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How does processor loop work?

I'm not sure what is the concept behind tape loop and processor loop. I suppose they are conceptually similar. I understand the need for the bypass input for the processor that provides unity gain. But I am not sure how the processor loop is supposed to work. There is a set of input and corresponding output associated to tape loop and processor loop. How are you supposed to connect your tape / processor to them, and what exactly do they provide?
jylee
nyctc7
90 posts
 
Look at this from my integrated amp manual, on page 9 (or 12/28 at the top of the pdf viewer)

http://www.mbl-usa.com/Resources/Documents/7008.pdf

(The 8006B is mislabled as a preamp. They are power amps. Also imagine one three-channel amp instead of three mono amps)

Essentialy with the processor bypass you are using the integrated amp as a two-channel power amplifier only. So as stated above, you preserve your two-channel set-up, but with the push of a button can switch to home theater.
jylee OP
306 posts
 
Ah, so the processor loop really is for the external parametric equalizer. Not processor in "pre/pro", but a sound processor. And processor loop can't be used to provide HT integration. That was a source of confusion, as I've seen mentions to processor loop when people asked for two channel and HT integration. Thanks for clearing it up.
theo's avatar
theo
2,331 posts
 
Basically it is a "pass thru" with no volume (controlled on pre/pro) nor tonal influence.
jylee OP
306 posts
 
Theo, if you connect the pass through output to the pre/pro, how will you connect the rest of the system? The power amp has one set of input, and can't connect both the preamp and pre/pro to it at the same time.
almarg's avatar
almarg
8,673 posts
 
Ah, so the processor loop really is for the external parametric equalizer. Not processor in "pre/pro", but a sound processor. And processor loop can't be used to provide HT integration. That was a source of confusion, as I've seen mentions to processor loop when people asked for two channel and HT integration. Thanks for clearing it up.

Theo, if you connect the pass through output to the pre/pro, how will you connect the rest of the system? The power amp has one set of input, and can't connect both the preamp and pre/pro to it at the same time.

Yes, it's easy for all of this to be confusing, because the terminology tends to be used loosely and inconsistently. But properly speaking a processor loop and a home theater unity gain bypass are two completely different things.

A processor loop, as I indicated, allows an equalizer or any other external signal processing device to be inserted into the signal path of a 2-channel system. It is located ahead of the volume control in the preamp or integrated amp.

A home theater bypass allows the home theater system to utilize the 2-channel main speakers as part of its overall speaker system, by feeding its two front-main line-level outputs into the home theater bypass/unity gain INPUTS of the 2-channel preamp. When home theater bypass is selected on the 2-channel preamp, the volume control (and all other controls) on the 2-channel preamp are bypassed, so that the home theater unit's volume control (and only that volume control) will control the volume of all speakers.

Hope that clarifies things a little more.

Regards,
-- Al
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