Effects
Adding reverb, delay, and spatial effects to shape the mix.
What Are Effects in a Mix?
Effects processors (FX) add time-based and spatial treatments to audio — reverb simulates acoustic spaces, delay creates rhythmic echoes, chorus thickens the sound, and modulation effects add movement. Effects are typically applied using an effects send (aux post-fader) rather than inserting directly on the channel.
Reverb — Space & Depth
Reverb simulates the reflections of sound in a physical space — a small room, a concert hall, a cathedral. In a live mix, reverb adds depth and polish to dry close-miked vocals and instruments. Key parameters: pre-delay (how long before reverb begins), decay time (how long it rings), and wet/dry mix.
Delay — Echo & Rhythm
Delay repeats a signal after a set time interval. Tempo-synced delay (set in milliseconds to match BPM) can lock repeats to the groove of a performance. Slapback delay (50–120 ms) is a classic rockabilly effect. Long delays create atmospheric trails. Keep delay times musical by syncing to tempo.
Effects Routing — Send/Return vs. Insert
The most common live effects routing uses a post-fader aux send to feed the effects unit, and a dedicated FX return channel to bring the wet (processed) signal back into the mix. This lets one reverb unit serve all channels simultaneously. An insert places an effect directly in the signal path of a single channel.
FX Return & Wet/Dry Balance
The FX return fader controls how much of the processed (wet) signal enters the main mix. The channel send knobs control how much of each channel feeds the effects unit. Keep reverb subtle on live mixes — rooms are already acoustic environments. Less is almost always more; too much reverb destroys clarity.