Standalone effects loop?

[Kiichi]

Hey guys,
there is something I have been wondering about for some time now: Is it possible to build a standalone effects loop and if yes, how hard is it?

Thing is that I love my Tiny Terror, but I would still love to have an effects loop. What I was thinking is that it may be possible to construct a box that takes the output from the amp, takes it down to line level so I can put stuff like a delay in there, and then pumps it back up.
The only such device I am aware of is the Badcat Unleash. It has been mentioned here, but I have not heard anyone here (read anyone I really trust) review it in any real way.

So as we also have amp builders around I was wondering if they could shed some light on this for me. I realize that it would be quite hard to build it and get it right as it essentially is attenuator and poweramp in one box that should not affect tone...well come to think of it, maybe throw a tube on the power side of things and it might actually not be bad if it affects tone, can be good after all.

Anyhow, I am eager to hear your thoughts on the matter!

Cheers!

[Dave Sloven]

Would it be easier to have someone mod your Tiny Terror to include a loop?

[Kiichi]

Would it be easier to have someone mod your Tiny Terror to include a loop?

Perhaps, certainly a fair point. Since it is the Hardwired version though I feel that would be kinda wrong xD If it was only the normal version IŽd be more tempted.

Additionally I also have a HTH Amps 5W Fender Tweed Champ style amp which suffers the same issue. Chances are also always that I might aquire more amps without a loop and to have one box that could get that out of the way would have something going for it.

[Dmoney]

The Badcat is the only thing I know of that can do that job either. The (re)amplifying is done with a 100watt class D solid state amp in that thing. I guess you could do the same thing with valves but it would essentially be an extra complete valve amp with a built in power soak at the input I think. It would probably cost more to have that made than it would to get one of the TT's with a loop.

The only other suggestion besides adding a proper valve or SS  buffered loop to the TT itself, is to add a very very basic series interupt "loop". It's not really a loop a such, just two jack sockets to break the signal path in the amp, but then you could use something like a Dumbleator or Kleinulator for a buffered loop that is external to the amp into which you would plug your effects.

Maybe the Metro amps or Tube Town solid state loop kits will fit in there? You could look into that.
 

[blue]

The Unleash does do that, and can bump your power output up to as much as 100 watts if you want.  I have one, and it does work very well.  Of course, everyone hears these things differently, and some people will never like the sound of an attenuator and/or external power amp, even they're imagining the difference!  Basically though, the Unleash works very well and does what you're looking for.

Another option, which I did before the unleash, is to use the line out from another attenuator, and from there through effects and to a solid state power amp.  It's basically the same thing, but the Unleash is rather more elegant, all being in one box.