Likewise, that's why a lot of effects have a gain knob (not for driving the heck out of the next pedals down the chain, but for accommodating weakened signals a

Likewise, that's why a lot of effects have a gain knob (not for driving the heck out of the next pedals down the chain, but for accommodating weakened signals after so many patch cords between them...), and a good rack setup nearly always has a power conditioner and buffers - to make up for this exact issue. It works for him. All good. It's not unlike Eric Johnson's insistence on massive ear goggles to ensure his tone is tops, or how blues players have to squint and pucker in order to play high notes. Every player has their ritual.