Effects chain and info

[zappatude]

Hello all. I wanted to put something together to address questions about guitar effects/stomp boxes and there order of use. So that is what this thread is for.
So, using my own experiances and opinions, searching the web and some other publications, I cobbled together some info. First I offer an overview of selected effects and what they commonly do. Than Keith has put together a great overview of "what is an effects loop".
Than I list what the "common" order of an effects chain could be. Along with what I use most times. I understand that most experianced players that have been using effects have discovered what works best for them. I would invite you to add to the thread your set ups. What I'm hoping to do here is give newer players or those new to effects a quick guide and jumping off point. I hope this helps

[zappatude]

I would start this thread by saying there are no set in stone rules on effects/stompbox order. You won't break or damage any pedals by putting them in a 'wrong' order. In fact, experimenting is the best way to learn, and in doing so, you can come up with many unusual and interesting sounds. Having said this, what we will try and illustrate here is the more common or typical setups. Also hopefully we will help you understand what each effect does and the effect it has on your overall sound.

Wah Wah
Basically, the wah wah pedal selects a portion of your sound, and accentuates it. The circuitry of the wah pedal selects a slice of the frequency range and accentuates the sounds in that range. The rest of the sound that is not selected is reduced. This concept is known to technicians as the bandpass filter.
When you move the rocker up and down, the rocker turns the potentiometer. The potentiometer accentuates a tiny portion of the sound within the range that has been selected. When you put the toe down, your higher frequencies are accentuated. When you put the heel down, your lower frequencies are accentuated. When the move the rocker up and down, you move between the lower and higher frequencies within the range you have selected

Compression
Compression is probably the least obvious of all effects. But is very usefull, especially in a recording situations. Compression (also called limiting in a slightly different form) effectively limits the maximum dynamic level of your guitar's signal. To put it more simply, it keeps the loud from being too loud, which may overload a tape recorder's input, for example. In situations other than recording, compression serves to "even out" your sound....preventing the dynamic range from being too wide

Distortion
I believe there are three catagories of distortion pedals. Overdrive, Distortion and Fuzz. The names really sum up what they do. An overdrive pedal is to give you that 'overdriven' tube amp sound. Trying to capture that early electric blues sound without having to find a 1950s fender amp, than an Overdrive pedal is for you.
A distortion pedal would be the next level of sonic saturation. These should give you that 'crunch' or more noticeable distortion in your sound.
With the Fuzz pedal people usually think about the late 60s and 70s sounds of the psychodelic bands. Myself I think about a violin type sound and sustain with a softer attack, you know... fuzzy

Phasing
Rather than discuss how a phaser works, which can get really complex, really fast, it's easier to describe what a phaser does to your sound. Put simply, it creates a swirling, sometimes jet engine-type sound that can be either subtle or quite extreme, depending on the settings used. Phasing is in the same "family" of effects as chorus and flange.

Flanger
The flanger is very similar to the phaser. The flanging effect is created by mixing the original signal with a delayed reproduction of the signal, where the amount of delay time is constantly changing. Filters create "notches" in the frequency spectrum of the sound, creating the effect. Like a phaser and chorus, the flanger produces a thick, swirling, jet engine-type sound.

Chorus
Chorus is produced by combining the original signal with one or more slightly delayed and pitch-modulated reproductions of the signal. The resulting effect creates the illusion of numerous instruments playing the same part. It creates depth and thickness.

Delay
For all intents and purposes, delay is an effect that merely produces repeats, or echos, of the guitar signal. Most delay pedals allow you to adjust the delay time (the length of time, usually measured in milliseconds between the sounding of the original signal and the sounding of the echo), the number of repeats (often called the "feedback"), and the mix of the dry (uneffected) signal with the echo, various effects, from a slight doubling to an infinte loop-type effect can be obtained.

Reverb
Reverb is a very common effect, probably the most widely used of all because most amplifiers and multi-effects units come with it built in. By combining the signal with many short, delayed reproductions of the signal, the reverb creates the illusion of space. By varying the length of the delay and the ratio between the effected and uneffected signal, reverb can be used to simulate either large or small spaces.

Pitch Shifter
Pitch shifting is a rather simple effect to explain and understand. A pitch shifter takes the guitar signal and reproduces it, but at a different pitch. The effect can be varied by controlling parameters such as pitch (the pitch, higher or lower than the original, of the reproduced sound), delay (the amount of time between the original signal and the shifted one), and the mix (the ratio of original signal to shifted.)

Octaver
A simpler form of pitch-shifting, in which the shifted signal can be adjusted only by octaves rather than by more precise amounts.

Harmonizer
At the other end is a more advanced form of pitch-shifting known as harmonizing. It is the same effect, but the shifted sound, rather than being shifted a set amount, is shifted varying amounts depending on the musical key of the piece being played. The controls are essentially the same, except for the addition of a parameter allowing the user to enter the key within which he/she wants the shifted sound to remain, such as C minor.

Tremolo
Tremolo is an effect available on a few amps, many multi-effects units, and also in pedal form. Tremolo creates a pulsing effect by continually varying the level of the signal. Usually, both the speed and the depth of the effect can be controlled.

[zappatude]

What is an effects loop?
Effects loops give you the opportunity to plug effects between the preamp and the power amp. This is best for modulation (phaser, flanger, chorus, pitsh shifting) and delay effects because it allows them to effect the distorted signal as opposed to the preamp distorting them. It also runs a line-level signal, instead of instrument, which works better with most rack mount effects. (Distortions and boosters, etc, usually work better going straight into the guiatr input where they can affect the preamp gain)

Most have output jacks that run to the effects and input that run back to the amp. Regular guitar cable is good to use for these jacks. A few have one stereo jack that has both input and output and require a stereo-plugged "Y" guitar cable with one cable running as the input, one as the output.

Serial effects loops rune directly between the preamp and power amp, parallel ones allow you to mix the "wet" loop signal with the "dry" preamp signal.

You may also run the preamp signal out of the effects loop into the effects input of another amp to get a "slaved amp" effect or just to use different preamps with different power amps.

There is no "wrong" way to set effects up before the amp, in the effects loop or both. You just have to experiment with what you like best. Many effects, wah and chorus for example, will sound more dominate in the effects loop. This could be desired or not. I run my wah and Micro-Vibe into the guitar input (slightly overdriven for rythym), because I like how the preamp's O/D softens, or delutes, each of them. I keep my O/D and Fuzz pedals before each though, so the wah and Vibe and affect and fatten the fuzz tones. I keep my chorus and echo in the effects loop both because I like the way the affect all that comes before it, but also because they are both picky vintage pieces and work better with the line-level signal.

The more distortion the effect runs through afterwards, the more the effect is lost in the finished tone.

[zappatude]

http://img130.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img130&image=dsc045934iw.jpg

This is a link to a pic of my common setup.

So as you can see my order is: Guitar -- Wah Wah -- Comp/Sus -- Distortion -- Phaser -- Chorus -- Delay -- Amp/Reverb

Normally I would be using the guitar, Wah Wah, Big Muff(distortion), Chorus and Amp/Reverb.

I add the Comp/Sus when I play slide. When I do that I usually have the Big Muff off.
The Phase and Delay I use when I'm wanting to do something different, and I've found they sound best later in the chain.

[zappatude]

From what I've seen the most common variation from my set up would be the placement of the Wah Wah. That is the pedal that seems to be used in different sequence more than any other.
Also it seems that EQ can be used at different points in the chain. My Mesa Boogie has EQ built in, so, that is the placement for me. I have seen the mention of pre-distortion and post-distortion EQ, so sounds like there are many possabilities.
I also need to add that I have almost no experiance with Pitch shifting effects so I have no opinion on there placement.

So this is my opinion and quide to effects and effects placement. I'm hoping others here will post there setups so that we can all learn.

I would ask that if you have questions either about this thread or effects chains in general that you would do it by starting a seperate thread. I'm hoping we use this thread as a place to post additional info and or setup options, than this thread can be a referance tool. Thanks.

[ModestCargo]

Guitar -> Amp :D

Ultimate setup for me would be:
Guitar -> Boss TU-2 tuner pedal -> Crybaby or Vox wah -> Amp

All settings and gear are listed in signature.

[ModestCargo]

http://www.bossus.com/bugonline/how_to.asp?art=order
This gives a good general idea of the order in which pedals normally sound best.

Of course, you should definitley experiment, a good example of varying from this order is that Hendrix used a fuzz before his wah.

[Half Fast]

EQ's - If you put an EQ pedal (i.e. Boss GE-7) in between your guitar and your amp, you are EQ-ing the signal coming from your guitar's pickups before it enters the preamp-where it then passes through the preamp, the power amp, and out of the speakers.

If you put an EQ in your effects loop, you are EQ-ing the sound of your guitar's pickups after they have passed THROUGH the preamp - where the amps characteristics, such as distortion, are added.

If you're using an EQ pedal in front of your amp and you still can't get the sound you're looking for, you might try EQ-ing through the effects loop. It's the same concept as running an EQ on your stereo system-and you know what that does to the sound.

You can also run an EQ in both places, one to EQ your guitar's signal and one to EQ following preamp. Note - Unwanted noise is always a possibility when interupting the chain.
Just watch your levels. Other than the EQ's main level knob or slider, everything above the centerline is a signal boost - everything below, a signal cut. Be careful not to overdrive...unless, of course, that's what you're going for. If it sounds good....DO IT!

[ModestCargo]

Yeah, EQs work best in the effects loop usually.

[fused]

Of course if you're running through a PA type system...and using a say...a modeller...
Guitar -> Modeller -> Mixing Board -> 31 band EQ -> Crown Power Amp -> Speakers

With the mixing board you can run multiple instruments AND voice. Ok so you have a guitar amp AND you're band plugs in and finds a sound guy :)

Another interesting thing is you can pull the preamp out from your guitar amp, into the mxing board. Something like...
Guitar -> Modeller/Stomp Boxes -> Guitar Preamp in (normal in jack) -> Guitar Preamp out -> Mixing board -> EQ -> Crown power amp -> Speakers.

Of course if you want to capture the sound of your power amp and speaker combo, for you Marshall advocates,
Guitar -> Modeller/Stomp Boxes -> Marshal amp In-> Mic on Marshal Stack -> Mixing board -> EQ -> Crown power amp -> Speakers.
The cool part about this setup is that you can run a small guitar amp...cranked all the way up for that special sound...and then control the actual MAX volume via the mixing board. So if you don't have enough power, you do now.

This is a basic setup. You can add all kinds of rack mountable effects between the board and amp...or in the board's effects loop.

Also a mixing board allows you also patch in the 4 track, the CD player, the Tape Player.

The skies the limit in what is possible.

Great thread Zap

fused

[0.1 watts]

I go for guitar > multi effects > amp

I tried a GT-5, and it had the option of assigning various effects to go straight to the amp, and assigning others to the loop, because it had multiple outputs and inputs. I thought that was a great feature! Much more organised and cost efficient than buying seperate pedals

[Plstrcast]

At Zappatude's request, here is a diagram of my rig, enjoy;
http://guitar.zentao.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=182

[zappatude]

Thanks plstrcast, that is an excellent illustration.

[stratman50th]

Guitar-Crybaby Wah-Tube Screamer-Blues Driver-Fender Twin with Reverb@ 10 into the clean channel.

This is a good idea by the way. Explains a lot

[dacster]

FWITW
The term Flanger came from the flanges (the reels) on reel to reel tape recorders. The original Flanger effect was done after the recording. the tape was played back and you would use your fingers to hold onto the reels on the tape. By altering the pressure on the reels or flanges you altered the speed of the tape.


cool thread.
This is a subject that is not published very well and seems to be passed on from musician to musician..... But like everyone says. Experiment.....your tone is not my tone.

[risingforce]

fender strat->dunlop 535 Q wah->marshall compressor->marshall jackhammer->boss flanger->boss dd-3-> amp

[keplerdethmetal]

http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL887/3404151/6990000/90507508.jpg

Distortion: My amp suites me just fine.

Wah: I use my Morley alot but if it needs loads of depth I use my Ibanez Weeping demon

Flanger: More of my melodic stuff i use it

I dont use much becuase i HATE switching so much crap and having to plug craploads of effects in.

[Stray Dog]

My setup is:

Guitar (humbuckers) - Marshall Compressor - Marshall Jackhammer - Fender Amp (with reverb and chorus)

I'm thinking about adding the Marshal Bluesdriver in there as well!

[PhantomLord]

btw, i am looking at buying a chorus pedal. what does a chorus effect actually do to your sound, and what are your recommendations for these pedals.

[zappatude]

btw, i am looking at buying a chorus pedal. what does a chorus effect actually do to your sound, and what are your recommendations for these pedals.
Chorus is a great effect, especially for rhythm, IMO.
It really just adds a very, very short delayed signal with a bit of modulation so you get a very full sound. I've had the same Ibanez chorus for years and I love it. Some have mentioned that it is a little bright sounding.
Anytime your talking pedals you have to look at Boss.

[zappatude]

http://guitar.zentao.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17137
This is a recent thread about rackmount effects. I think is is a good addition to this thread.

[Sebber]

Guitar -> Boss CS-9 Compressor Sustainer -> Morley Classic Wah -> Ibanez TS-9 -> Marshall TSL122 100 Watt Amp -> FX Loop Out -> Voodoo Labs Analog Chorus -> Yamaha FL10-M Flanger -> FX Loop In...

Makes for a wonderful sound!

[Reverend40oz]

Guitar (US strat and tele) -> BOSS Wah Modeller -> DOD MilkBox Compressor -> Jekyll & Hyde Overdrive -> Ernie Ball Volume -> Amp main input (hot rod deville). I use a Boss DD-3 (delay) and TR-2 (tremolo) in the effects loop, too.

This gives me a sparkling clean fender channel with 4 footswitchable gain/distortion or overdrive sound options. If you have room to play it loud enough, you can get a world of sounds from the setup.

[Stray Dog]

Ok, Im now proud of my set up.

Epiphone Sheraton - Marshall Compressor - Marshall Bluesdriver - Marshall Jackhammer - Fender Champion 300

The bluesdriver is there for solo boosts, the compressor is always on, the jackhammer controls my overdrive, and the amp is always on clean with reverb and chorus at 3.

[itslog1]

excuse me for being a total noob but how do you plug in/turn on a pedal? i want to go down to sam ash and try out some pedals, but i want to look like i'm not clueless and i don't want to break anything.

[pagodas_fiesta]

by "plug in" i guess you could mean power or signal input. if its at a store its probably already plugged in to an AC converter for power. for the input, stick the guitar cable into the jack that says input (usually on the left side of the pedal or on the top (if theres two on the top, usually the one on the left)). to turn it on, step on it :p ( usually an LED will turn on)

[pagodas_fiesta]

I'll pull a zappatude :p and link to another thread:
http://guitar.zentao.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18404
All about "weird" effects.

[socialparasite]

Is this ok way to run my effect? Give me any suggestions.

Amp---Wah---octave pedal

Effect loop ---chorus---echo---phaser


Any other suggestions?

[suiroc]

boss has a very good website where you can get details, specs, and sound demos for almost every pedal they have - its great!

-socialparasite, u seem to have experience with pedals. could you or anyone else please give me advice on this thread:
http://guitar.zentao.com/forum/showthread.php?p=202154#post202154