Delay pedals are one of the most popular effects pedals among guitarists. They can be used to create a variety of sounds, from subtle echoes to long, swirling reverberations. But where should you put your delay pedal in your signal chain?
There are two main schools of thought on this topic: some people believe that delay pedals should be placed in the effects loop, while others believe that they should be placed in front of the amp.
Arguments for putting delay in the effects loop:
- Placing delay in the effects loop allows you to keep your distortion pedals out of the way of the delay effects. This is because distortion pedals can often muddy up the sound of delay pedals, especially if they are placed before them in the signal chain.
- Placing delay in the effects loop allows you to have more control over the overall sound of your delay effects. For example, you can use the amp’s preamp gain and EQ to shape the sound of your distortion pedals, and then use the delay pedal in the effects loop to add modulation and delay effects without affecting the overall gain or EQ of your sound.
Arguments for putting delay in front of the amp:
- Placing delay in front of the amp allows you to interact with the delay effects more directly. For example, you can use the delay pedal to create a “slapback” echo that you can play along with.
- Placing delay in front of the amp can give you a more organic sound. This is because the delay effects will be affected by the amp’s distortion, which can create a more complex and textured sound.
Which is the best option?
The best way to decide whether to put your delay pedal in the effects loop or not is to experiment with both and see what sounds best to you. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best option for you will depend on your individual preferences and the type of music you play.
Here are some general recommendations:
- If you use a lot of distortion pedals, you may want to put your delay pedal in the effects loop.
- If you want to have more control over the overall sound of your delay effects, you may want to put your delay pedal in the effects loop.
- If you want to interact with the delay effects more directly, you may want to put your delay pedal in front of the amp.
- If you want a more organic sound, you may want to put your delay pedal in front of the amp.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to experiment with both and see what sounds best to you.
I hope this article helps you decide which option is best for you.
