Amplifier Set Up

[Walter Hamlin]

Is there an advantage/disadvantge in using the Pre EQ patch and Post EQ patch on the amp to plug the volume pedal and effects pedals into rather than going straight into the input jack. I have been experimenting a little on this and was wondering what you knowledgable players had to say.

[LaVern Skarzenski]

Hi Walter,

I know there are people here who can give you a much better answer than I, but I will tell you what my undwerstanding of it is. Of course my only experience is with the Nashville 112 and 400, and the 112 is the amp I use most often.

On the Nashville 112 when using the Pre Eq patch for the volume pedal and a seperate cord going from the guitar to the amp's hi or lo gain inputs, you will have less tone distortion, and a more equal sound from the low to high volume levels. This is what is called the 3 cord set up.

On the Post Eq side, the only thing I've used there is a delay pedal, and I'm not sure how to descibe it, but to me the effects are again even throughout the range. I've only put the delay pedal in line with the guitar and input once, but I didn't really like the result. Now I'm sure it has been discussed here on the Forum before, and perhaps if no one responds, you may find a better answer in doing a search.

As I reread my post I realize it is not a very good explanation, and I hope Ken Fox or some of the many other knowledgable folks out there will repond too.
LaVern

[Bruce Atkinson]

I have to agree with LaVern. Although I'm a newbie (barely 6 months!), I experimented with my NV1000 based on information on this forum and plugged the volume pedal to/from the pre-eq jacks on the front.

As I have a slightly scratchy pot in my pedal, plugging it into the pre-eq removed most of it, and it may have improved the tone a bit, as well. By I have lousy hearing, so I can't really say for sure.

For what it's worth, I suspect Peavey and the other amp makers have designed their equipment to be pretty much "bullet-proof" against someone plugging the wrong thing in the wrong place. In short, (not electrically speaking!), a little experimentation shouldn't hurt anything. But if you see smoke, I know NOTHING! <grin>

Bruce

[Mike Brown]

Here is the Peavey explanation on the Pre EQ Patch;
http://www.peavey.com/media/pdf/steelgu ... qpatch.pdf

Mike Brown
Peavey USA

[Ray Riley]

Clear as all get out! Thanks from all of us. Ray

[Jim Sliff]

I didn't check the site, but going from experience the following "guidelines" are generally accepted by most techs:

"boost", "distortion", "fuzz", "wah" and volume pedal normally go after the guitar and before the input jack; "Post eq" or effects loops are where your time-based effects go - "phase", "flange", "delay",outboard reverb etc.

These are NOT absolutes - most amps up to the 80's didn't have fancy EQ sections or effects loops and everything went right in the front end, and you can get unique sounds by experimenting with effects placement. This GENERALLY is recommended, though.
That being said, th few times I've been stuck with using a backline amp with an effects loop, I don't touch it and hook up mt pedalboard to the front of the amp. Ever had a complaint from a sound man, so depending on the amp differences may be subtle.

Edited to add - I just read their technical explanation and it applies to something different than what most guitar players would recognize and a post-eq patch...they'd see it as an effects loop and treat it how I described it. But apparently Peavey s assuming only steel guitar use and instructions only for a volume pedal...and form the description it sounds like they are only talking about pot-pedals.

I guess it would work well with SS amps, but I wouldn't use that type of circuit....or put the volume pedal post EQ...in a tube amp. You lose a tone of drive capabilities circumventing a tube
(or even a well-done mosfet) preamp.

[Walter Hamlin]

Some interesting comments. Thanks a lot.
I read an archived post regarding a similar topic where someone had written about plugging the two outs on the volume pedal to the amps high and low inputs for a fatter sound. Anyone tried this? I'm trying it now to see if it works for me.

[John Bechtel]

I'm using (2) Peavey N–112's and I've tried various hook-ups, but; by far I'm getting my best sound by using the (3)-Cord hook-up to Amp. #1 and then using the Rear Effects~Loop (Pre-Amp. Out) to my AD–9 Delay Pedal and from there OUT to the Power-Amp. IN of my 2nd. N–112 Amp. and then matching the Master Volumes. [No Pre~Amp or EQ used on Amp. #2]