Effects Loop Send Voltage?

[CipherHost]

I have an old 80's GK 250ML SS amp. I wanted to try using the Effects Loop Send of the HD500X into the GK's guitar input and split the stereo output jack of the GK back into the Effects Loop Return of the HD500X. The GK's guitar input can not exceed 2.0 volts RMS. 

 

Anyone know the effects loop send voltage of the HD500X in both line and stomp mode?

 

Anyone know what the effects loop return voltage range of the HD500X? (I have to call GK to find out if the stereo out is line voltage.)

 

Thanks

[NucleusX]

Line level is typically around 2V.

Stomp level is typically around 100mV. 

 

Problem with what your doing, is that the amp input requires Stomp level from the

FX Loop send of the HD500X, but the FX Loop return would see a Line level signal

from the stereo out of the amp, causing a conflict with the switch setting on the FX

Loop switch on the HD500X.

 

Possible solutions.

 

1. Start with the HD500X FX Loop send and return volumes at a minimum, and then

    slowly turn them up and try to achieve a good balance without clipping.

 

2. Using the FX loop on the amp would keep it consistent. FX loops on most amps

    require stomp level signals. Switch FX Loop on POD HD500X to "stomp", done. 

    Unfortunately in this configuration, you will be restricted to mono signals only.

[CipherHost]

Thanks for the feedback NucleusX.

 

Stereo would be nice. The GK also has a head phones out but requires a 600 ohm or greater load. I don't think the POD's effects return would provide that impedance.

[pfsmith0]

The input impedance of the FX return should be much, much higher than 600 ohms. Probably more like 100k - 1M. I would not concern myself with that aspect.

[CipherHost]

Thanks pfsmith0. That is great news actually!

[NucleusX]

Another solution.

 

You could send the FX send out to the amp input, and then from the stereo out of the

amp back to the Aux input on the HD500X, instead of the FX return. Doing it this way

could allow for some interesting dual parallel path configurations, if you wanted to.

It would also leave the dry out and FX return free for another path, or side-chain !  :D

 

Although, I'm unsure wether the FX loop send or returns on the GK 250ML SS are both

mono, or mono send stereo return ? This would play a big factor in routing possibilities.

It seems to have stereo FX built-in, but that doesn't necessarily mean a stereo return. 

[CipherHost]

Yes. That is another option using the aux in but that is a mono input I believe. The Effects Loop on the GK is mono as well but it is before the internal Echo and Chorus effects. I really like the chorus on this amp and am interested in how it will sound through the Altos I bought recently.

 

Effect Loop

The effects loop, located on the rear panel is provided for the insertion

of effects. It is post EQ and pre internal effects. Using standard guitar

cords, connect the effects input to the send; the effects output to the

return. The level is 5v for full power out.

 

The headphones jack is stereo and after internal effects AND cuts off the speakers in the GK, which is good actually.The speakers still work but are original and only 6.5 inches in diameter. 

 

Once I get this into the effects loop of the POD, I will see how it sounds into the DTs as well.

 

I appreciate the help.

 

 

 

 

[CipherHost]

Just for grins:

 

 

[NucleusX]

Ahh ok, I wondered if you intended on using the built in speakers of that amp, or just the pre-amp

section, the signal path routing would differ a lot. And your welcome ! I'm a sucker for routing

discussions lol, too easy. I've never used the Aux in on my HD Pro tbh yet, but its kinda surprising

to learn that its mono only, that sux.