Karaoke Forums

Well, I finally broke down and got my mixer and I have a few other items that should be coming in over the next couple months.

But here's the deal.  I'm working on trying to get all my equipment set up and I'd like a little input regarding using the aux send/returns on my new Mackie Onyx 1620.

I'm currently running my mics directly into channels 1-4, my stereo inputs into 9/10, 11/12,13/14,15/16.  When I get a compressor (dbx 1046 I'll use the inserts to put them on each of the first 4 channels (and eventually .

Ok, I've hooked up my Peavey Twin DeltaFex as follows:
Out of the Aux 1 send into the left channel on the first efx processor and out of the Peavey (again the left/mono channel) into the Aux 1 return (Left)

Out of the Aux 2 send on the mixer into the left channel on the second efx processor and out of Peavey (second processor) left/mono channel into the Aux 2 return (left).

Everything seems to work ok, and the Peavey settings work pretty well (set 100% wet on both, properly adjusted input/output levels.

The issue is setting the aux send levels on the Mackie and what's typical.

I have aux send controls on each channel as well as a set of aux send controls on the right side of the board and a set of aux return controls.  I've adjusted the mics at about 10 o'clock and the ones on the right side of the board about noon.  I'm not at home so I don't remember where I had the returns set at.

Can someone provide a better clarification regarding the controls?

And what sort of effects do you run? Chorus, reverb, etc?  I've been playing and 'might' consider adding a multiverb or midiverb unit later, but so far the Peavey DeltaFex seems pretty nice.

You have 4 open channels - 5-8.  Instead of using the EFX returns, use channels 5-8 for your efx return.  This will allow you to eq the returning effect, send it to a monitor if desired, send 1 effect into another for a multi-layered effect & easier controls - slider as opposed to little knob!  Biggest thing to be careful about is to not feed it's own signal via the Aux sends.  
This is not an uncommon setup for live & especially recording.

Set up all your signals so that they are running right about the zero mark on the level LED's.  Do individual channels at a time.  The solo button at the bottom should be engaged - this will light the "Rude solo light" & under that is a switch marked solo mode.  Make sure it is set at PFL.  Now the first channel to set (say the mic), sing into the mic while adjusting the gain (top knob) until the meter reads around the zero mark (the gain should end up being on or aprox. the "U" mark - each channel & mic may be different).  The fader should be down at this point.  Once you get the correct reading - disengage the solo switch, now adjust the fader to unity "U".  Do this for the rest of the channels.
You outboard effects.  Generally you'll want to turn the input up about 12:00 (most are the same as far as the inputs).  Turn the mix & output up to max.  You'll be controlling the volume pretty much from the board.  
On the mic you want to add effects to, sing into mic & turn up the Aux that the corresponding effect is on until the signal light on the effect is lighting - if it goes into clipping (generally they will light a red light), back the Aux send down.
Now on the return (be it the fader method or just the Aux return), turn up until you get the desired amount of effect in the signal.  Remember you don't want to "hear" the effect to a point that's all you hear, but you want to be able to tell if it's not there - if that makes sense.

Aux 1 & 2 sends are GENRERALLY reserved for monitors, but can be used for effects.  3 & 4 are set up for effect as a rule.  This board has a pre-post switch for each Aux send so any of them can be used for effects or monitors.  For monitors you want the Pre setting, for effects you want the Post setting.

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This is how I had it set up on my TASCAM Portastudio - and it never occured to me to send them back in the same way! (doh!)



Actually, it makes PERFECT sense and after I saw you post it a while back it's what I strive for when I use effects.


Interesting, I didn't know this.  I could move the effects to 3/4 but the mute button routes the channel to Aux 3/4 when it's engaged.  It's because of this that I didn't set it up this way.  I like being able to use the mute button when I have a singer being a dumbass.

But using the 3/4 Aux shouldn't make a difference if nothing is hooked up in the 3/4 Alt outputs making the channel mute.  This board could be different, but it shouldn't be.

Returning the efx through the channels ALSO allow you to record WITH effects.  I know you were saying something about this either here or at JOLT.  Since with the fader, it will be going with the mix with the rest of the signal.

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I really can't add anything but working in a recording studio, I allways return my effects to a channel on the board whenever possible. It provides the most functionality.