Getting a pedalboard allows you to reach the ultimate characteristic sound that every instrumentalist would like to achieve, in which, the different effects pedals are arranged in an orderly manner according to the process over the signal.
Here are some ideas regarding the most efficient order in which the pedals you have should be connected.
Effects chain
A good installation of effect pedals in a pedalboard can ensure optimal sound and be capable of being used to the maximum during each stage of the process, to avoid the signal being distorted in a detrimental way or not allowing the maximum use of the power of the pedals. In order to achieve this optimal configuration, it will be necessary to take into account the following considerations regarding the sequence:
1. Tuning
The first stage (and the least processed) must be by the tuning pedals since in this way they will be able to ensure the tuning before being affected by the rest of the process steps.
2. Dynamics
Pedals such as noise gates, compressors, or expanders will be placed here, they ensure that the sound maintains the consistency that is needed and prepares it for the next stage in the chain, which must have the processed shape. In general, this ensures that even if there is a saturation stage or not, a controlled signal can be counted on in terms of the different types of execution.
3. Expression
These are about Wah-Wah, Octave effect, Pitch Shifters, and Whammy. These pedals make use of modulation applied to the signal that can be controlled manually.
4. Overdrive/Distortion
At this stage, the sound is amplified to the point of reaching clipping, so pedals like Fuzz, Overdrive, and Distortion will be placed here. It is important to consider that a single distortion pedal will usually be enough, and in the case of overdrive and fuzz, these may vary depending on their number of parameters and installation order.
5. Equalization
After the signal saturation process, an equalization stage will be necessary to highlight certain frequencies in the signal, so as not to lose the presence of the sound. The equalization pedals in any of their types must be placed in this stage.
6. Modulation
The Chorus, Flanger, Phasers, Tremolo as well as the Volume pedals can go in this stage because here, they have a suitable sound so that their process can be optimally applied before moving on to the time stage. In this section of the chain, the order of the pedals will make significant changes to the final sound, so the modulations will give the signal a complex shape that will add personality to the instrument sound.
7. Modulation over time
Delay, Echo, Reverb pedals, those that have to do with spacing and repeats over time will go at the end of the chain. In this stage, space simulation is used to obtain stereo presence that allows gaining presence and final finish before being amplified, a good adjustment will allow to make the most of the entire chain.
