In relation to our previous discussions on how to maintain strong, unadulterated output through a signal path, I believe we have finally arrived at our destination—the amplifier input. But wait! Not so fast. Spin that bad boy around to see if your amplifier has an effects loop, as many do. While lots of bass players have begun adopting signal processing devices, few are taking advantage of their amplifier’s effects loop. If you’re committed to delivering the strongest source signal to your amplifier’s input, its effects loop is an asset you really should be exploiting.
Using an amplifier’s effects loop makes it possible to place a chain of effects between the preamp and power sections of the amplifier. This essentially relocates the preamp section, saving it from being relegated to the final stage of a signal chain. Why is this advantageous? If an amplifier’s EQ is adjusted using a clean signal, placing a signal‐altering device in front of the EQ will color that signal before it reaches the preamp. Removing devices from the front-end audio path also reduces potential signal loss before the input.