I think I've got most of it, but some things need to be confirmed. I'm about to hand over some cash for a used Behringer 4-bus mixer, the MX2642, so I was wondering about..

Aux sends: The MX2642 has 6, so does this mean I can have 3 "true stereo" fx units connected into it, in an aux send/return loop? Maybe more? How?

I have a suspicion it is possible to connect fx units to the channel strip inputs. How or with what do I re-route the fx to the..say channels next to those of the fx unit? Will the faders on the fx channel strips cause feedback?

What exactly do the busses do? Apart from having their own volume-fader, do they just separate the fx or what?

If anyone has links to where I can read about the workings of larger desks, I'd appreciate it. I've been blissfully spared from these things since my old mixer only had 2 aux sends. Thanks.

-tek

Tek,
cheque out this site, explains a lot...

http://www.soundcraft.com/

"Aux sends: The MX2642 has 6, so does this mean I can have 3 "true stereo" fx units connected into it, in an aux send/return loop? Maybe more? How?"

Sort of..
The first 2 aux sends are switchable form post/pre fader;
Post fader means the fader level governs the amount of signal the that goes to the aux buss.
Pre fader, the channels fader has no effect (no pun intended) on the amount of signal. Mostly used as a monitor send for live applications.

So in therory you could have three true stereo sends to your effect units.
I personally just use mono inputs on effect units, and bring back a stereo mix from them.

Have your effect units sent to 100% wet, you only want the processed signal returning back to your desk, you can then mix the amount in by adjusting the send level, or the return level. Try and give the processor unit enough useful signal (send level), to keep the singanl-to-noise ratios in order.

"I have a suspicion it is possible to connect fx units to the channel strip inputs. How or with what do I re-route the fx to the..say channels next to those of the fx unit? Will the faders on the fx channel strips cause feedback?"

The normal 'mono' channel strips have insert points - these can be used for effects / processing. You will need TRS (stereo) jacks, (T)ip sends the signal, the (R)ing returns the signal, so no feedback problems.
The insert points are normally used to add compressors, and/or gates to the channels in question.

"Busses" the mixer has 4 buesses, 2 the main stereo mix, the 'alt' allows you to route another stero mix out from the mixer.
Great for recording: Stereo mix L/R, and on the 'alt' buss: vocal (hard pan left), guitar (hard pan right)




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The Sonic Energy Authority - a sound investment

The pre/post fader stuff is completely new to me. Thanks alot, both of you.

-tek

Hi Tek!
Looks like I'm too late - you've already got the answers to you question.
Good!
By the way, what is your opinion on MACKIE mixers?

ED

I've never used one. I know they're overpriced. For the price of one 4-bus VLZ I could buy a used 32-channel Behringer 8-bus. I don't know where the Mackie price comes from and on my budget it's just not worth it.

-tek

Mixed feelings about Mackie. I have a CFX20 for live gigs that I like just fine. Quite preamps, decent built in effects. I'm thinking about switching to a Yorkville Powermax 22 channel mixer though.

As far as studio boards, we've had bad luck. We have a Mackie board now; 24 channel, 4 aux sends. This is our second board, and it is having very similar problems to our first one. Bad connections; all at once one of the channels will just quit working. If you boost the hell out of the preamp it will suddenly jump back in, but is very annoying when you are running something subtle like an effect and suddenly the left side of the effect is gone.

Sounds like your Mackie has a power distribution problem. Unfortunetly (even though Mackies still have great sound), to cut cost, a lot of Mackies are built in contries like Korea and China. It sucks, really, cause they are great sounding mixers. My ears still prefer a Mackie to any other brand. But that's just me.
ED

Pre post effectos is a crucial factor for signal clarity. A general rule that I believe most will condone is to put it in as pure as you can, then mess with it later giving it the shortest path possible. For obvious example if you (taboo) pre effect a phase shifter on a signal and it is recorded as such, that's it pal, you're stuck with a phase shifted signal recorded. period. You cannot undo a 90 degree shift by going back to the previous 270 degree mark. hehe no that wont work. same goes with CHOR FLAN ECHO (exc. pure delay) and just about any invasive or combination of effects that include an invasive one in it.
I have to even include EQ extraction to a certain degree, as it changes clip points and always raises the noise floor. (that's not good)

I noticed that when setting all external fx to 100% wet globally, signals really get swamped with fx. Even when you only let a little of the effected signal pass through, it sounds different to having set varying wetness on each fx program.

Maybe I'm just not used to the way it sounds. I've been on my old mixer/porta since 96, so this might take some getting used to.

-tek