There are three variants of effects devices that can be integrated into the parallel effects loop of the AMP1. Depending on the type of effects device involved, there are different causes for a thin sound or a loss of volume when the FX loop is activated.

1. Analog pedals with direct component

If the direct component of the effects device is phase-shifted (example product: Xvive V5), the direct signal is canceled. These can be up to 100%. If, on the other hand, the direct component of the effects device is in phase (example product: MXR Carbon Copy), there is no problem.

2. Digital devices with analog mix

If the direct component of the effects device is phase-shifted, the direct signal is canceled, see above. During our research, we did not find any product with these properties. Do you know any? Let us know, we are curious!
If the direct component of the effects device is in phase (example product: BOSS DD3), there is no problem again.

3. Digital devices with digital mix

The unavoidable latency caused by the conversion leads to phase shifts. The result is a hollowing out of the sound. Example product: Zoom G1XOn.

Solution: Set the FX loop to serial

In all of these cases, you can remedy this by simply setting the AMP1's effects loop to serial .