Effects loops are standard on many Peavey guitar amplifier heads. This includes several flagship models, such as the Peavey 3120, Windsor and Joe Satriani Signature Amplifier (JSX). They are standard options on custom amps. The effects loop allows guitarists to instantly and simultaneously turn on or off a chain of guitar effects. In addition, the guitar amp effects loop bypasses the effects chain when turned off. The effects loop is used in the same way on all Peavey amps with this feature.
Things You'll Need:
- Peavey Amp Foot Switch
- Effects Cables (One Less Than The Number Of Effects)
- Peavey Guitar Amp (With Effects Loop)
- Guitar Effects
- 2 Guitar Cables
Connect the guitar effects to be used in the effects loop together with effects cables. Guitar or instrument cables can be substituted, but the shorter length of effects cables reduces clutter. The output port of each guitar effect is connected to the input port of the next effect in the chain. The only open ports should be the input port of the first effect and output port of the last effect in the chain.
Connect a guitar cable to the “Send” port on the back of the Peavey guitar amplifier. This port will be under a label indicating “Effects” that includes all of the ports and level controls for the effects loop. Connect the other end of the cable to the input port of the first effect in the effects loop.
Connect a guitar cable to the “Receive” port on the back of the guitar amp. Connect the other end of the cable to the output port of the last effect in the effect loop.
Turn the “Send Level” knob to 10. Turn the “Receive Level” knob to 0. This is not the only useful setting for these level knobs, but it is the most common.
Turn on the guitar amp.
Press the “Effect Bypass” on the Peavey amp foot switch to toggle the effects loop on and off. The light above the foot switch is lit when the effects loop of the guitar amp is active.
Tip
Turning the send and receive level knobs both to 10 will give the Peavey amp a slight volume boost when the effects loop is in use.
Guitar tuner pedals should generally not be placed in the effects loop. These work most effectively when directly connected to the guitar.
Writer Bio
Matthew Anderson started as a writer and editor in 2003. He has written content used in a textbook published by Wiley Publishing, among other publications. Anderson majored in chemical engineering and has training in guitar performance, music theory and song composition.
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