Setting Effect Loop Decibel levels

[Throb]

First thanks for the responses to my earlier thread, here.

Learned a lot doing that. One corrected misconception was that a "parallel" FX Loop was the opposite of cascaded FX path. Almost every head I've used and have, except for my Tri Axis, were parallel effect loop.

First attempt with my TA to route an unadulterated preamp signal for my 2 stereo FX boxes used 3 Y cables. The send was split to each FX IN , and the A/B returns of each box was combined at the TA AB return ports.

Configured a mixer into the FX path and messing with the setup. For a while I was running the split send signal directly to the FX inputs. The outputs for right and left FX outs route through a dedicated channel, and each channel is mixed to the main outs.

Found that the running the send path through the mixer before it was routed to the FX IN, exposed the more subtle capabilities offered by the stereo modulators, and that it allowed me to play with the light touch demanded by unforgiving strats if ya want them to give ya all they got to offer. The TA/290 encourages a light playing technique, just as the Mesa Marketing script promises "light silky smooth"  and every pre CBS and even Japanese Modern strats I've played sound best with a light touch. Why bust a tendon when the TA/290 will leverage all the "nasty" tone one could hope for?

Question is: I am trying to get an understanding of level settings for the send mix. At 12 oclock, the level control reads "zero" decibels (the MX882 Mixer is a so called analog and passive splitter/mixer). Does that meant the signal is being passed to the channel output is at the same level as the input signal?

Also read that one approach is to set the FX levels to match the amp levels when the FX is bypassed.

The documentation for the FX boxes I am working with suggest FX input signal levels in voltages and decibels. Another issue is that the delay, i just learned, can also be used as a speaker cab simulator for recording (at a loss totally on the meaning of that).

Goal is to not over drive, or under drive the TA/290 (or FX Boxes),  while extracting as much as the FX boxes will give up. Any links or comments appreciated

[PRR]

Numbers on gear are often meaningless.

You can make measurements or you can make music.

Turn it up until it sounds bad, back-off a bit. Play.