Carvin FX1644 Instruction Manual - Page 31

FX44 Mixer Setting Up a Sound System Section 5 7) Connecting Outboard Effects Although the reverberation system built into the "FX" series mixers will meet the effects requirements of most users, the mixers are also equipped with an auxiliary ("EFF SND") buss for mixing in other effects devices. Outboard effects are returned to the Master Effects Strip and 2 TRACK. where you can control both level and panning. "EFF RTN D" is normally assigned to the console's internal reverb. Inserting a jack into "EFF RTN D" will defeat the reverb and send any signal to the 2 TRACK. This signal may be sent to either side of the 2 TRACK by using the "PAN" knob found on the Master Effects Strip. "EFF RTN A" is assignable to the 2 TRACK ("L-R"), "SUB1-2" or "MON1-2" using the switches found under the "STEREO A" on the Master Effects Strip. "EFF RTN B" and "EFF RTN C" both send to the 2 TRACK directly. Outboard effects devices can be connected to the mixer by connecting the "EFF SEND" signal from the console rear to the 'Line' input of the effects device. The effects device output signal is returned back to one of the mixer's "EFF RTN" jacks. The interconnect cables will require 1/4 inch phone plugs, at one end, for connecting to the rear of the FX console, and plugs appropriate to the effects device at the other end. Note: If you have need of more effects returns you may use the line input of an open or unused channel. An unused channel will offer the same capabilities as the EFF RTN jacks with the added option of equalization on the return effect signal and routing of the effects signal to the monitors. This is a common connection and if you are using more than 3 effects devices you may want to use a channel to return the effected signal. Because the effects send and return levels of all "FX" series mixers are variable it is possible to use various effects units with operating ranges of -20dBv to +4dBv. This includes many guitar effects units ("Stomp Boxes"), providing they have acceptable audio quality. The effects unit usually ₹ound most useful will be a delay unit; either an analog delay, digital delay, or tape echo delay. Note: These are all effects that are normally mixed back in with the direct or dry signal. This 'Mix in' type of effect is different from an 'In line' effect, such as an equalizer, compressor or noise gate. 'In line' effects are usually patched into an output pre-amp signal path and will affect the whole signal. For 'In line' channel mixing, use the "DIR/PATCH" jack only. 'Mix in' effects combine a certain amount of the affected signal with the dry and unaffected signal. For example, you might normally add a little reverb to be mixed with the direct or dry signal from a vocal. To 'MiX in' at the channel insert a plug only half way into the "DiR/PATCH" jack and the return into the "LINE" jack. Use the "LINE" knob of the affected channel to adjust the desired mix. Only the 'Mix in' type effects are appropriate for use in the effects system of your mixer. All 'in line' effects are usually used between the main outputs of the mixer and the power amplifiers, or at the channel patch points ("MR/PATCH" sends to the effects device and "LINE" returns). Note: Many of the 'Mix in' type effects devices will feature a built in control that allows you to mix varying amounts of direct signal with affected or processed' signal. When using the effects send and receive controls you should adjust your effects device to provide only the total affected signal. This will be returned and summed at the console (i.e. rotate the effects' device mix entirely to the "wet" or processed signal). Setting up this way will allow you the best control over the dry signal (sent from the channels directly to the outputs) being mixed with the affected or processed' signal summed to the outputs. Using only fully 'wet' and fully 'dry' signals at the channel SENDS will eliminate variations in volume when adjusting either the effects send or receive controls as heard in the main mix. 5-3