When I first got my MV:35 it was my first amp with a loop (the other amps are Rambler and Vicky Double Deluxe). I've been just running everything through the front of the ampforever, but my effects needs are simple. For my MV:35 I just use a light OD for the clean ch, delay, chorus, trem and wha and maybe I'll have to add a vibe pedal depending on what songs are in the set list. Also know that I use the Cab Clone to FOH. After awhile I just got tired of all the extra cables for the loop (just too much spaghetti), I tried everything in front of the amp and found that it worked fine. So I just quit using the loop - if at some point my needs change, I can always go back to the loop, but no one in the band has said my effects sound crappy through the front of the amp and the live band recordings seem to back that up.