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Can’t I use my mixer to accomplish the same results?

Not really. To properly get a balanced signal into your pedals, you have to unbalance the signal and adjust the impedance. Pedals are particularly sensitive to noise. This is why the EXTC is equipped with an isolation transformer, something your mixer will not have. This helps eliminate buzz and hum caused by ground loops. Then, once the signal is processed, it must be re-amplified and balanced. This is what the EXTC does.

Does the EXTC automatically set the level and impedance?

Yes, this is exactly what the EXTC-SA does. It unbalances the signal and sets the overall level so that it is within the normal operating requirements for pedals. It then presents the appropriate impedance so that the guitar effects sound natural.

Can I use the EXTC-SA as an effects loop for pro-level equipment?

Yes, so long as you have a Hi-Z instrument level input & output on the effects device. Try it if you are not sure. You cannot harm either piece of equipment.

Can I use the EXTC-SA for Reamping?

Yes, but keep in mind that the EXTC-SA needs a return path if you want the signal to be routed back to the XLR outputs on your rack or the Workhorse mixer section. The Radial X-Amp™ is a more appropriate solution for this purpose.

Can I use the EXTC-SA with my tape echo?

Yes. Any device that has ¼” instrument levels will work including old tape echoes.

Can I use the EXTC-SA as a guitar input – like a DI box?

Yes. You can connect the guitar to the effects return and send the signal out. However because the EXTC-SA is designed to work with buffered signals, you may find the level to be quite low.

Why does the EXTC-SA have a 180º polarity reverse switch?

Since most guitar pedals are designed to work in a mono mode, retaining the original phase of the instrument is not required. But when you combine the effects with a dry signal you are creating two signal paths. These can sometimes cause phase cancellation. The polarity control lets you set the signal polarity so that both the dry and wet signals are in phase.

What happens if the signals are left out of phase?

You will create some weird effects. Could be good! Or could be bad… try it!

How do I know if I have set the correct level controls?

You will hear distortion if the pedals are overloaded. This can create cool tones. Listen. The output level from the EXTC-SA is not excessive and therefore will not harm the effects if driven harder than normal.

Does the EXTC-SA allow for a 100% wet return from my effects unit? I would like to blend the effect in my DAW rather than the box itself.

Yes, the EXTC-SA provides a blend knob that allows you to adjust the effects return from completely dry to 100% wet.

Is the send and the return on the EXTC mono? Would I need two to run a stereo setup, for example?

Yes – it is mono to connect with guitar pedals. You will need two units for stereo applications.