FX loops coming to Metro.
Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 8:41 pm
FX Loop kits coming soon!
As some of you know, I've been developing a new effects loop kit for Metro kits. Very glad to say they are soon to be available through Metro. Much thanks to George for making it possible to get these out to you.
This is an entirely new loop, designed specially for Metro kits and specifically with these classic Marshall circuits in mind. The idea here was to make a loop that truly left the tone, and just as importantly the "feel", of a cranked Super Lead unchanged. To not be able to hear any difference at all. Those with fine tuned ears know that's not an easy task. Even "good" loops are still audible or effect the feel in some way. You work very hard to achieve a certain tone, a loop should NOT change that. A tube loop may "sound good", but an ideal loop should not "sound" at all - the goal of this new loop.
There is nothing else out there like this loop, it's a new design using unique high voltage devices that actually run at high voltage. These little devices operate much like an "ideal" tube, but without all the drawbacks of a real tube (i.e. installing and wiring up a new socket, potential heater hum, tube noise, limited gain, lack of headroom, "coloration", etc..). Hundreds of volts of actual signal (way more than needed) can be buffered to true guitar/pedal level, then returned just as strong as where it started- distortion free. This is something no 12A-7 tube loop could do, forget about your typical SS loops. These devices will not clip the original signal, will not add distortion or compress the tone in your Metro amp. Even the signal phase is preserved through the loop.
To handle the extremely stringent demands these loops had to pass, these special high voltage SS devices were the absolute best choice. Nothing else comes close.
A bit about the specs now:
The loops are simple series loops and are set at a -10dBV level out (max). Designed to work with pedals primarily. Rack units may work fine, but check your gear's specs. Outboard gear requiring higher signal levels (0dB or higher) will impart it's own noise on the signal unacceptably, so won't be a good match for these loops. There are no send or return controls to worry about here, it's meant to be very simple to use. The switch is a true bypass switch, meaning the loop circuit is 100% bypassed. Kit boards are fully assembled, pre-tested and pre-adjusted. Only require simple install which will be a breeze for those that have built a kit. Manual tweaking of the level is possible via a small trimmer on the board to fine tune to your amp if needed.
The board is compact, supported fully by the loop jacks themselves only, so no need for any standoffs. Fits directly inside any Metro kit, small chassis or large. Boards incorporate through-plated holes, with pads on top and bottom sides, kind of like mini turrets for the parts. The copper traces and pads are extra thick as well, so they are designed with long term durability and reliability in mind. The board bottom is a ground plane which acts as a shield to the parts below, another strong advantage of a PCB design. Kits contain everything need for install, tools and solder aside.
Detailed installation instructions are available HERE for board revisions 1B-2B, HERE for board revision 3A. These instructions should be in the Wiki section eventually. You'll find the install is very simple and straightforward. These kits are suitable for any Metro style kit, JTM45 through 2203/2204. Instructions will be updated more specifically for JTM45 and 50 watt kit installations soon. Template/s mentioned in instructions are HERE and HERE.
I'd appreciate any forum members that are currently using one of these loops to share opinions on them here.
Last note for now, George and I are trying to figure out what to call these loops, a name that gets the uniqueness and transparency ideas across, so if anyone has any ideas, let em fly.
As some of you know, I've been developing a new effects loop kit for Metro kits. Very glad to say they are soon to be available through Metro. Much thanks to George for making it possible to get these out to you.
This is an entirely new loop, designed specially for Metro kits and specifically with these classic Marshall circuits in mind. The idea here was to make a loop that truly left the tone, and just as importantly the "feel", of a cranked Super Lead unchanged. To not be able to hear any difference at all. Those with fine tuned ears know that's not an easy task. Even "good" loops are still audible or effect the feel in some way. You work very hard to achieve a certain tone, a loop should NOT change that. A tube loop may "sound good", but an ideal loop should not "sound" at all - the goal of this new loop.
There is nothing else out there like this loop, it's a new design using unique high voltage devices that actually run at high voltage. These little devices operate much like an "ideal" tube, but without all the drawbacks of a real tube (i.e. installing and wiring up a new socket, potential heater hum, tube noise, limited gain, lack of headroom, "coloration", etc..). Hundreds of volts of actual signal (way more than needed) can be buffered to true guitar/pedal level, then returned just as strong as where it started- distortion free. This is something no 12A-7 tube loop could do, forget about your typical SS loops. These devices will not clip the original signal, will not add distortion or compress the tone in your Metro amp. Even the signal phase is preserved through the loop.
To handle the extremely stringent demands these loops had to pass, these special high voltage SS devices were the absolute best choice. Nothing else comes close.
A bit about the specs now:
The loops are simple series loops and are set at a -10dBV level out (max). Designed to work with pedals primarily. Rack units may work fine, but check your gear's specs. Outboard gear requiring higher signal levels (0dB or higher) will impart it's own noise on the signal unacceptably, so won't be a good match for these loops. There are no send or return controls to worry about here, it's meant to be very simple to use. The switch is a true bypass switch, meaning the loop circuit is 100% bypassed. Kit boards are fully assembled, pre-tested and pre-adjusted. Only require simple install which will be a breeze for those that have built a kit. Manual tweaking of the level is possible via a small trimmer on the board to fine tune to your amp if needed.
The board is compact, supported fully by the loop jacks themselves only, so no need for any standoffs. Fits directly inside any Metro kit, small chassis or large. Boards incorporate through-plated holes, with pads on top and bottom sides, kind of like mini turrets for the parts. The copper traces and pads are extra thick as well, so they are designed with long term durability and reliability in mind. The board bottom is a ground plane which acts as a shield to the parts below, another strong advantage of a PCB design. Kits contain everything need for install, tools and solder aside.
Detailed installation instructions are available HERE for board revisions 1B-2B, HERE for board revision 3A. These instructions should be in the Wiki section eventually. You'll find the install is very simple and straightforward. These kits are suitable for any Metro style kit, JTM45 through 2203/2204. Instructions will be updated more specifically for JTM45 and 50 watt kit installations soon. Template/s mentioned in instructions are HERE and HERE.
I'd appreciate any forum members that are currently using one of these loops to share opinions on them here.
Last note for now, George and I are trying to figure out what to call these loops, a name that gets the uniqueness and transparency ideas across, so if anyone has any ideas, let em fly.