Effects Loop

[kd]

I built a ODS 101 non HRM clone awhile back, including the send-return jacks for a dumblelator. I've never used an effects loop and was wondering, can I just plug a pedal between the send-return jacks and use it that way or does it require the use of the dumbleator to work properly?

Also, I play blues and blues rock with this amp, I don't play jazz at all. Would it be beneficial for me to build a dumbleator for my application?

Thanks,
Ken

[Structo]

Supposedly you can plug in a reverb or delay pedal with short cables and it will work.
I never tried it.
I installed a Ironsounds SS loop when I first built the amp and used it like that for quite a while but there was something missing.
Those only have a 30v swing so I felt like I was getting some clipping with that loop.

So a couple months ago I built a D'lator and it is very cool.
This was the final ingredient to get the goods with this amp.

It's a pretty simple project and is very much worth while.
You can either buy a transformer from Brandon or do like I did and use a Fender Stand Alone PT.
I have some schematics and layouts if you like.

Recently another member posted the schematics to change the loop to parallel which is only a few more parts. It has a series/ parallel switch so you can choose either mode and a bypass switch to check your amp levels.

No, it isn't just for Jazz players. It really compliments the ODS style amp.
If you build the version with the extra Return level pot you can use that as a master volume.
So you can dial in some tasty low volume tone with as much compression as you want. Or kick them up a notch for gig level performance.

A very big +1 on the tube loop.

[Tonegeek]

Many builders think the dumblator being in the circuit adds some mojo to the sound whether you use effects or not. I agree and build mine into the amp. YMMV.

[kd]

Thanks for the replies fellas. I guess a dumblelator build is in my future.

I have some schematics and layouts if you like.

I was following your dumblelator thread and got the schematics from there. Also read through Brandon's thread awhile back.

Is the dumblelator hooked up to the amp just using regular guitar cables?

[Structo]

Yes.
On my setup since I used a much larger enclosure (which I may change in the future) I currently have it sitting on top of the amp head.
So I use two short patch cables like you do to connect pedals together from the amp to the loop.
Then I run two cables to my pedal board for the send and return.
I just got a new cable snake today (thanks Deric) so I am going to start using that.

There has been some talk about the effects of long cables on the amps tone so there are a couple things that should be considered when doing this.

I installed the resistor/ cap network ( 220K/250pf) on the Send jack in the amp plus installed a 30pf or 47pf cap (can't remember) across the Master Volume to counter any high end loss from cables.
You can see this network on the layout and schematic for #124.

These can be adjusted to taste. Many report they did not install the network on the jack. I have been meaning to test that with a test lead at some point by bypassing it to see what it actually adds or takes away but I haven't done that yet.

A couple things that were told to me was get the cathode voltage on the cathode follower to around 30-31v and get the plate voltage for the Return amp around at least 200v.
Tubes as usual can make all the difference in tone and in voltages.

Good luck, it's a fun project.

[Bob-I]

I built a ODS 101 non HRM clone awhile back, including the send-return jacks for a dumblelator. I've never used an effects loop and was wondering, can I just plug a pedal between the send-return jacks and use it that way or does it require the use of the dumbleator to work properly?

Also, I play blues and blues rock with this amp, I don't play jazz at all. Would it be beneficial for me to build a dumbleator for my application?

Thanks,
Ken

Pedals don't tend to take the level of the loop well and can suck the tone out. The exception to the rule seems to be any pedal with a line level input and higher than normal voltage. I use a TC electronics Nova delay, which has a line level input and runs on 15VDC. It's fine in the loop.

I too play blues and classic rock with the Dumble and I find the Dumbleator really helps. My current setup is to put a Quadraverb in the D-ualtor loop and the TC Nova AFTER the Dumbleator. I plan to build a Dumbleator with 2 sends and returns so both devices can be in Dumbleator.

[bluesfendermanblues]

I plan to build a Dumbleator with 2 sends and returns so both devices can be in Dumbleator.

You probably don't need to build a new d'lator for that. Simply make a couple of Y cables and you'll be fine.