Mesa/Boogie MARK IIC+ - Page 9

Here are some general guidelines/hints as to what most often goes where for the optimum performance
from your pedals and eects processors, as well as your amplifier:
1. Front: Compressors, wah pedals, envelope followers/filters, octave pedals, boost pedals, some EQ
pedals, overdrive, Distortion, and fuzz generally want to be in-line between your instrument and the
amplifier’s Input, i.e. “in the front.”
2. Rear: Time-based eects such as reverb, delay, chorus, phase, flange, most harmonizers, and most
EQs usually work best in the amplifier’s Eects Loop with the SEND feeding the first Eect’s INPUT and
the RETURN accepting the last processor’s OUTPUT. In other words, “in the rear.”
The above are merely suggestions and general schemes. You may find your preferences dier from these,
but if they are of good quality, these categories of processors and eects should often work well in these
locations in your signal chain.
NOTE: Many reputable cable manufacturers make cable bundles that support this split wiring (Front/Rear)
format and make it much easier to route your processing in this way. This method of interfacing eects is
most often referred to as the “4 Cable” method. Looking into a bundle like this may save you time and help
you get optimum performance from your amplifier and eects.
NOTE: Ultimately, anything and everything you put into your signal path has the potential to impact your
Tone. We recommend using good-quality processing, and that you try it with your amplifier if possible
before committing to a purchase. Pricing can be one indicator of quality, but not always of compatibility, so
the best way to assess an addition to your signal path is to try it with your amplifier and let your ears and
hands be the judge.
• Straight-In is Best – Buer the Rest! When using a Pedal setup on your front end (between the guitar and
the amp’s INPUT), keep in mind that EVERYTHING you put in your signal path aects the sound. You’ve
chosen a high-end, professional instrument in your new amplifier and it stands to reason that your guitar
is likely of similar quality. Try not to compromise that discernment by placing devices that are of lesser
integrity in the signal path.
If you do have a string of pedals you rely on for boost, overdrive, wah, compression, and other eects
on your front end, we suggest employing a buer in your signal chain to make sure you keep levels and
impedances at their optimum and avoid excess cable capacitance created in all the additional wiring. Buers
are small, aordable devices readily available through many reputable companies, including MESA/Boogie.
Your Tone will be well-served if you employ one to mitigate any loss incurred by the addition of your front-
end processors and subsequent cabling.
• Loop Insurance! Cabling quality is also important on “the rear” of your signal chain in the Eects Loop.
Here as well, use good quality shielded audio cable to prevent degradation in your Tone and noise. Even
though the signal is buered in the Eects Loop, it is still a good idea to use good-quality cabling of the
shortest length possible. This patch point between the preamp and power section is a sensitive place in
the amplifier’s circuit and anything you introduce here has the potential to change the sound.
• Processing: Choose Wisely! Select the pedals and processors you wish to interface with the Eects Loop
with the same discretion used on your front end (Input).
Since the patch point between the preamp and power amp is a sensitive place in the signal chain and the
quality of what you place at this junction will ultimately aect the signal for better or worse, it’s important
to match your amp’s level of quality with processors of similar quality. Price is somewhat an indicator of
quality, but not always as indicative of compatibility.
We suggest taking whatever processors you intend to buy home to try…or taking your amplifier to the shop
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