User`s manual

PAGE 2
MOD100
Effects Loop Operation
The Egnater effects interface is the most versatile loop system you will find anywhere. There
are two totally independent, tube buffered loops, each optimized for specific applications.
1) Series Loop:
Basically an insert patch point. When an external effect is patched into the series send
and return jacks, the path is interrupted and 100% of the signal is routed through the
effect. This puts some special demands on the effects unit. It must be essentially
transparent, meaning it shouldn’t “mess” with your tone. The input and output levels must
be properly set for maximum headroom and lowest noise and it needs to operate at line
level. Proper setting of the levels can be achieved using the following method.
a) Set your amp/preamp volume levels for normal playing levels. Connect a high
quality shielded cable from the series send jack to the effect input.
b) Adjust the effects unit input level to “just peak” while playing your most
aggressive licks.
c) Now connect another high quality shielded cable from the effect output to the
return jack.
d) Adjust the effects unit output level to the match the volume you heard before
connecting the return cable. You can check this by pulling the cable in and out of
the return jack while playing and verifying there is no substantial volume
difference. This is called “unity gain”. A cool “techie” phrase for “you get out what
you put in”.
2) Parallel Loop:
This is a more specialized loop. It has the advantage of maintaining your dry signal (it
doesn’t mess with your tone), while allowing you to mix in the amount of effect you want.
The MOD100 parallel loop is a bit different than most. Typically, parallel loops found on
guitar amplifiers have a wet/dry mix control that turns down the dry signal (messing with
your tone) while simultaneously turning up the effects level. The MOD100 parallel loop is
unique in that it never messes with your dry tone. It simply mixes in the amount of effects
using the effect knob on the front panel, much like the effects buss on a mixing console.
The direct signal remains unaltered and the effects are simply mixed back in. There are a
few basic rules that must be adhered to. This also puts some limitations on the uses for
the parallel loop.
a) Your effects unit must be set for 100% wet. This means to set the mix levels on
the effect so that there is no dry signal passing through the unit. Think of the
mixing console again. You would not want to have any dry signal going through
the effects buss because you would then be mixing in not only the effect but also
the unwanted dry signal that comes out of the effects unit. This can even be
detrimental to your tone because the dry output signal of many effects units is
out of phase with the input. Consequently, as you turn up the effects return knob,
you may actually be mixing the “icky” out of phase signal back in with your
awesome dry signal and…you guessed it….messing with your tone. Often loops
on guitar amps are said to “suck tone”. This “tone sucking” is more likely caused
by improperly setting the effects mix than the loop design.