SendReturn effects

1
Send/Return effects
Definition
An effect added to the direct signal on a track
or mixer channel via an auxiliary send/ return
prior to the output The amount of effect can be
controlled by adjusting the auxiliary send and /
or return levels on the mixer
Signal
2
Send/Return effects

• Send/Return effects in ProTools
• Several steps must be followed
• Create one or more Aux Input Tracks (File gt New
  Tracks gt Mono Aux Input or Stereo Aux Input)

• Assign the effect(s) you want to the Aux Input
  tracks insert(s)

• In the Aux Input edit window track or mixer
  channels I/O settings, assign the Aux Input
  tracks input to a bus, and raise the level fader
  of the aux input track to unity gain

• Activate View gt Edit Window Shows gt Sends View
  or View gt Mix Window Shows gt Sends View to see
  the Sends pull down menus.

• Activate the send on the track by selecting
  its bus in the sends pull-down menu (active
  buses will then appear in bold).

• A level fader for the effect send will appear
  raise it to the desired level and the effect
  will be applied to the track.

3
Send/Return effects
Reverb
Definition a device or plug-in that simulates
acoustic reverberation, a series of complex sound
reflections varying with the size, proportions,
and reflective surfaces of an interior space.
Digital reverbs simulate acoustic spaces by
providing programmable parmeters such as room
size, room type, decay, etc. Usual use is as a
send/return effect, but can also be used as an
in-line effect if RAM memory permits. Playing
with the mix between direct signal and reverb
then becomes a consideration.
4
Send/Return effects
Reverb
ProTools D-verb
Reverb controls Input the level of the
incoming signal. Prevents clipping or boosts
weak signals. Mix leave at 100 if used as a
send / return effect. Adjust the dry / wet
balance if used as an insert Algorithm Size
presets for the 5 parameters below. Diffusionset
s the density of the initial echo buildup of the
reverb. High settings make for intense reverb
very soon after the signal passes through the
reverb (good for bright percussion, e.g.) Low
settings make for a more natural buildup of
reverb suitable for vocals, strings and other
sources. Decaythe reverb time. How long it
takes the reverb to die out once the signal
stops. Pre-delaythe amount of time that elapses
before the reverb sets in.
HF cut the lower the setting, the faster that
high frequencies in the reverb decay. LP filter
an overall low-pass filter cutting high
frequencies in the reverb at a rate of -6 dB per
octave.
5
Send/Return effects
Delay
Definition a device or plug-in that delays the
input signal by a set number of milliseconds.
In addition to the delay itself, a feedback
control feeds the delayed signal back into itself
to varying degrees (expressed as percentages) and
generates diminishing or infinite repeats of the
delay Most digital delays also include a filter
to make the repeated or single delays sound
duller, similar to a real acoustic
echo. ProTools delay also includes modulation,
a cyclic pitch variation of the delayed signal
used to create chorus and flange effects. The
delay repetitions can also be synced to a tempo
for musical purposes.
6
Send/Return effects
Delay
Uses. A short delay (less than 40 ms) acts a
bit like an EQ, in that it reinforces or cancels
certain frequencies due to phase differences it
causes. Slap echo is obtained with slightly
longer delay times (40 to 170 ms), and adds a
type of ambience to the effected sound. Medium
(340 - 680) and longer delays (680 ms ) are
generally used for musical and special effects.
The repetitions of the sound are distinctly
audible, and tempo sync considerations come into
play.