JVM410H Series/Parallel FX Loop vs Power Amp Insert Series Loop

[Dude705]

According to the JVM410H manual, the power amp insert serial loop can also be used as an effects loop. Aside from the obvious differences between the 2 loops (dry/wet knob, -10db/4db switch and the insert loop bypass/active switch), has anyone tried both for effects and what was your experience, likes, dislikes, etc. between the 2 loops? I plan on trying it but thought I’d ask in advance to see what the responses are.

I use this amp in 4 cable method.

 

[MonstersOfTheMidway]

I have a stock 410H. I mainly use the series/parallel fx loop with my devices. For the last few years, I run either multi-effects systems or rack effects systems in this loop, with the results being very good.
I've used the power amp insert/serial loop in the past in different way, but it just wasn't for me. In power amp insert/serial loop, I've used preamps, multi-effects, and rack systems. For example, I've used Axe-FX 2, Helix, HD500X, HD500, Alesis Quadraverb, G-System, G-major, TC Electronic 2290, Eventide H3000 & H9000, ADA MP1, Roland sde-3000 delay; these are a mix of old & newer systems. All these systems have high headroom capability, which makes them suitable for the line level signal requirement of the JVM's power amp insert/serial loop (but they can also be used in series/parallel fx loop, too). None of these devices sounded terrible in the power amp insert/serial loop, but I still prefer using them in the series/parallel fx loop instead.

Using these devices in the series/parallel fx loop gives me great switching options via MIDI. I can program the series/parallel fx loop via MIDI so that make a variety of changes to the amp AND the fx unit at the same time by setting up a preset on my MIDI footcontroller. Because the power amp insert/serial loop is a passive system that is triggered by a bypass/active switch, I would have to run over to the back of the amp and hit the switch every time (sometimes mid song). Thankfully, most of the fx devices I used are well-designed, allowing for use in either loop of the JVM.

That's how I do things. I encourage you to find what works best for you.