So I have a Marshall 25/50 --great amp. I want to use the lead channel always. But I need a huge level boost for leads. So I've been trying distortion pedals, etc. They just saturate the sound a little, but don't give much boost. So last night I tried using the effect loop on the back of the amp. When the pedal is engaged the volume DROPS dramatically. Why? Is something in the pedal stepping it down? This was with an MXR dist+ with the output maxed. What gives? Any other suggestions for a lead boost?

Was the drop in volume only when the pedal was on,or when it was plugged in? Not that I know what would have caused that. I discovered a cool boost last night while comparing the RAT & the RM Voodoo-1. The ProCo Vintage RAT has a lot of volume on tap. Even with a low gain setting you can overdrive an amp with the volume knob alone.

Only with the pedal engaged. In bypass she was normal. Actually, I think it makes some sense. The pedal probably doesn't want to see a post-preamp signal to begin with.

Some people have got great results using a *don't laugh* DOD FX10 Bifet preamp pedal, a cheap one, but that does a simple job well, tho mainly aimed at electric acoustic, does wonder as a boost for any electric instrument. Level and Tone control only, you can say it's the cheap alternative to Fulltone cleanboost. Thos it's now discontinued, or at least DOD don't give a damn enough to have it listed on their webpage.

I'm myself looking for one of these, and they can be found really cheap(20$ used!!!)

Hope this helps