NEW VT SERIES EFFECTS LOOP MOD!

[retrobob]

FX LOOP MOD KITS are available now, mod kits and kit ordering info is here;
http://www.valvetronix.net/forums/fx-loop-mod-member-discount-how-to-order-kits-t3907.html
(edited 3-3-11 to show order link)

Designing a new Effects Loop Mod for the newer VT 15 / 30 / 50 series amps. The loop will be pre-wired and the wires will plug into the amp. No soldering will be required! REALLY, you won't need a soldering iron at all!

Two options could be available;

1). Pre-wired components that install inside your amp with a harness that plugs into place (no soldering), requires drilling holes in the back of the chassis for the new jacks. This is an easy installation, in most cases it can be installed in less than an hour using a power drill and simple hand tools.

2). Stand alone unit! This option really excites me! It will come with a new back panel (wood black finished) that replaces your existing back speaker panel with the loop mounted on the inside of the panel on a recessed plate, you simply run the cable harness inside the amp, plug it into place and install the new back panel. No Soldering, No Drilling, this option could not be easier and in most cases it will take less than ten minutes to install using only a philips screwdriver.

VT 30 loop mod.jpg (650.39 KiB) Viewed 9421 times

Preliminary costs suggests it to be be around $50.00 +/- for the pre-wired (option #1), probably between $75.00 and $100.00 for stand alone (option #2).

Is anyone interested?

[Voxman]

Sounds brilliant! Just posted a link for you on the Vox forum to try & drum up some interest for you:

http://www.voxamps.com/forum/topic.php? ... post-12202

Rich

(PS - Bob, posted a 2nd Night Train demo under vids, clips section - let me know what you think?)

[sjenkins42]

This would have been fantastic as to not screw up my vt30

It's a learning experience though, no worries.

[retrobob]

Thanks Rich!

And thanks also to the many who have reached out and shared their journey with me. It is through your questions that ideas like this one are inspired.

[DPXMED]

Will you be able to incorporate the MP3/cd mod too??

[retrobob]

Here are the early renditions of what the rear plate could look like.

VT loop plates.jpg (150.14 KiB) Viewed 9158 times

Currently, it looks like there will be three choices. each available in option #1 or option #2;

A). Loop only, includes Send, Return, Speaker Mute / Cabinet Simulation.

B). Loop with CD/Line Input, includes Send, Return, CD/Line In, Speaker Mute / Cabinet Simulation.

C). Loop with CD/Line Input and External Speaker Jack, includes Send, Return, CD/Line In, External Speaker, Speaker Mute / Cabinet Simulation.

If you are wondering why all three plates are the same size, it is so it can upgrade at a later date without requiring a new back panel.

I’m also considering the option of offering it in a “you cut your own back panel” (for those that are handy with a saw and want to save $$), the control plate would still be pre-wired and everything mounted to it, just cut the hole, screw it on and plug it in (just a thought for now).

[ariekanarie]

I’m also considering the option of offering it in a “you cut your own back panel” (for those that are handy with a saw and want to save $$), the control plate would still be pre-wired and everything mounted to it, just cut the hole, screw it on and plug it in (just a thought for now).

I really like the setup of this mod. With line-in and line-out it would really give added value to a VT50. I currently use an MXR M108 equalizer in front of the amp. I hope it will be more effective and a little more quiet when I can get it in the effects loop. There should be many people interested now this mod is much less intrusive to the amp in comparison to the soldering! Hope you'll be able to make enough to keep the costs down.

The last option you propose is a good idea for the overseas valvetronix fans (like me in The Netherlands). Shipping a wooden panel is probably not cheap.

[TimC]

Hmmm, very nice. If you could turn the pointers upside down for the send and line/phone sockets it might make more sense, as the pointers would look like arrows.
If you plug a CD-player in and mute the cab, does the CD signal come out through the phones as well? That's the one thing the VTs were missing really.
Like ariekanarie I might be interested in a cut your own hole kit.

[Unknown]

I would be intrested in the pre wired panel also

[retrobob]

Hmmm, very nice. If you could turn the pointers upside down for the send and line/phone sockets it might make more sense, as the pointers would look like arrows.

Good point, I'll make a note of it, it would show the signal path.

If you plug a CD-player in and mute the cab, does the CD signal come out through the phones as well? That's the one thing the VTs were missing really.

Another good point, the circuit can be constructed putting the CD input before the headphones and it makes sense to do so.

Like ariekanarie I might be interested in a cut your own hole kit.

It looks like this may become option #1 as it does not require drilling the chassis (no metal shavings to get into things), and wood chips won't cause shorts.