Tape out vs Effects loop

Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by juno6000, May 28, 2017.

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  1. juno6000

    juno6000 Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    Pembroke Pines, FL
    What is the difference between a tape out signal and an effects loop signal? Can i run a tape out from a preamp into something like an EQ and then back in to another input? Or can i run a tape out to my headphone amp input? I was told the tape out is an unattenuated signal that wont work with my headphone amp. There is not a loop. Thanks for any help with this.
     
  2. The Pinhead

    The Pinhead KING OF BOOM AND SIZZLE IN HELL

    None. Yes. Also yes. You were told wrong; it will work.
     
  3. Scott in DC

    Scott in DC Forum Resident

    Location:
    Washington, DC
    When tape decks started to fade from use some preamps had an "extrernal processor loop" which was a left/right fixed output together with an left/right input for connecting devices such a noise reduction units (such as the Burwen Research DNF1201A), equalizers, or dynamic range enhancers (dbx, etc.).

    Your statement that a tape out won't work with a headphone amp is wrong. The majority of headphone amps have a built in volume control so that you'll want to connect it to a fixed (as opposed to variable) output from your preamp. If you didn't use the fixed output into your headphone amp and used a preamp out instead then your signal would be passing through two volume controls.

    Scott
     
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