Robben Ford Discussion

phaseinverter · New Member Joined: 25 Apr 2004 Posts: 4

Hello David
I recently saw Robben at the Ramshead here in Maryland and really dug the show, the Ramshead is so much more personal than the Birchmere. Robben played well as always and the version of Cannonball was jaw dropping. I didn't get a chance to talk to you much after the show I know you guys like to get things packed quickly. I was wondering if the Dumbleator run into a seperiate effects loop in the amp or if it just ran straight to the input of the amp. Just wondering?.

renico00 · Member Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 32

The effects loop in Robben's ODS is just input/output. The Dumbleator is a tube buffered loop which provides a low impedance output with gain controls, a bright switch, and a recovery stage. (The Dumbleator is plugged into the ODS loop -- not the front end of the amp.)Without one, the effects loop would be almost useless. Many of the Dumlbe-type amps out today (TR, Fuchs, etc.) have built in buffered effects loops. If you're looking to get ahold of something similar there are many choices: Bruno makes one (expensive), there's a Vox thing from many years ago (can't remember the model number), a guy in Europe was building something similar.....

Jeff

juspasinby2003 · Senior Member Joined: 18 Dec 2003 Posts: 255

Aeolian · Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 12:31 pm Post subject:

So, is the Dumble a series or parallel effects loop? Series might explain the importance of the 2290 and given that the Dumblator has level settings on it, also explain the relatively high master volume settings on the amp. Awhile back a friend showed me the trick of using an Alesis MicroVerb in the series loop of a Boogie to make a useful master volume since the Boogie is very interdependent between the lead master and the overall master settings (turning the amp master up and down affects the relative levels of the clean and lead channels until the master is turned up to ridiculous levels). Both of my Fuchs' have a similar effect but not anywhere as dramatic. Finding one of these Vox units might be the high end ticket for folks with Boogies and other channel switchers that are a hassle to keep balanced.
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juspasinby2003 · Senior Member Joined: 18 Dec 2003 Posts: 255

Aeolian,
The Dumble has a series loop - preamp out, power amp in. I've never seen or heard of one with a parallel loop.

Aeolian · Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 3:18 pm Post subject:

JingChiFan · Member Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 44

Actually the G-Force does exactly that. It has a "virtual parallel" circuitry (if you set it up that way), that let's the original signal through, and let's you dial up the effected signal to taste. Still too rich for my blood, even a used one, but it's the ticket, if you want multi effects and parallel control out of a serial loop...

Here's a guy (Rodenberg Amplification) who makes something very similar to what we're talking about here:

http://www.flexamp.com/newsite_eng/flexloop/flexloop_pic15.htm
http://www.flexamp.com/newsite_eng/flexloop/flexloop_pic17.htm
http://www.flexamp.com/newsite_eng/flexloop/flexloop_pic20.htm

Cheers,
Mike

renico00 · Member Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 32

The FlexLoop is a great example of a similar product. The FlexLoop has a few more features: switchable return levels and series/parallel switch with mix level.

Aeolian:
The ODS has a series loop, but it is only input/output jacks without any buffering or level controls. The Dumbleator is also series. It can be used a master volume or sorts. If the loop is between the clean and the OD, then it can only be used as a clean master; however, if the loop is post OD, then it can be used an overall master volume. (This example pertains to a clean/od cascaded design such as the ODS -- will not be relevant in all circumstances such as those with two completely separate clean/od channels).

Side note: These types of loops can impart a certain tonal change and many find that even if they're not using anything in the loops they will patch it and always have it in the signal.

Jeff

juspasinby2003 · Senior Member Joined: 18 Dec 2003 Posts: 255

JingChiFan · Member Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 44

Absolutely true, and that's why the Two-Rock Custom and Custom Reverb can sound/feel so great -- tube buffered serial loop. I wonder what would happen if I put a flexloop in that loop? I'd regain parallel-ality (new word), ability to put pedals in the loop, (like a T-Rex Replica that I'm jonesing for) and get (yet) another tone shape-able gain stage. Are these Flexloops and others like them very quiet?

Mike

juspasinby2003 · Senior Member Joined: 18 Dec 2003 Posts: 255

Aeolian · Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 1:40 am Post subject:

The power supply looks like it comes from a high end stereo. That thing probably runs for 5 minutes after you turn it off Laughing

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There are no such things as wrong notes, there's only the look on your face.
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jazzyjoepass · Member Joined: 18 Apr 2004 Posts: 8

I find the FX loop on my Fuchs pretty broadband.

There was one day, I plugged in my KOCH pedaltone (4-preamp tube stompbox with multi-level output) into its returns just for fun, and I realised how well it matched.

Bill Morgan · Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 4:09 pm Post subject:

kirk95 · Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 5:12 pm Post subject: