[d35er]

I use a Zoom A2 multi-effects pedal when I gig, running directly into a Fender Passport 500 Pro PA (which sounds excellent, I might add). My issue is that I've found only 1 or 2 effects that work really well running directly into the PA (guitar to pedal to PA). Most of the effects, however, sound terrible - mostly either very quiet or thin, or super loud.

The interesting thing is that when I use the pedal at home and use headphones, the sound for EVERY setting is very distinguishable and sounds much, much better.

Question is: why the significant difference in sound running into headphones versus directly into the PA? I'm wondering if adding a DI to the chain would do anything to improve the sounds of the effects.

thoughts? thanks in advance