4 Cable Method (4CM) Explained

[Dante]

You will hear a lot of folks on here and other forums talking about the 4 Cable Method. What is is it? Why should you use it?

Okay, maybe this isn't a great 'explanation' but, you're basically running your preamp and effects units in each other's FX loops. Having the preamp in the loop allows you to use it as an effect or like a stompbox in the chain rather than just plugging into the input (resulting in the preamp distorting your effects).

Why use it? Because you have the flexibility of putting effects in front of your preamp or in the loop. Compressors, Wahs, Dirt Boxes, all sound better in front of the preamp. Whereas, Modulations, Reverbs and Delays sound better in the Loop or after the preamp (this is kinda the accepted norm, but do what you want, you will anyway).

It involves using 4 cables (duh)

Here's how to set it up:
Guitar > Multi-FX INPUT
Multi-FX OUTPUT > Preamp FX RETURN
Multi-FX RETURN > Preamp FX SEND
Multi-FX SEND > Preamp INPUT

I will put a diagram together & attach it to this post

Note: If you don't have an FX loop in your pedal chain, just run your 'after' FX thru the preamp's FX loop and the other FX in front of the signal chain, before your preamp.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CORRECT MY INFO, I'll update this post when I fix things ;)

Rock on!