Mesa parallel loop - line level?

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cellardweller

cellardweller

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Does the below sound like a plausible explanation and fix for the problem I've had with my DD20 gigadelay in my Mesa solo 50 effects loop?
groovadelic over at boogieboard said:
I think I know what it is and I have the same problem with my Line 6 DL4. The parallel loop is "Line Level" +10db. It is a hotter signal than "instrument level" effects (-4db) such as the Boss DD-20 and the Line 6 DL4. Line level is what is used for more of the rack effect processors that you would use produce a wet signal, using the parallel loop as the dry. The instrument level effects are those that you put on the floor designed to be compatible into the front end (preamp stage) of the amp - they are designed exclusively to rely on the "mix" control on the unit to mix the wet and dry.

The problem then is the amount of signal being sent out of the effects send. The quick fix, if this is the problem, is an Ebtech 2-channel line level shifter. This will convert line level into instrument level and vice versa.

I personally think the design of a line level parallel loop is worthless for most players. I plan on getting a line level shifter and velcro-ing it to the back-inside of the amp cabinet and plugging the amp send in channel 1 and return in channel 2 (+10db) and then plugging my delay pedal input in channel 1 and output in channel 2 (-4db).
Click to expand...
As some may remember from previous threads, my dd20 makes a thud thud thud sound which increases in volume until it is unbearably loud! The "thud thud" is in time with the tempo.

*EDIT* Just to clarify~ The implied fix being the ebtech 2 channel line level shifter.
 
$.02

while esentially correct on the line level idea i've found the guys at mesa to be pretty sharp about who's gonna end up doing what to this thing... isnt there a drive(volume) controll for the loop?? no reason ya cant use the stepdown tranny though wont hurt... as to the thud thud thing though are ya sure it follows the tempo??? that's real weird... often in tube amps thats what is refered to as "motorboating" and in personal experience its usually a sign of a coupling cap thats changed value and acting as a severe low pass filter...
 
Motorboating explained!

I'd always wondered what they were talking about "motorboating"!

I've used another digitech delay in the effect loop without this problem.

Yes, the "thud thud" slows down when I reduce the tempo.

Any recommended course of action to prove/rule out the coupling cap?
 
The effects loop on my Mesa DC-3 seems to operate around "consumer" line level, which is -10 dBV. (Opposed to "pro" line level, which is +4dBu).
 
coupling cap

Can anyone provide further details as to what might be expected when a coupling cap goes bad?

Would this be intermittent?
Would turning the feedback rate on an external pedal cause the defect to be "magnified" or louder?
 
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