well i did a little testing tonight. i was using head phones since it is late, so i will have to try tomorrow and see if i get the same result, but this is what i found:
i did output2 L to the effect in and effect out to ext in. I selected the output2 L as my secondary output at around 65. this enabled me to hear the distortion pedals effect. i guess i didn't need the input on after all. i did notice though that if the effect is left on and i switch patches it will carry on to the next patch until i turn of the input even if everything is set to off.
i think i got it, but will have to wait to test it tomorrow on some speakers. let me know if i think i got it right. thanks for all the help to guys!