effects: direct routing vs. aux send

[jiffy feet]

Newbie alert here. I have an M ONE in the aux channel o fmy mixer. I normally use this on only one sound source, so I am wondering if there is any difference in having it there and putting it between the source and the mixer. I guess I am wondering if I am losing anything either way.

Also, I am getting reasy to buy a cheap compressor, and was wondering if this needs to be setup between the source and mixer, or if I can just put it in the effects loop.

 

[roman]

You mean using the INSERT on one of your channel strips?
Well, that's on option if you use the FX on only one source.

But I'd recomment (while using FX) to use the AUX for this reason: you only have to tweek on your mixer for FX -> using the AUX pot to use more or less FX.

When using AUX you ADD the FX to the signal.
When using INSERT you MAKE the signal different.
(eh, I can't explain it better)

So when using AUX, set MIX on 100% on your FX device. Remember you ADD FX to the signal, so you only have to add the FX not the orignal signal again (no mixing added, just the fx. get it?)
When using insert make sure you set MIX to less, say 20, percent.
You want the original signal returend WITH a little FX onnit.

well, just experiement with it. I'd stick to the AUX if I were you.. much more flexiblility

ro
www.mobiasdust.com

 

[tntkemp]

Compression

As for the Compressor that you want to buy...that shouldn't be used through AUX, as it would be wasted. It needs to somehow be directly inline with the source, whether vocals or an instrument.

Think of Aux send and returns verse Insert and inline connections this way:

Aux Send and Return: Parallel signals
Both the original signal and the effected original signal are
added together at the end....or summed up.

Insert or inline: Series signals
Source signal is introduced to the effect. The output is now
just the effected source, rather than the effected
source+original source. They can't be separated at the
end...

Typically, effects, such as delays and Reverbs, are run through auxilliary sends and returns, where as compression, limiting, feedback destroyers, etc. must be run inline through Inserts or directly on the cable from individual sound source (such as a distortion stompbox).

If you used a compressor/limiter through aux sends and returns, the result would be a mix of the controlled output, and the original output that is in need of control...so if somebody is performing vocally, and they tend to sing quietly, then peak...you might want to tighten up their range with some compression and limiting, but you've defeated this if you tried to do it through Aux sends and returns.

Hopefully somewhere here I used the right words to steer you in the right direction!

 

[jiffy feet]

OK, I guess I got it. I understand about the effects being "added" to the signal versus changing the signal if used in-line. Since the effects are used for all sound sources at times, it makes sense to have them in the aux channel. (My mixer doesn't have inserts.)

I can always just turn the dry signal all the way down, though, so I wasn't sure if there was any difference, but I thought for some reason the compressor would need to ne "in-line."

Although my question may not have been worded very well, you guys understood and gave me the answer I needed. Thanks for that.

 

[tntkemp]

Well, I hate to tell you, but you still don't have it. Even if you set the Compressor to no 'dry'...the 'dry' signal will still be added back in 100%, since you are talking about running it through your Auxillaries. Therefore, all of the compression done on the compressor will be countered by the live, uninhibated audio coming from the channel itself. Compressors do need to be inline with the sound source. You can put it direcly inline with a particluar channel if you don't have any inserts at all.

Some mixers at least have a Main insert, which is where you would generally place a compressor/limiter. This way, you mix all of your channels accordingly, feeding them finally to the main output, which runs them 'directly' (serially) through the compressor/limiter on the main outs, then out to the PA Amp, or final destination. A compressor/Limiter is worthless if it's not on a Insert or directly inline somehow with the signal it is to control. Think of it that way...Compression and limiting are not effects...they are more like signal controlling devices...they aren't additive or subtractive to the overal sound so much as they are intended to control the range of the sound levels. Therefore, all audio to be controlled must go straight through them.

Effects, on the other hand, are additive to the sound. They are intended to enhance and broaden the sound in some way by adding to it...not controlling it. They can be handled through auxillary sends and returns, which means parallel, because just like my specified intent here for effects, Auxilliary send, like I described before, are additive, as they are in parallel.

Hopefully I've simplified it enough. It's confusing at times...I'm still learning myself. I've been spending alot of time with our singer's Mackie CR1604-VLZ. I once sat down and read the whole manual....but I can tell you that I don't completely understand it yet.... However, my mixes are certainly improving in quality because of it,...

Ok, our current setup..as an example, I have a Compressor/Limiter on the Main Outs. I have a Vocal effects pedal on one of the auxilliary Send/Returns, I have another delay unit on another Auxilliary Send/Return.

The Compressor/Limiter in this configuration is perfect for live play, but I'm using the direct outs to feed the computer....it's not effecting that. If I wanted the Compressor/Limiter to effect my recorded channels, well, I'm limited to 2 channels on it, so I'd have to pick the 2 channels I want to use it on, then either plug it into the Inserts of those channels, then feed the outputs to my computer, or somehow plug the two channels inline with the instruments, then feed the mixer or the computer. I choose to record without Compression, most of the time. I like having the clean signal, then adding compression and effects later.....though I may someday get at least 4 channels worth of compression for the studio someday...I'm undecided there..... ;')

 

[jiffy feet]

Thanks for typing all that out, but I already understood from your last post. My comment about turning down the dry signal must have confused you, but I did get it. Thanks.