest of my dirt - the delay after a booster works decent - not as clean as in a loop, but still useable.

 

[RockStarNick]

I set my plexi breaking up a bit then use a modded Tubescreamer or SD-1 to get me the rest of my dirt - the delay after a booster works decent - not as clean as in a loop, but still useable.

+1. I agree on this.

 

[peaveyT60]

I set my plexi breaking up a bit then use a modded Tubescreamer or SD-1 to get me the rest of my dirt - the delay after a booster works decent - not as clean as in a loop, but still useable.

+1. I agree on this.

+2

use an analog delay. i run everything in front. it takes a lot less delay in front for the same effect as in the loop, so dial it in at much lower settings; tone, time, mix... the whole sha-bang.

 

[Digital Jams]

If you are going to crank the amp to overdrive the power amp, no sense in a loop really....better to slave it....if you are running the amp clean fx in front sound ok.

I use this method, more crap but I use a hotplate to knock it down a tad and run the plate's lineout into my rack and vht 2/50/2 for the sauce.

Not a huge fan of running delay in front of a driven amp, cleans are ok though.

 

[jonny toetags]

Not a huge fan of running delay in front of a driven amp, cleans are ok though.

Agreed.
I have been looking for a delay that sounds good in front of my plexi and haven't found one
It's ok if the amp is set clean and you are using a pedal board with OD then Delay, but not when you are getting gain from the amp alone.
I'd say find something with a loop.
I've seen Valvetechs with loops.

 

[Greazygeo]

I set my plexi breaking up a bit then use a modded Tubescreamer or SD-1 to get me the rest of my dirt - the delay after a booster works decent - not as clean as in a loop, but still useable.

+1. I agree on this.

+2

use an analog delay. i run everything in front. it takes a lot less delay in front for the same effect as in the loop, so dial it in at much lower settings; tone, time, mix... the whole sha-bang.

Going for a U2 soundscape type sound, a delay in front mixed low isn't going to do it.

 

[Greazygeo]

Not a huge fan of running delay in front of a driven amp, cleans are ok though.

Agreed.
I have been looking for a delay that sounds good in front of my plexi and haven't found one
It's ok if the amp is set clean and you are using a pedal board with OD then Delay, but not when you are getting gain from the amp alone.
I'd say find something with a loop.
I've seen Valvetechs with loops.

I take it you didnt try the Digitech?

 

[jonny toetags]

Not a huge fan of running delay in front of a driven amp, cleans are ok though.

Agreed.
I have been looking for a delay that sounds good in front of my plexi and haven't found one
It's ok if the amp is set clean and you are using a pedal board with OD then Delay, but not when you are getting gain from the amp alone.
I'd say find something with a loop.
I've seen Valvetechs with loops.

I take it you didnt try the Digitech?

Not yet George

 

[Greazygeo]

Not a huge fan of running delay in front of a driven amp, cleans are ok though.

Agreed.
I have been looking for a delay that sounds good in front of my plexi and haven't found one
It's ok if the amp is set clean and you are using a pedal board with OD then Delay, but not when you are getting gain from the amp alone.
I'd say find something with a loop.
I've seen Valvetechs with loops.

I take it you didnt try the Digitech?

Not yet George

They work great!