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Section 4
Connections
You can use a cable made by someone like HOSA here, and
these will have a TRS split into two TS 0.25" jacks, one
will be marked TIP and the other RING. Simply use TIP as
though it was SEND, and RING as though it was RETURN.
If you do have such a connection I would hesitate to use a
standard TS 0.25" cable and plug it in thinking it will act as
a
RETURN.
THIS
AMPLIFIER OR GT-3/5. Because you are connect the
amp's send to your gt-3/5 output. Check you amp's manual
before even thinking about doing this!!!
GT3/5 In Front (Mono/Stereo)
This is probably the simplest of all connection schemes
using only 2-3 cables. Simply connect the main outputs of
the GT-3/5 to your amplifier. If your amplifier only has a
single mono input then use the just LEFT main output of the
GT-3/5. Plug your guitar into the GT-3/5. If stereo is
required with mono amplifiers you can always use two
amps.
This set-up works well for Keyboard amps, or studio power
amps either into guitar cabs or full range cabs.
This is shown in the first diagram on page 10 of the GT-5
manual, or the first page 11 of the GT-3 manual.
Pros
A guitar amp's preamp is usable and colours the
sound.
Guitar amp volume controls work normally.
Simple
Cons
Extra footswitches may be required if you need to
change channels on a multi-channel guitar amp
between clean and dirty.
Extra footswitches means more foot presses unless
you use MIDI interfacing equipment or have a
MIDI controllable amplifier.
If using a guitar amplifier you cannot remove the
preamp colouration of the sound.
Effects Return (Mono/Stereo)
This is not much more complicated than the first scheme,
and is a fairly straightforward 2 or 3 cable affair.
This time, instead of connecting the GT-3/5 to the guitar
main input, connect the main outputs of the GT-3/5 to your
amplifier's RETURN socket (often to be found on the back
of the amplifier). If your amplifier only has a single mono
RETURN input then use the just LEFT main output of the
GT-3/5. Plug your guitar into the GT-3/5. Again if stereo is
required with mono amplifiers then simply use two
amplifiers.
This set-up works well where you do NOT want a guitar
amplifier's preamp to colour the sound of the guitar, as this
technique normally bypasses the preamp and plugs into the
© Copyright 2000-2002 Barry S. Pearce et al.
COULD
DAMAGE
amp immediately prior to the power amp stage. Some
amplifiers (like the Marshall Valvestate range – so I
believe) may require a dummy connector plugged into the
main guitar input before this connection method works.
This is shown in the second diagram on page 10 of the GT-
YOUR
5 manual, or the second diagram page 11 of the GT-3
manual.
Pros
Uncoloured sound from a guitar (as best as it gets
anyway)
Simple
Cons
If using a guitar amplifier you cannot obtain the
preamp colouration of the sound if desired.
The guitar amplifiers volume controls may not
work at all. In this case the GT-3/5 MUST be used
to control volume. This occurs because power
amps run at a fixed gain all the time – normally
your guitar amp controls limit the input volume to
the power amp stage. However, as you have
bypassed this by plugging into the return you may
have bypassed them!!!
Inside Amp/Other Effects Loop
(Mono/Stereo)
This set-up is probably described in your amplifier's manual
or the manual for the piece of equipment you have put the
GT-3/5 in the loop of (such as a JMP-1 or Lexicon MPX
G2). This configuration requires 3 cables for mono and 4
for stereo if using an amplifier, or 4 cables for mono and 6
cables for stereo if the device is not an amp, and you need
to connect up to an external amplifier. Stereo is only
possible with an amplifier or other device that supports
stereo.
Connect your guitar to the other device input (such
as you amp's main input).
Connect the device's loop send to the GT-3/5 main
IN.
Then take either one or two cables from the GT-
3/5's main outputs back to the returns on the
device in question. If the device is not an amplifier
run one or two cables from your device to your
amp.
Pros
Useful when the GT-3 is not a main part of a
system but more of a secondary effects device.
Useful if you want to use the GT-3 for effects
ONLY and are not really interested in the GT-3
Preamps, or distortion.
GT-3 OD/DS is still useable.
Can be easily used in a loop switching system.
Cons
Preamp of a guitar amp is not moveable in the
signal chain.
26
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