Basic Aux Send / Return Question

[howryan]

Hey all,

Sorry for such a basic question, but I've done a lot of reading on the subject, and can't seem to find the answer I'm looking for.

On my mixer I'm running a line from the Aux Send to a delay unit, and a line from the delay unit to one of the Stereo Returns. My goal is pretty simple: I have a signal running on channel 1, and when I turn the Aux knob up on that channel, I want the signal to receive more of the delay effect. However as I turn the knob, not only does the signal receive more delay, but it gets LOUDER.

Is this just how sends and returns work? Or am I doing something wrong? My goal is to have a seamless addition of an effect ONLY, not an addition of any volume. If you've ever listened to dub music, it would be exactly like that - on some snare hits there is delay, but those hits aren't any louder.

Any guidance is very greatly appreciated! Thank you!!

 

[suprstar]

Sending to an aux doesn't lower the volume of the original track getting sent to the main mix. So you're getting the original track at full volume, and as you turn up the aux, you're adding more volume from the delay as well. Some boards have an fx loop, that basically turns down the dry track as you turn up the fx, as to keep the volume balanced when you go from 100% dry to 100% wet. If you dont, then you'll have to play with the faders or automation to make it happen yourself.

 

[RAMI]

Make sure your delay unit is set to 100% "wet". Or else you're also sending the dry signal to the return.

 

[howryan]

Some boards have an fx loop, that basically turns down the dry track as you turn up the fx, as to keep the volume balanced when you go from 100% dry to 100% wet.

Would you mind giving me an example of one or two of these mixers? Thank you!

 

[Simman]

Make sure your delay unit is set to 100% "wet". Or else you're also sending the dry signal to the return.

+1

Another thing, if you have the channels, run the effect back into its own channel(s), not the return. This way you not only have the ability to control the volue of the effect but you also have the ability to eq the effects (only) without messing with the original source.

 

[suprstar]

I had a Peavey Unity. Behringer Euroracks do that, Mackie DFX, pretty much anything that has an 'fx' aux. Plus any mixer with built in fx will act like that too.

 

[witzendoz]

Make sure your delay unit is set to 100% "wet". Or else you're also sending the dry signal to the return.

Also if you have a pre-fader send on the mixer use that instead of the aux send (which will be post fader). That way the amount of signal sent to the effects unit is not related to the fader position.

Cheers

Alan.