Clean boost in the loop works great. I've used the MXR Boost/Line Driver (MC-401) and it works real well. I don't really hear any tone-coloring with it. Straight up nice clean boost. The 10-band EQ is another good option.
I find that the Lead 2 mode and the Green Channel are similar in terms of EQ. The Lead 1 is a lot thinner then both channels however.
an eq in the loop is definately the best way i've found to boost solos. You can turn up just the gain slider for clean boost and also be able to make subtle adjustments in eq for leads if you want. A slight bump on the mids will really punch your leads thru and make em sing. The thing to remember is that an eq in the loop has a WAY BIGGER effect on your tone than if its running before your amp..... WAY BIGGER.
thats why you have to use small adjustments. you can't run it like you do in front of an amp. Besides, it shouldn't be harsh or change the tone at all if you just use it to clean boost and leave the eq flat.
Whenever I soloed I depended on an EQ in the loop set flat and just a lil' bit works great. Any transparent clean boost in the loop will due the same. For me it was keeping the amps tone I already had and boosting it a bit to get my solo out front. I had no issues of bad coloration or harshness.
+1....your either using it wrong......try cutting instead of boosting but start from flat like Solar mentioned or you have your levels set in a bad manner. a EQ is very effective in a loop
Interesting. I may have had the sliders used too much in the loop. I'm guessing it's very slight. I want a smooth lead still as I bust into solo.
