Signal Path for Guitar Pedals and Audio Effects

Hello Sonic Manipulators

In this blog post I will explore the considerations relating to signal path processing for audio effects predominantly focussing on guitar pedals. Most of us can relate to having that guitar player friend with a 'mission control' looking command centre full of tone manipulating gadgets; however, to chart into original compelling tones you dont have to break the budget to fill your pedal board rack with the latest 'space ship controlling' equipment. Often less is more when it comes to layering effects, because every pedal that sits in the signal path to your amp will color your sound and affect the signal even when bypassed.



Source: wodumedia.com, The Tom Green Show.

Before I get into signal path theory, it is appropriate for me to note that many guitar players are diverse in their approach to maximize tone, this is meant to be a guide, so when it comes down to it trust your ears and break some rules. This guide will help you break some rules with confidence. You may hear some killer tones taking the backwards approach!

Quick Theory Note: Think of your signal like a cooking recipe for delcious tones that has an order of operations to achieve concieved results. The order in which you add elements to the chain will be cummulatives in their effect to the final product (the sound that comes out of your amp.)

Choosing the Input path for your effects:

If your guitar amp is fitted with an effects sends and return signal chain I would highly suggest using this path for your pedal board; this option will allow you a clean direct signal for your over drive and clean channels allowing you to dis-engage your pedal board if you choose to use amp direct FX. You can also use the effects channel as a boost for solo'ing with solo specific effects or simply just dry (without FX).

Courtesy of louisvillemusic.org

First up in the signal chain!


Tuning Pedals: I always recommend using the guitar tuner for the first pedal in your signal chain. Tuners work most accurately with a clean signal that is not colored by additional effects.

Wah Pedals and Filters: These guitar effects are triggered dynamically by signal attack so it would make the most sense to add them here in the chain.

Courtesy of MusiciansFriend.com

Compression: Compressing your signal hear will allow the effected signal to reach the other effect pedals with optimal signal levels, maximizing the clarity of FX down the signal chain. This is a great way to tame the swellls that come out of your Wah pedal so they are sweet and not over bearing.

Over-drive and distortion pedals: 

These mighty pedals will colour your sound with gritty heavyness and additional gain; further, they add harmonics to your signal that can really add complexities travelling through the rest of your effects.

Modular FX section:

This section of the pedal board is highly objective and can influence your tonality in many diverse ways, which complete is dependant on the sort of style you are hoping to achieve. The pedals have the most character in this place of the signal chain. Modulation pedals such as: Flanger, Chorus, Phaser Etc.

Last in the signal chain:

Delay: This is the optimal spot for delay units. Having the delay record (and play back) all the elements of your tone from your pedals at this stage, will ensure that you dont loose any characteristics from your other pedals in your delayed sounds. If you engage the looping trigger—that many delay pedals are equipped with these days—You can shift gears into your distortion pedals for solo without affecting the looping signal.

Reverb: Reverb pedals are spatially constructing your guitar tones final image, it always sounds the best at the end of your signal chain. Feeding a reverb signal through all the rest of your pedals is a sure way to "muddy" up your sound. The spacial response from the reverb pedal at the end of the chain will react brilliantly with volume pedals and other pedals that manipulate the signal amplitude of your guitar tone.


Get out there and Experiment fellow axe slinger!

Courtesy of Boss

This is a starting point so get out to your jam space and experiment with your tone using these tried and true tips to maximize your guitars euphonic qualities.

All this writing about guitar pedals has seriously motivated me to grab a new pedal myself today. I am gonna go buy me the Boss DD-20 Digital Delay unit. I'll post on how it works in my rig next week. Cheers!