Distortion in FX loop

[nate_dennis]

I'm working on a beat-oriented instrumental piece. At some point I want to slowly add distortion to the drum beat. I was thinking about using the effects send/rec but i worry that "dry" signal will still be present. Do any of you have any thoughts on how to slowly add distortion to a track once the beat has already been put to tape? Thanks.



PS I thought about putting this in "recording techniques" but I figured they'd throw a bunch of plug ins and what not at me. I'm using my 488 mk2 and a Boss DR 660. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[Beck]

If the drum tracks are on tracks 1 and/or 2 you can use the insert points on the front to insert a distortion pedal or whatever effects device you’re using for distortion. I believe channels 1 and 2 are the only ones with insert points on the 488 MKII.

It’s probably best though if you add the distortion as you’re laying the tracks from your drum machine. Start the distortion device at the lowest distortion setting and slowing increase distortion. I’m picturing a guitar stomp box here because I don’t know what you have, but the concept will work with most any effects device.

There is a third way that will work with some portastudios, but unfortunately the 488 effects sends are post-fader, so you can’t do it.

You could still try one of the effects sends/returns and see if you can achieve a balance between the dry and the effect that might sound cool. If you return the effect to one of the other input channels instead of the returns you might be able to bring the distorted sound up high enough to overshadow the dry signal.

~Tim