question about aux/bussing and effects

[mommama]

Hi- I'm new to mixing and have been looking for an answer to this question with no luck as of yet. I hope someone can take the time to help me.

Is the best way to run effects by using busses for each seperate effect. It seems to be for maximum control, but I'm wondering if I'm doing more work than I have to.

For example, I have two guitars, both have comp and eq (inserts) on tracks 1 and 2. They are sent to a stereo sub mix (aux 1). The sub mix is then bussed pre fader to a delay - on aux track 2. I send another bus from the submix, to add a chorus (aux 3). I use another bus from the sub mix to add reverb (aux 4) and so on. Is this the best way to do it? Or am I doing more tracks than needed? For two guitars I'm already up to 6 tracks for the seperate effects - is this correct/average?

Thanks for any help

Mommama

[nightshadecrisis]

you should combine effects within the aux track...6 tracks for 2 guitars is way more than you need...you could fit 30 effects in 6 aux tracks.
ev

[tele_player]

A useful way to decide whether to use a send or an insert is to consider plugins as falling in two categories: processors and FX. Processors would include EQ and dynamics, FX would include reverbs and delays. Processors get used on inserts, working on one signal, FX get used with sends.

This is not law, and you can do things differently if you like, but it's similar to how things are used in the hardware world, and it's a good place to start.

One thing to avoid is using lots of reverbs. They use a lot of CPU, and they probably don't all need to have different settings.

[da BaSsTaRd!]

This is not law, and you can do things differently if you like...

that's not true. it is the law. US Penal Code Section 14 Paragraph 327.a.6.iii:

Not withstanding the provisions as set forth in Subsection a.4.i, no effect shall be used as an insert effect under penalty of torture; involuntary enlistment in the Army of the Provisional Authority of Iraq; or a maximum fine of $100.

if i were you, i'd be watching out for that $100 fine!

[mommama]

Thanks for the help.

Yes, I knew about the compressors/EQ's being inserts and that is how I'm using them. I was just confused about time delay effects like chorus and reverb. Should they be bussed seperately or should they be bussed to the same same aux (that goes for other effects too I guess).

I'm guessing that if I need ultra flexibility in an effect (fading it in and out/lots of automation etc), I should put it on a seperate aux? Are there any other reasons to have it on a seperate aux - other than space issues?

Thanks again

Mommama

[jodyjfk]

Yeah, da BaSsTaRd!, you really have to watch those recording laws. A friend of mine was just jailed for violating the 3:1 rule while miking up a drum set!

[Sugarnutz]

"Badges?....We don't need no stinking badges!"

[IntelDoc]

You guys need help.... Serious help....

- Doc


It's FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[QuikDraw]

For me it's simple. If I need individual control over an effect I put it on its own separate aux. Since the inserts are implemented in series (the output of the top insert feeds the input of the insert below it which feeds the insert below it, and so on), if I need an effect that is not affected by other effects or if I need an effect to not affect other effects (say that 5 times fast!) I'll put it on its own aux.

Other than that, I stack 'em up on a single aux.

Mike

[mommama]

Great- that's what I needed to know.

Thanks to all.

Mommama