Stomp FX loop problem with dual amps

[ORFisHome]

I am a new HX Stomp user for a couple of weeks, and I'm finding my way around everything. My signal chain is Strymon Sunset => JHS Morning Glory => HX Stomp. From the FX loop of the Stomp I go stereo (via TRS y-cable) into a Strymon Timeline then stereo into a GFI Specular Tempus and stereo return back into the FX loop return of the Stomp.

 

I'd like to build a couple of dual amp presets in the Stomp with only amps and modulation. My drives, reverb, and delay would come via the other pedals outside the Stomp.  I've run across a couple of problems.

 

First, I can get some good dual amp sounds dialed in. As soon as I add an FX loop block, however, I get a fairly noticeable volume and clarity drop. My loop is set to inst level for send and return. Everything else set to line.

 

Secondly, when I add the FX loop block, I only get stereo output if both the reverb and delay are engaged. Delay on and reverb off, right output only. Delay off and reverb on, left output only.

 

Any ideas on either? If I add an FX loop block to a downloaded preset of someone else, I get similar problems.  Am I better off simply putting the Timeline and Tempus after the Stomp and not using the FX loop at all?  Thanks so much.

[ORFisHome]

Some additional information after further experimentation.  My problems persist even when using only one amp block, though the volume and clarity drop is not as pronounced.  At the end of my chain, I'm running stereo from the Stomp into two monitors.  If I solo the left monitor, it appears it's only getting the wet signal.  The right monitor is getting the dry signal and some delay (first pedal in the loop chain) but no reverb (second pedal in the loop chain).

 

I also tried putting a splitter between my drives and the Stomp so that I'm running "stereo" into the Stomp.  This did not solve anything.  Thanks so much.

[rd2rk]

Are you using a STEREO FX Loop?

Are you using an INSERT cable (1/4" TRS> Dual 1/4" TS)? Have you tested the cable?

If you take one of the pedals completely out of the chain, do you get stereo? Again with the other?

Are you using only stereo FX after the loop? Is there a split in the chain (for the dual amps maybe)? Have you checked the MIX Block Pan/Level settings?

As for the level drop, are the Level settings in the Timeline/Tempus OK?

I don't recall the specifics offhand, but I seem to remember that there was something strange about the way the Tempus does things.

Also, the FX Loop Block has SEND and RETURN levels to accommodate such problems.

That's all I can think of right now.

[ORFisHome]

I appreciate the response.  I've checked all these things and none is the cause.  I've not heard anything about something unusual with the Tempus.  I'll have to investigate.  It's frustrating, for sure!  Thanks for your help.

[rd2rk]

So, neither of the FX are in stereo when used by themselves?

Are you wired like this:

 

Stereo FX Loop L/R Block

HXS Send Stereo>TRS>Tip TS>Effect1 Left Input

HXS Send Stereo>TRS>RING TS>Effect1 Right Input

Effect1 Left Output>Effect2 Left Input

Effect1 Right Output>Effect2 Right Input

Effect2 Left Output>HXS L/Mono Return

Effect2 Right Output>HXS Right Return

 

?

 

Attach a sample preset and I'll try to duplicate the problem on mine.

[rd2rk]

Also, there's a switch on the back of the TimeLine - is STEREO IN/OUT selected?

[ORFisHome]

All of the above check out properly and the connections are as described.  Thanks!

[rd2rk]

The last thing I can think of to try.

Take the TS ends of your Insert cable and connect them directly to the Left and Right Returns.

If you get stereo, the problem is NOT the HXS.

If not, then, assuming that you've tested the insert cable for continuity, it's your external FX  or the preset that you've decided not to attach for analysis.

At that point you can open a support ticket so that the support tech can tell you to attach the preset for analysis.

[ORFisHome]

I will do a test with the cables this evening and report back.  As I mentioned in my original post, the problem I'm experiencing occurs with any preset whether someone else's or my own.  If I put an FX loop block in a preset, the problem crops up.  Thanks for continuing to try to help.

[ORFisHome]

I appreciate everyone trying to help me solve this.  After pulling apart my board and trying every conceivable cable and combination of ins and outs for testing, I've determined that the issue is with the Specular Tempus receiving a stereo signal.  Whenever a stereo signal is sent to the Tempus, it splits the output into a wet and a dry signal back.  I'll look elsewhere for a solution to that!  Thanks!