Analog delays in amps' FX loops?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rex Rocker
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Rex Rocker

Rex Rocker

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Forgive me if this comes across as n00bish, but I have always tried analog delays: a) in front of a clean amp or b) a digital emulation of one.

I used to have a Flashback delay some time ago which is supposedly designed to handle line level signal that a amp's FX loop throws out, but my favorite setting was always the analog emulation. When I used to have a POD XT and HD, I always leaned towards the analog delay models for their slightly lo-fi gritty vibe.

If I ever decide to get a real-deal analog delay like a Carbon Copy or DM-2W, would I run into problems feeding them the hotter signal from an FX loop? Are they meant to handle instrument level only or is line level alright with them? Or is there not set rule and it depend on the specific pedal?
 
No set rule. I have a Carbon Copy in my loop. Sounds good out front too. Sounds great in either the Splawn or the Rectoverb. Should be no issue.
 
I’ve never used the Carbon Copy or DW-2W, but from what I’ve read others have used them with success in loops. In general with delay pedals, though, it really depends on the pedal. Some can handle hot signals and others can’t. Definitely ask around first to see if others have tried it with success or email the manufacturer. I don’t know how many times I’ve looked into an interesting delay pedal only to find out they were made to go out front for those getting all their gain from pedals, so the headroom wasn’t there for a loop..
 
Mine are ALWAYS in the loop. I have a bunch of malekkos, a CC, aquapuss and maybe another. I cannot tolerate an analog delay out front.
 
Most of the current amps FX loop is either switchable or instrument level. Strymon gear is auto sensing the FX Loop level too.
I had great success running a Carbon copy/Strymon Brigadier/Supro Delay in the effects loop of a couple of amps.
The new Carbon copy mini looks really good.
 
I run mine in the loop too. Always. I could only see running out front with amps that have no FX loop and you're doing clean stuff only. I've done that before to provide a little reverb.

The Splawn has a line level for 'hot/cold' levels depending on rack or pedal use. The Rectoverb has a mix knob.

My loop has the Carbon Copy, EQ and Reverb.

But yeah, like aftec is saying, most amps are assuming pedal use.
 
Also to mention that if I am using gain on a pedalboard, delay is after all drives, compressors, fuzzes, EQ's, etc. It is workable that way.
 
Depends on whether your loop has a level control. I have a Carbon Copy, and I always use it in the loop. However, it is sensitive to how the loop level control is set. If it's too high, the delay can get extremely muddy sounding.
 
I have used analog delays in the loops of all my amps and never had issue. Moog, EHX Memory Toy and Carbon Copy.
 
Excellent, thank you dudes. I'll probably be grabbing a Carbon Copy sometime soon.
 
FWIW I would go for a used malekko 616. I have at least three floating around. Love them.
 
I got mine a year ago and always loved it- but when I got my new amp I noticed the same crap that everyone complains about- go to use it usually on high gain channel and my volume would cut way out. It very clearly has to do with the whole line level/instrument level thing... I turned the send down to 25% on the effects loop and the problem went away. The only issue with that it I prefer to keep it up around halfway, so I have to crank the channel volume and master quite a bit higher than before, not to mention I’m sure it can affect your overall sound running it like that. My last amps had buffered effects loops or parallel fx loops so I’m guessing the signal was never as hot as it is w this mark v. Sucks because I really do love the sound of it - it doesn’t effect my tone at all.
 
Seek out an original analog Diamond Memory Lane. It runs on 18-24 V and will never clip in a loop. Pricey but worth it. Sounds incredible to boot. Also has an internal switch to pad the input level in the unlikely chance it’s needed.
 
I always run my Carbon Copy in the loop of my Splawn. Lately the Walrus Audio SLO reverb directly after, also in the loop. Sounds awesome.
 
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