A universal effects carrier for use with electric instruments that allows for reduced or eliminated signal loss before the electronic signal of the instrument is passed through an effects pedal. A mounting cartridge includes a first receiving slot and a second receiving slot for retaining a primary effects pedal and a secondary effects pedal; the primary effects pedal and the secondary effects pedal being electrically connected to a signal-in port and a signal-out port via a signal-in pedal connector and a signal-out pedal connector. The primary effects pedal and the secondary effects pedal are further electrically connected by a bridge cable. The mounting cartridge is attached to an electric instrument through a cartridge receiver; the cartridge receiver including a signal-in terminal to be electrically connected to the signal-in port and a signal-out terminal to be electrically connected to the signal-out port.