FX Loop Explained

[@ScienceofLoud]

If you have never used an FX Loop before, you may have a few questions about what it is, how it works, and what pedals you should connect to it. This video walks you through the basics so you can start using your FX loop today. #fxloop #guitareffects #csguitars More from CSGuitars: Gain access to exclusive content at: www.patreon.com/csguitars Buy CSGuitars Merchandise - www.csguitars.co.uk/store Website - www.csguitars.co.uk Contact - [e-mail] Affiliate Links: Thomann - www.thomann.de/gb/index.html?offid=1&affid=367 Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/2mGGg CSGuitars uses: LEWITT Microphones - www.lewitt-audio.com/ Hoffnine Cabinets - www.hoffnine.co.uk/ Hosa Cables - hosatech.com/ Dragon's Heart Guitar Picks - www.dragonsheartguitarpicks.com/ Title graphics and logo by: www.studiosmithdesign.co.uk/ Join the discussion at: Facebook - facebook.com/csguitars Instagram - instagram.com/csguitars/ Twitter -twitter.com/CSG_Scotland Music available at: Amazon: amzn.to/2HUdXgV iTunes: apple.co/2JvpCjp Google Play: bit.ly/2KgSzkl Or stream on Spotify: spoti.fi/2HuYPTP

[@DanielChin-iq5yi]

I noticed a decrease in tone when I plugged my carbon copy, harmonizer, and chorus into effects loop...could the length of the instrument cables have an effect? When I just plugged straight into the amp, the tone was fine and a little louder. Same thing happened when I plugged into effects loop of boss katana. Thanks!

[@hikupmusicofficial]

will/can this work to hook an other amp/pa system at the same time because i have a Marshall 50mg fx i want to hook a pa system to use with a mic (marshell for guitar mic amp for mic) what im trying to do is get is an equal vol for both guitar and mic with out having to do them separate or should i use the loudspeaker hook up to plug it in and if so then what should i plug it in to

[@callmedeno]

@@hikupmusicofficial So if i plan to use a distortion pedal and not the amp for distortion, can i get away without an fx loop by not cranking the gain?

[@41663]

Going to colledge for a couple years first will be very helpful

[@hippie1685]

I have an orange 35rt n its a great amp but my strat sounds weak on It, n i dont like the dirty Chanel cos to me It sounds like a 💩 fuzz, so i plugged a Marshall jackhammer on od mode to the loop, sounds awesome, almost like a tube amp, but its noisy, stupid noisy, any suggestions?

[@PocketUnv]

Instructions unclear, my FX loop is now connected to my oven. Having noise issues as a result.

[@w.rustylane5650]

Now that's funny. Think I'll connect my FX loop to the blender and coffee pot. I have a stereo Crate amp head.

[@Gynra]

I did that, and I got burnt chicken. Sounded good, though.

[@maxrice6990]

LOL

[@Thurston86]

I really F’d up! Somehow my Effects Loop ended up being connected to a Giant Vibrator!.........I think i have a problem??? Hahahahaha 🤘👽

[@semperxfix10]

I had the same issue. Preheat to 350 first. Should resolve.

[@davidhollowelljr949]

I've been playing for just over 10 years now, and this channel has seriously helped answer some of the questions I didn't even know I had. Thanks as always Colin, you viciously handsome devil.

[@terryhannah1319]

Oooooh, Betty!

[@MrAticreat]

"But.. steil is havier than feether..." joke aside, nice video 👍🏻

[@juvedoo99]

What's heavier? A kilogram of steel or a kilogram of feathers?

[@bee2377]

Are ya alroight?... I dount get it..... Lmao!

[@antithug7942]

@@juvedoo99 - They're the same. A kilo is a kilo no matter what the item is.

[@Claimjumper55]

Another common use is to run a modeler, like a Line 6 Helix, into the FX Return on the amp. That way you can let the modeler model the preamp and use the amp's power amp.

[@andriealinsangao613]

How would that work? Guitar>amp modeler/multieffects>FX return?

[@Claimjumper55]

@@andriealinsangao613 Going into the amp's fx return bypasses the amp's preamp section. Go Guitar>Modeler>FX return. The modeler can model a bunch of different preamp sections. If you want to go really crazy with this setup, look into 4 cable method.

[@NanoGameLab]

Colin, Just a thank you. i have searched and searched and searched for a good quality video that explains what you did. Unfortunately no other video gave the info you did in a such a brief, direct and understandable way. loved the video mate. Cheers from AUS!

[@HeartsOfFlesh]

thank you so much for actually explaining this, I swear no one ever actually gives an explanation of how this works. they just say plug pedals in in this order. appreciated

[@alterI4]

Damn dude this was one of the best informative videos I’ve seen in a long time! I always thought you could just plug in pedals into the front amp input but now understand what the send and return are forZ this probably why I have had issues with pedals in the past! thanks a million dude, subscribing

[@likeanuuk6612]

that feel when i already know all this stuff but still chose to watch the entire video. no regrets

[@cheersmate1876]

Hoshi Hearts humblebrag

[@PedalScience]

Hoshi Hearts a-men lol. Came for Colin's beautiful voice and accent. Stayed for the HM-2 t-shirt.

[@likeanuuk6612]

Albert Parbz i dont even have an amp with an fx loop lol i just have internet. not bragging at all i swear!

[@ScienceofLoud]

This is how I feel when I watch any video. It's nice to confirm that you are still correct about everything.

[@RobertELee420]

@@ScienceofLoud everything?

[@seanprather9323]

Dude I watched like 10 of these vids and this was honestly the most helpful! You get to the point quick and easy. Thank you!!!

[@aperisimo]

Despite the outrageous accent that I have to translate to english and then to spanish which is my native language, this has benn TREMENDOUSLY DIDACTICAL. Thank so much bro. I'm on the verge of buying a guitar amp and this has changed the course of things for for good. Thank you again.

[@daripper2137]

I've been trying to figure out how to connect my amp to an interphase! I never thought of using the fx loop, thanks Colin !

[@godinc247]

Thanks for all your videos ...I have a metal mad guitar -bass player 12 yr old son ... You are helping us understand the ins and outs of many many things . Like not blowing the amp up with the wrong cables ..have the cabinet defiantly plugged into the head ect ect .. Look forward to your future videos ...on our journey of guitars amps and pedals ect ect Thanks again

[@ZeroMilk]

This was extremely helpful, Colin. I had no idea you could connect the FX Send directly to a guitar interface input. I feel like an idiot because this is groundbreaking news to me, but I'm thankful nonetheless. That's about to change everything for me.

[@Doodfrumspace11]

SamueL dude same here I’ve been using the front of my origin 50 head

[@bmoneybby]

Ignorance was bliss.. damn it

[@marlonwaardenburg654]

Finally someone explaining it well! Thank you so much for saving me so much trouble!!

[@luizalves8071]

You are slowly clearing out all my doubts, Colin. Much appreciated!

[@austinchavers2025]

I had no idea you could just plug and play directly into the loop. I can't wait to try this. it's like finding out my amp has new features.

[@merkn247]

Bro i needed the answer and i clicked a 30 minute video i saw a 6 minute video and then i clicked on your three minute one. You cover more knowledge and even show me how to plug in directly to my daw which i didnt know i could do!! Since i dont have a mic to tecord right now. Much love

[@joostvandijck8171]

I can totally see the Orange Micro Dark hiding behind the Metal Muff. I think it had stage fright. Poor thing...

[@herrfriesel]

I cant unsee IT #GiveTheShyOrangeMicroSpotlight

[@shantmanoukian2430]

lol it’s there all right

[@thriller_musician9099]

What a dark cutie , that thing !!

[@match8289]

So much information in such a short amount of time! Great video

[@jonkerrmusic]

The batch of ideas concerning guitar -> Send/Return were brand new to me. Thanks for the wisdom!

[@ScienceofLoud]

For all those interested in the t-shirt I am wearing, it is merch from Finnish Grindcore band Rotten Sound. The band are incredibly ferocious and intense, visit them at www.rottensound.com and pass on some love from me.

[@RN-jq1oh]

Bugera 333 tipped on the side

[@berrett96]

Did you go to lords of the land festival this year? Rotten sound played, I was gonna go but money is tight right now.

[@ScienceofLoud]

+berrett96 that's where I got the t-shirt. I went in full copse paint.

[@berrett96]

CSGuitars really wish I'd gone now could have met one of my favourite youtubers

[@jackmcbride9939]

Love rotten sound my band played with them last year on their tour to Maryland Deathfest. Check us out! banditgutterpunk.bandcamp.com

[@simoncooper3281]

You answered my question in the first 60 seconds.. great explanation thanks!

[@erniesfo2022]

Best discussion of the subject I've ever heard or seen. Thanks Colin.

[@sazarod]

Awesome lore. Thanks man! The alternate fx loop applications are really useful.

[@ObeyYourMaster123]

Man, thank you for this. It cleared up a lot of things.

[@thorynsodres5958]

Heck yes been needing this video or one like this... new to the whole big tube amp game and this helps out a lot thanks man I love your channel

[@brettmiller4835]

Another great video, Colin. Thank you. The only things I'd request adding to a talk about effects loops are: 1) describing the effects of buffering on buffered effects loop; and 2) series/parallel effects loops. Small ask there, but again, thanks.

[@kospandx]

I'd like to add one more possible use of the loop: if the signal is split one can send the signal to different power stages. This is particularly useful for effects like chorus, where mixing effected and uneffected signal can take make the sound far more massive than either is on its own.

[@RTPxPJ]

I love these 'explained' videos, even though I already know most of the stuff in them it's nice to see it presented in such an informative way, keep it up Colin!

[@kevinbrooks6265]

love your vids man. strait and to the point ,no b.s. why can' everyone else do this ??

[@Dallasburtonmusic]

Thank for you keeping the vid short and effective.

[@ewilliams112]

It's crazy that I've been following CSGuitars for years and never actually subscribed... UNTIL TODAY!

[@MoteseS]

At last a proper explanation of FX Loops! Thank you!

[@surethebest]

Well done, Colin! Answered all my question. Wasn’t sure about anything when I got here. Thanks man , and keep up the good work educating the dummies amongst us as well!

[@raw_strife]

incredibly informative as usual; my problem with the fx loop is that I use a Zoom multi-effects pedal, so I use it before the pre-amp so I can still utilise the tuner, which now explains perfectly why I can't use modulation or delays/verbs going through the driven channels.

[@dirkjordaan8245]

Thank God for a proper and to the point explanation

[@joshzorrill6951]

I was so lost but now I know so much more. I'm shook. great video

[@leetf]

Great info, I use my effects loop for chorus and delay....didnt really know why until now, also didnt know about any of the other stuff I can do, cheers.

[@bluesfer]

Best explanation in the whole wide web, thank you!

[@timhall3575]

Really well explained and very useful! thanks!

[@64offsuiter]

Very helpful. Answered exactly what I needed to know as a beginner

[@rockandrollmd541]

I just ran my OD pedal and Strat to the loop return and I really like the sound. It increases the headroom and mellows out the distortion, more dynamic. You can't hide behind compression if your playing is sloppy.

[@darrylhubbard931]

Canada here> Love your channel very informative, oh and love your accent! Cheers friend!

[@samueljett7807]

What I learned: don't have a head turned on without a cab

[@scubagrant6045]

Great job in this short video explaining this.

[@slappdaddy8]

Perfect! Just what I was looking for - Now I am subscribing!!! Bravo!

[@glassslide]

AWESOME---answered all my questions, thank you!!!

[@astewart9410]

This is awesome thank you. I have always just plugged all of my petals into the front of my amplifiers because I’ve never had an effects loop before. But I am about to take ownership of a boss katana Mkii 100 W head and it has the send return FX loop on the back. I see much experimentation in my future. Thank you!

[@elikirkwood4580]

well now we need a video of the micro dark into the kraken

[@edwarddilegge4307]

You are one smart dude and thank you for sharing and being so specific.... :)

[@12galife]

Thanks for the break down. It helped

[@jamwayofaiken-augustarockb7643]

Very thankfull for the extra tidbits

[@JohnMahon]

Just as Im about to start recording with my line 6 multi delay pedal. Thank you sir!!

[@EmptyDomoKanti99]

this is what i’ve been searching for for AGES now

[@nobredalto]

I was thinking about buying a mic and an audio interface for months because I can't afford them and now I know I can plug the amp to the interface, so I can do something about it :)

[@simonbpuk2949]

I watched this video many times then stiil paused it at the explaniaion of the Send socket 01:12 and the Return socket 01:19 to make double sure i got it correct, i also labeled the leads into my pedals being Send and Return so i don't have to keep looking at the back of my Amp to make sure i've got the leads into the correct sockets. Thanks Coiln for the explanation, even i think i've got it right.

[@NiCadHeliPilot]

Thanks for the upload, Colin. I've been wondering what the FX loop was all about, since I've started playin' (back in 2010).

[@federicomarroni6107]

Crystal clear! Great video.

[@jensvide777]

2:45 Whaaaaaat? I could've recorded my tube amp pre-amp into my DAW the whole time? Good to finally know, lol. Thanks, Colin.

[@SleepingLionsProductions]

this actually blew my mind.

[@DylanJ138]

Extremely helpful video! Thanks brother!

[@electrorganix]

thank you Colin, great video explaining fx loop, cheers

[@tulio.guitar]

Wtf your videos are absolutely amazing, if I ever have doubts about gear or some stuff, I always come to you, thank man!

[@tarasbulba4512]

Concise and short video. The way it should be.

[@Yupppi]

Lol thanks for wearing that Rotten Sound shirt, didn't know they had such a nerdy and unique band shirt. Only knew of Fast Music for Slow People shirt. And here I call myself a finn.

[@metalmanm1492]

The first person i've found on KZbin that actually explains everything, and in good detail! Thanks for all the tips in your videos,really helped alot and made me subscribe to your channel almost instantly! Question: can you do a video using the boss metal core pedal?

[@vipervidsgamingplus5723]

Please say “Get out of my swamp” at some point

[@CorbCorbin]

Viper vids gaming plus Donkey!!!

[@marshallwalker1627]

😂

[@MKUltra77715]

I just want to know how im supposed to plug in a Metal Zone.

[@metalica-ry6dt]

D. Cantu same here

[@torresaurus_]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWS8o52JeZJ_mtE

[@brianleechee]

Lmaoo thats funny :P Also, I actually can help with that if you actually need it. I made a video on setting up the Boss NS-2 and using your fx loop, and in my pedal chain is the legendary Metal Zone haha! But! I explain the chain from guitar, through the pedals in front of the amp, including the MT-2, and the pedals in the fx loop. Take a peek! Toss me a like

[@brandonbanks32278]

Go to Ola Englunds channel

[@StopPanakinAnakin]

Short and helpful. Thanks!

[@LeCigareVolant]

Thanks, that was quick and educational.

[@matthewscheiper6973]

Exactly the info I needed. Thank you for the help!!

[@CoredusK]

You are the savior of my tone. Kilt power!

[@pattames541]

Love your channel man! Keep it going and congrats

[@dalepal]

Good explanation and tips for extra uses for the FX loop other than modulation effects.

[@kevinfarrin4728]

thank you very much something i really needed to know.

[@efrdman2008]

Very easy to understand. Thanks!

[@awonderingoneil206]

This is detailed, I now how to use the FX loop, just didn't no why it exists, thanks.

[@sussezqt.1439]

Thanks so much! New to all of this. Big help!

[@tanz5229]

so if i just used the clean tone on the amp and used my pedals for distortion i could put the effect before the distortion to fake the fx loop amp

[@mikevolders2848]

Thanks Colin , AGAIN!

[@TheHealrod]

Thanks for clearing this out! 😎🤘🏻 now I understand how to better use my effects loop

[@Jeffrey9In4Chains]

I'm more confused than when I came in

[@FLORIDAERO]

I'm laughing hysterically. Me too.

[@FLORIDAERO]

Started ok, but half way true things went south.

[@pedalesanimaldemos]

are you dumb or something?

[@GoldenGateNum9]

*Just read the manual.*

[@markgowans]

@@GoldenGateNum9 We're guys. We dont read manuals :)

[@OurTimeIsNowBand]

Holy shit, thank you. I just got a tube amp and was lost. I appreciate it.

[@Sanders83]

Hi Colin, would really love to see a video detailing interface boxes and recording options, including things like Phantom Power.

[@JohnnyGuitarRocks]

Best explanation I've ever heard!

[@ManCalledMif]

Thanks for the very helpful video. Would you recommend the use of compressors in the fx loop?

[@warrenwilliams6212]

Thanks! Great video with lots of information!

[@michaelsteven1090]

Excellent..I didn't know this stuff but I'm still a great Texas style boogie player..so thanks. :)

[@Jasonmakesvideo]

loop stations are great in the fx loop as well! you can make loops with clean AND dirty channel parts. .somewhat

[@imdaveperkins]

I learned things. Thank you.

[@tysongalloway5700]

Great explanation my friend

[@Omen7grind]

Never had a more fun time feeling like a dummy than in this vid. Cleared shit up immensely.

[@ashthegreat1]

Good man for constantly reiterating not to run a tubes without the cab plugged in....

[@froggore52]

Two questions: 1) How much is that t shirt? 2) Give it to me.

[@alkiss]

Just commenting because i want to learn too

[@lupusocra]

Shirt is by finnish grindcore band Rotten Sound. www.warlordclothing.com/stores/rotten-sound/rotten-sound-5.html

[@w.rustylane5650]

If you use a Crate stereo Power Block 150 watt amp head, you will need 2 sets of TRS 1/4" stereo to Y mono 1/4" jacks. This will enable you to use 2 effects loops in the amp head. I love my Crate. This is the first time I've ever had a stereo amp head. It also has stereo RCA input jacks so you can input a CD/Turntable/Cassette to play along with some pre-recorded music. Did I say I love my Crate?

[@JJMusicworksSWE]

"Let me explain this in 100mph." (Watches again in 0.75.)

[@JJMusicworksSWE]

@@MostlyLost I´ll give that a shot ;)

[@lfader]

@@MostlyLost killin' me😂😂😂

[@heathbarnhart1092]

For a different sound stick an OD or distortion in the FX loop. I have a DOD Grunge that sounds terrible in front of the amp, but is amazing in the loop and basically gives a third channel.

[@honestmicky]

Excellent video, thanks for posting, much appreciated : )

[@fredbloggs2206]

Great explanation. Many thanks.

[@whoracle82]

This is really helpful.thanks man!