How does processor loop work?

If you have a cassette deck, or other tape deck or device such as a cd recorder, which can both record and play back, the preamp's tape out connectors (left and right) would be connected to the input (record) connectors of the deck (left and right, respectively), and the deck's output (playback) connectors (left and right) would be connected to the preamp's tape in connectors (left and right, respectively).

That allows the signal from the source component (phono, cdp, tuner, etc.) which is selected on the preamp to be routed to the tape deck input for recording. To play back from the tape deck, or to monitor the recorded signal directly from the tape as it is being recorded (which requires a deck with separate record and playback heads), you then select the monitor or tape position of the preamp's monitor/input or tape/source switch (or whatever similar designation it may have).

It's the same idea for the processor loop, allowing you to connect an external equalizer or other processor in the signal path. A processor loop and a tape loop, in fact, would be functionally and technically identical, differing only in terms of the nomenclature appearing on the front panel and the rear connectors, and in terms of which comes first in the signal path (I'd assume the tape loop is first in preamps that provide both, so that the processor could act on signals being played back from the tape deck).

Hope that helps. Regards,
-- Al

The tape loop is a input/output selection on your pre/intergrated-amp or receiver. Since a tape or CDR are one single component that will either send (play) or receive(record) the pre-amp can sort this out as having 1 input and 1 output under one label (tape).

Unity Gain is a feature of a Pre-Amp that allows a multi channel preamp/processor to pass the front 2 channels through the pre-amp to the amplifier. So the advantage that I see is this allows on system to be run as 2 systems;1)Stereo and 2)Home theatre. You are able to run multi channel and use all your speakers or turn off all HT related equipment and run just two front speakers, amp and source component. At least this was my motive.

Most 2 channel pre-amps will out perform most Preamp processors. Since a Pre/pro has two seperate tasks to perform both multi and stereo, usualy compromises are made. This of course is my opinion. There are exceptions depending on price.

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.

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.

Basically it is a "pass thru" with no volume (controlled on pre/pro) nor tonal influence.

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.

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

Not sure if your question was answered so here goes:
Take front L&R output of pre/pro connect to input labeled
PROC, Unity Gain or HT pass thru. Then take 2 channel pre out put to amp. It's that simple and I just discovered this about a year ago. Actually the Ayre rep turned me onto it at RMAF but I wanted to try tubes and went with Audio researcg LS26. It is agreat soulution that cost the price of the 2 chennel preamp and one set of cables.

I am considering the Samsung ew6500 system but am having a hard time trying to figure out how to connect my cassette deck as it doesn't have a tape loop. Any suggestions on a pre amp or any other suggestion to connect my cassette deck to a home theater system, and possibly a second powered sub through a pre amp or any other method?
BTW, the considered Samsung caught my attention due to its incorporation of the tube added to the amp section. What's the opinion of you guys about this system? I'm basically looking to burn Blu ray disks then play them back on the system but also play cassettes as I have a huge selection of them and a Nakamichi BX300 I'm dying to use
Please advise.
Rafael

Hello. I am looking to build a home theater system, but it's primary function would be for music. I'm looking into a A/V receiver that has inputs for a vintage cassette deck (Nakamichi) so I would need maybe 2 tape loops, and hopefully dual sub connections- (left and right sub woofer inputs) a Roku player, an Oppo 95 universal player, an external equalizer, connection for an MP3 player (Cowon d2+), an HD tuner (either external or built in) and streaming from my wireless network. What I am missing in this equation is a nice warm sounding tube preamp.This is my first attempt to create a home theater system so I am kind of lost. Would this particular item you have for sale work with what I am looking to accomplish? I used to DJ as a hobby so I'm familiar with the equipment I used for that but have since sold most of it on Craig's list for a SUBSTANTIAL loss. I had a quad-amped system running well over 2000 watts of power rms, and loved the sound my tube pre amp played, but it was a keyboard tube preamp that Steven Hayes made for me. I am looking to create that same warm sound in my living room but am not sure how to incorporate a true "tube effect". I was planning to purchase a USB blu ray recorder for my desktop computer, then play it back using the "newly created system" that is only a vision at this early stage. I have several 12 inch records in storage and wish to eventually mix my own tapes since I have an extensive collection of blank cassettes, many are vintage and high end so I NEED to have a cassette deck included in my new system. I haven't even begun to do research on speaker selection. I do have Sennheiser 650 headphones with specialty cables and a great headphone amp, actually 2 of them; Lisa (larroco Ipod stereo amp-although I don't use an ipod:$650, a xin headphone amp with tube op amps ($550). I guess I'm explaining my love of music! I would love to replicate these sounds, especially the sound of my Sennheiser 650 headphones with the headphone amp, OR my quad-amped DJ setup with the 15 inch sub I used along with the 3-way speakers, the pair of speakers for mid/highs, and a set of Bose limited series sonata 301's....all with individual amps, the vintage Speakeasy tube preamp, the BBE sonic maximizer .........an all around warm, sweet, spacious, dynamic, but mostly POWERFUL system.
I am asking you because of all the feedback I read about you and your knowledge of audio. Not only am I asking if the above referenced item could be useful in the new setup I wish to create, but am also inquiring as to what other components you think would help me obtain the sound I seek, and what I would need to compliment it best at the least amount of money possible ....since I am still recuperating from the huge loss I took from selling off so much of my older equipment.
I thank you for taking the time to read this very long message, and look forward to your reply.
Respectfully,
Rafael Rivera