...cables length & buffers questions -- effects loop, and in front

[Chucho]

Hey guys!

I'd like to know your thoughts on cable lengths in the effects loop, and in front of the amp.

Currently I am running:
- 18' cable from guitar to pedal board
- probably maybe 10 feet worth of cables & boxes? (have around 10 pedals)
- and then another 10' cable from the pedal board to the amp
- the pre-amp & time-based effects are in front of the amp
- an MXR EQ is in the effects loop, connected with 1' cables, and the EQ is sitting ontop of the amp


I want to:
- run the time based effects & EQ in the effects loop, these then would be connected using much longer cables
- run the pre-amp pedals on the pedal board, separately, into the front of the amp as per usual, using the 18' & 10' cables
- can get a switcher http://www.loop-master.com/ and buffer if it would help http://www.wamplerpedals.com/other-e...an-buffer.html


Questions:
- around how much cable can you have in front of the amp without affecting the signal much?
- around how much cable can you have in the effects loop without affecting the signal much?
- at what point does one need a buffer? anyone have experience with a buffer?

- what is YOUR arrangement & cable lengths? ...does anyone else have 30-40 foot long effects loop cables??

I've read some articles etc, but I'm not much of a tech, so now I'm just going in circles and my brain is frying, and I'm not really making progress. It would be great if you guys could help me sort this out ...and of course, PLEASE show me your pedal boards to help me with ideas

Thanks guys, and have a great day

[Chucho]

...aahhh here's what I found for effects loops -->> cable length in effects loop not huge issue, keep them as short as possible, 20' is ok

"...The signal coming from your effects loop send is going to be very low impedance compared to what you'll see in front of the amp, and consequently any tone-suck from the cable run will be greatly minimized..."

"...The loop signal is ‘tube buffered’ meaning that the signal going to the effects can handle long cable runs and it ensures that the effect will not ‘load’ or unnecessarily degrade the signal from the amp. Return buffering does essentially the reverse: it will boost the signal if necessary after a long cable run and it isolates the loop signal from the rest of the amp so that the signals are well matched and noise is kept to a minimum..."

http://www.mackamps.com/effects-loop-article/

[loudmusic1234]

The more cable you use the more it is going to degrade your signal. As you add gain you add noise. Any pedal without a true bypass will change your tone. These are facts not opinions.

That said, use high quality cable and learn to make your own cords. I use 3 conductor mic cable with black and shield going to ground.

If you really want to go for it, use XLR cables with a transformer at each end. You can run 1000 feet with no signal loss.

[Chucho]

The more cable you use the more it is going to degrade your signal. As you add gain you add noise. Any pedal without a true bypass will change your tone. These are facts not opinions.

That said, use high quality cable and learn to make your own cords. I use 3 conductor mic cable with black and shield going to ground.

If you really want to go for it, use XLR cables with a transformer at each end. You can run 1000 feet with no signal loss.

Thx, I'm going to look into it!