I did some playing around with mine. At home I practice with a Dave Hall hall pre amp going into my effects return on my practice amp. Til now i have had the Ripply fall before the DHA pre amp. All good, sounds big and warm. I tried the RF alone straight into the amp input.. all good, big and warm. I put the RF after the pre amp.. major drop in level with each of the RF effects having an individual gain reduction..? I have to say i'm baffled by this as i don't see why the pre amp before the RF should have this effect... Any how, I tried the RF at both my band practice sessions on my boards (before the amps pre amp) with no issues, all good bid and warm etc. This doesn't help you i guess, but if you get into any dialogue, you are armed with a little more info at least. Hope you get it resolved..