Question on Zero Loss and FX loops in general

[Drifting]

I've always been a little bit in the dark about effects loops, as I've never had an amp with one before, and was wondering if you guys could give me a general idea.

I notice people do not run all of their effects in the Loop generally, only specific pedals, such as delays.
Is this because of inherent noise issues/artifacts with certain pedals/devices?

I have a delay that I'm totally in love with, but it has white noise that comes with it, and can become irritating. Would a loop likely remedy this? What would be the other benefits? I can always get a different delay that interacts with my amp better, but I'm also curious of the basic ideas of an FX loop.

I'm thinking of getting a Zero Loss for my Metro 45, and had a question about that specifically too, after glancing through the instructions.

When bypassed, is the loop totally taken out of the circuit, as if it were not there(Incase I was unhappy with the sound, although many seem satisfied with it) ?

For the holes in the back panel, is there a specific tool for this that can cut through the chassis' metal, or would a drill just be used along the printed guide?

I'm not worried about keeping the amp as a 45 would be, it's my own build, just curious.

[Structo]

I like to put any of my time based effects in the loop.
Delay, reverb, heck I even run the occasional chorus in it.

They just seem to work better there.

The loop has a bypass switch on it.

Yes use the printable template and be sure to print it out at 1:1 ratio.

When I drill into an amp that is built, I take some wide blue tape and make a sort of dam on the inside of the chassis to catch the tailings.

So yes, you need to drill three holes.
Just take your time and be real sure about it before you drill.

By all reports that loop works very well.
Read the instructions to make sure you understand how to wire it up.
You have to use a dropping resistor of the proper size to connect it to the power supply.

[Drifting]

Thanks structo,

Even if it doesn't have any effect on the noise of I'm getting from the delay, it will be nice for the future. Thanks for the reassurance otherwise, the drilling is really what I'm most worried about...

And thanks, I remember reading about the specified resistor for each amp.

[Drifting]

Okay update,

I tried the delay in question in front of my friend's amplifier, getting the same white noise.

Totally gone once placed in the loop, looks like I'm getting a zero loss loop

[Structo]

Cool!
Yeah, sometimes you just have to experiment with effects and see what works for you.
Nothing is really etched into stone.
There are some guidelines but sometimes you just have to think outside the box.

I think you will like that loop.

[Drifting]

It's leading me to try out some AB CC's too as long as I'm going to be opening up the amp again.

Just read through the instructions too, doesn't look bad at all, hopefully I can do it in one sitting.

[Structo]

Hehehehe, the CC resistors would suit your member name!

Personally I've never been a fanboy of CC resistors or the claim of mojo from them.

The hiss, popping, crackling and value drifting is enough to keep me away from them.

If you have ever worked on an old Fender amp that had bad resistors in it you would know what I mean. But on the amps where everything has drifted in a good way it can be magic in the tone.

And, apparently the "mojo" only happens when the resistors are in a high voltage part of the circuit, which is precisely where they exhibit the noise characteristics they are known for.

But it's a simple mod and you can always reverse it if you don't care for the results.

It's all subjective anyway so you have to decide for yourself.

[Drifting]

Hehehehe, the CC resistors would suit your member name!

Personally I've never been a fanboy of CC resistors or the claim of mojo from them.

The hiss, popping, crackling and value drifting is enough to keep me away from them.

If you have ever worked on an old Fender amp that had bad resistors in it you would know what I mean. But on the amps where everything has drifted in a good way it can be magic in the tone.

And, apparently the "mojo" only happens when the resistors are in a high voltage part of the circuit, which is precisely where they exhibit the noise characteristics they are known for.

But it's a simple mod and you can always reverse it if you don't care for the results.

It's all subjective anyway so you have to decide for yourself.

Haha, isn't that the truth , but I was hoping for what you mentioned of the drifting(har har!) making for a unique sound. As long as the noise isn't unbearable, I'll probably stick with it. The only pain in the ass will be pulling out the input jacks, I hope I can manage it without removing the leads to the board.

Like you said, with the CC's, it's not a better or worse thing like mallorys v. sozo's, it's more of a difference in sound. According to what I've read, CC's are softer, as opposed to the CF's which are brighter. The only real negative against the CC is the risk of me not liking the drifting and noise.