• Registered: 2010-09-30
  • Posts: 163

Topic: Running Delay without fx loop -- THD Hot Plate line out?

I've been thinking of getting a Plexi style amp without an fx loop, but concerned about the need to run an echo (delay)...

I was thinking that a possibility could be to use a THD
Hot Plate and run the line out into an fx unit (echo, in my case) and
run the wet only signal back into the lower sensitivity inputs on the
amp. I wonder if there is any possibility of causing a feedback loop
or other problems doing this, though. My thought is that you would at
least be echoing the distorted signal rather than the clean guitar
signal. I realize that the power amp stage would still be overdrive as
it amplifies the repeat (so in essence, the echo would get colored by
the power amp twice), but I wonder if it would be cleaner the second
time around since the repeats would not be high level and they would
be hitting the lower sensitivity input.

I guess that the input impedance of the fx unit would want to be high
(higher than the line out, at least).

Any thoughts?

Cheers,
-Matt

  • Registered: 2010-03-20
  • Posts: 536

Re: Running Delay without fx loop -- THD Hot Plate line out?

Zen Guitar wrote:

I've been thinking of getting a Plexi style amp without an fx loop, but concerned about the need to run an echo (delay)...

I was thinking that a possibility could be to use a THD
Hot Plate and run the line out into an fx unit (echo, in my case) and
run the wet only signal back into the lower sensitivity inputs on the
amp. I wonder if there is any possibility of causing a feedback loop
or other problems doing this, though. My thought is that you would at
least be echoing the distorted signal rather than the clean guitar
signal. I realize that the power amp stage would still be overdrive as
it amplifies the repeat (so in essence, the echo would get colored by
the power amp twice), but I wonder if it would be cleaner the second
time around since the repeats would not be high level and they would
be hitting the lower sensitivity input.

I guess that the input impedance of the fx unit would want to be high
(higher than the line out, at least).

Any thoughts?

Cheers,
-Matt

Use a parallel mixer and shove it into the front end. job done.

"Who wants an orange whip? Orange whip? Orange whip? Three orange whips...."

JB LP Goldtop No. 290- Aged...rather like me.

3 Reply by Zen Guitar (edited by Zen Guitar 2010-10-03 18:31:52)

  • Registered: 2010-09-30
  • Posts: 163

Re: Running Delay without fx loop -- THD Hot Plate line out?

Hi Jakey,

Thanks for the help here... Unfortunately, what I'm trying to achieve is a echoed version of my overdriven tone, rather than an overdriven version of my echoed clean guitar tone--there's a notable difference in sound. Most of the overdrive I am hoping to achieve with this amp in question happens in the power section. A parallel mixer used in front of the amp won't help me achieve this, although that is great for folks looking to keep their dry signal in tact when using pedals with a 100% wet mix option, but no direct out option.

Some great guitarists such as David Gilmour use parallel mixing out front, as I'm sure you're aware. A big difference to understand, though, is his overdrive happens mostly with pedals out front rather than with overdriving his tube amp's power sections.

Cheers,
-Matt

jakey wrote:

Use a parallel mixer and shove it into the front end. job done.

  • Registered: 2010-02-01
  • Posts: 175

Re: Running Delay without fx loop -- THD Hot Plate line out?

My solution to the same problem on my Trainwreck Express clone was to get a basic insert loop added to the amp and then use a dumbleator clone to manage the impediance mismatch.

Works a treat for a subtle delay and reverb on my overdriven tone.

The Trainwreck is way gainier (is that aword ??) than the plexi.

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Running Delay without fx loop -- THD Hot Plate line out?

Zen Guitar wrote:

I've been thinking of getting a Plexi style amp without an fx loop, but concerned about the need to run an echo (delay)...


Do what Eric Johnson does and either A) mic the dry amps and add the echo through the mixer/PA or B) get a vintage Echoplex.  The Echoplex sounds GLORIOUS in front of a vintage Marshall plexi, TRUST ME!

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 176

Re: Running Delay without fx loop -- THD Hot Plate line out?

Hi!
Or do this: http://www.jbonamassa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=14985 (post #7)
It's Joe's recipe for vintage Marshalls without FX Loops...
Cheers!