FX Loop defective? Here's how you can check it for yourself!
If an effects device is connected via the FX Loop of the AMP1 and there are sound problems, it's always easy to suspect that the FX Loop is the problem. In fact, the FX Loop is only really the cause of the error in very few cases. The list of possible sources of error in cases like this is long: faulty cables, poor quality jacks, inferior Loop effects, poor quality (or incorrect) power packs to power the external effects, phase cancellations, etc.
Check the FX Loop
There is a very simple method to check whether the AMP1's FX Loop is faulty: simply connect the FX SEND and the FX RETURN with a standard patch cable, and switch the FX Loop to serial mode. Please make sure beforehand that the cable you are using is working properly! If the signal sounds exactly as it does when the loop is not active (i.e. just like it does without the patch cable connected), the FX Loop is OK.
If the FX Loop is actually defective (and in this case, the FX RETURN socket is probably the cause of the problem), please contact the dealer from whom you bought the AMP1.
The FX Loop is OK... so what now?
If the FX Loop itself is not the problem, the following articles could be helpful for further troubleshooting:
Muddy sounding effects device in serial FX loop
If the AMP1's FX loop is set to serial , the mud is probably due to the fact that the effects device cannot handle the input level of the FX loop. This can happen with devices that are primarily designed for use in front of the amp (e.g. Nux Time Core, BOSS DD2 or general vintage pre-effects). For this case, the AMP1 has the FX level switch in the recess on the underside of the device. If this is set to -10dB, the problem is usually resolved.
Attention: If the FX loop of the AMP1 is set to parallel , there may be other reasons for poor sound results from effects devices in the FX loop: Thin sounding effects device in parallel FX loop
Thin sounding effects device in parallel FX loop
There are three variants of effects devices that can be integrated into the parallel effects loop of the AMP1. Depending on the type of effects device involved, there are different causes for a thin sound or a loss of volume when the FX loop is activated.
1. Analog pedals with direct component
If the direct component of the effects device is phase-shifted (example product: Xvive V5), the direct signal is canceled. These can be up to 100%. If, on the other hand, the direct component of the effects device is in phase (example product: MXR Carbon Copy), there is no problem.
2. Digital devices with analog mix
If the direct component of the effects device is phase-shifted, the direct signal is canceled, see above. During our research, we did not find any product with these properties. Do you know any? Let us know, we are curious!
If the direct component of the effects device is in phase (example product: BOSS DD3), there is no problem again.
3. Digital devices with digital mix
The unavoidable latency caused by the conversion leads to phase shifts. The result is a hollowing out of the sound. Example product: Zoom G1XOn.
Solution: Set the FX loop to serial
In all of these cases, you can remedy this by simply setting the AMP1's effects loop to serial .
Caution: When the FX loop of the AMP 1 to serial, there may be other reasons for poor sound results through effect units in FX Loop: Muddy sounding effects unit in serial FX loop