Adding a TC Spark Booster - where does in go in my pedal array?

Neil · September 2023

Just bought a TC Spark Booster from the classifieds on here and before receipt I would like to know where best to place it in my pedal array.

At the moment I have:

Guitar> Wah, SD-1, Big Muff, Flanger.

Any help appreciated.

Jonathangus · September 2023

Answer: it depends. Do you want it to give a gain boost or a volume boost? And clean or dirty amp?

Neil · September 2023

Jonathangus said:

Answer: it depends. Do you want it to give a gain boost or a volume boost? And clean or dirty amp?

Volume boost.

Hopefully clean and drive channel?

Winny_Pooh · September 2023

Then pop it at the end of the chain. Your dirt channel will get a bit more gainy, but not as mushy as having it before overdrives.

Jonathangus · September 2023

Winny_Pooh said:

Then pop it at the end of the chain. Your dirt channel will get a bit more gainy, but not as mushy as having it before overdrives.

This. Or, in your amp's FX loop, if it has one. Putting it before drive will make things more gainy and compressed, without getting much louder. For a straight volume lift, you want it after your gain stages.

ecc83 · September 2023

I would also suggest in the FX loop but it depends! Getting a "volume boost" or "solo" boost is not as simple sometimes as just more gain. If the amp is already running close to its clean power limit any gain boost will just produce dirt with little subjective increase in volume. Remember, the bald figure is that you need TEN times the watts to double perceived loudness.

Dave.

Neil · September 2023

Thanks for the input Gents.

No FX loop on the amp so it looks like it needs to be at the end of the chain just before amp?

ElectricXII · September 2023

FWIW I run my boost pedal after my drive pedals but before modulation and delay.

Sassafras · September 2023

Is it the small one or the full fat Spark boost?

fastonebaz · September 2023

I use mine in my amp send and return loop so I get a splendid volume boost for solos. Excellent

gatheredinsong · September 2023

Neil said:

Thanks for the input Gents.

No FX loop on the amp so it looks like it needs to be at the end of the chain just before amp?

Yep, I would expect it to do the job best here, if your amp has the headroom.

Neil · September 2023

Sassafras said:

Is it the small one or the full fat Spark boost?

The small one.

Sassafras · September 2023

I'd put it last for the volume boost, then.

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Adding a TC Spark Booster - where does in go in my pedal array?

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