Hi, after having the FX Loop in the PS-100 work for years, it suddenly is no longer working.
No matter which pedal I put in it the FX Loop, it no longer affects the sound. For the last 3 years or so I have been using a Source Audio EQ2 Pedal in the effects loop of my Fryette PS-100 and it had worked flawlessly. NOTHING has changed in my set up.
All of the sudden, there is no effect when the pedal is engaged or dials turned, including if I bump up the output level. I then take the same pedal with the same cables and put it in the FX loop of my EVH 5150 and it works perfectly. As such, it isn’t the cables or the EQ2 pedal.
I also tried my boss GE-7 EQ pedal in the PS-100 FS Loop and it doesn’t work, yet it works in the FX loop of my EVH. Same with a distortion pedal.
Even though the cables are not the problem, given the pedals work in the EVH FX loop, I even tried new cables and no luck with the PS-100.
I have the FX level in the PS-100 set to low (which is recommended for pedals), however, switching it to high doesn’t do anything either.
I don’t have a foot switch for the PS-100, nor have I ever used one with the unit.
What am I missing and/or what could go wrong with the Effects loop that it stops working?
I connected a small patch cable from the FX send to the FX return and there was no change. I got full sound.
And yes, it is in operate mode, otherwise I would not be sitting here typing this as my head would be blown off with 100W of love turned to 7 out of 10. Uploaded a picture showing the same.
And if you plug in FX send and do not plug in FX return? What happens? This should break the signal path. Maybe the switching jack is faulty and is always connected to the FX return?
I’m going to private message you to get some more info.
I am having the exact same issue on my PS-100 and it I bought it new last year from Guitar Center. It was built in May of 2025 I believe. The send will send a signal to my Boss tuner I tested, for instance, but no effects are affecting the signal. An uncompleted loop also does not result in silence like it should. FX pedals that work normally do no change the sound nor does it result in silence, Plugging directly into the return (operate mode) results in no sound on either FX db level setting. The loop has always worked before but suddenly it does not.
I just checked what we did to get Kenton’s PS-100 working in the private chat.
We simplified the setup:
guitar
amp (not FX at all)
PS-100 (no FX)
Cab
Then we simply jumpered the PS-100 FX send to the FX return by connecting them with a mono jack cable.
Try this in bypass and in operate mode. Can you attenuate in operate mode?
Kenton did this and whatever problem he had went away.
That might not work for you, but at least we have a very simple setup that should work.
Questions:
Are all the cables functioning (you should double-check)?
Are the PS-100 sockets all making a connection (try moving the jack plugs, rotating them)
Confirm you can switch to BYPASS to OPERATE.
Here is an extended checklist you can follow, let me know how it goes
NO SOUND
Check input cable.
Check volume controls.
Make sure the amplifier volume and/or gain controls are turned up.
Unplug the FX loop, check for sound.
Connect a jumper cable from FX send directly to FX return; check for sound.
Connect a jumper cable from Line Out directly to Line In; check for sound.
PLEASE NOTE: When you have remove the feet to install a rack mount kit, DO NOT REINSTALL JUST THE FEET FIXING SCREWS. This will damage the unit internally and will require factory service. See Rack Kit instructions for details
Check speaker cable to see if it is disconnected or shorted.
Make sure that the impedance selector is fully engaged in its detent.
Check the standby switch.
Check for a blown speaker.
Check the mains fuse, and replace if necessary. If it blows again, refer to qualified service personnel.
First of all, thank you so much for getting back with me so soon, truly appreciated! I did 7 scenarios each on both ‘Operate’ and ‘Bypass’ on a single 100w head at 16 ohms thru a 1-12 cab, with no effects. All the cables all I used tested good as do the speaker cables, head and cabinet. I have looked in the unit and can see the tip clip catching on the Return jack like it should when plugging in (not sure where it grounds on those plastic jacks though), also checked the others and they are all snug. The internal fuse looks solid and has continuity. I had the unit in a 4U rack case centered with the Deluxe rack ears you guys have but never took the rubber feet off for any reason. I realize the longer screws without the feet could short something out, or even shock you (think ‘Light My Fire’) - Haha! (not)
Amp → PS (no jumper FX loop)
Operate - Normal - sound attenuated as expected
Bypass - Normal - louder and full as expected
Amp → PS (3ft jumper thru FX send /return)
Operate - Normal and no volume difference than previous
Bypass - Normal, same as before
Amp → PS (3ft jumper thru Line In and Line Out)
Operate - No sound (as expected)
Bypass - Normal, same as previous 2 tests
Amp → PS (Boss Tuner thru FX loop)
Operate - Normal (gets signal from send when engaged but not silenced thru return like it should)
Bypass – Normal
Amp → PS (Boss DD3 thru FX loop)
Operate - Normal (w/Pedal OFF –Normal — w/Pedal ON-No affected signal)
Bypass – Normal
{NO Amp} Guitar → FX Return
Operate – No Sound (not as expected)
Bypass – No Sound
{NO Amp} Guitar → Line In
Operate – Normal (w/Boost Pedal 11 o’clock– mk.4.23)
