Many musicians and audio engineers find themselves needing to route signals for monitor mixes in creative ways, often encountering limitations with their mixing console's built-in features. One common challenge is achieving a post-fader monitor send when the mixer only offers pre-fader sends. This article explores various techniques for creating effective monitor mixes, particularly focusing on utilizing effects loops (or the lack thereof) to achieve desired results, even on mixers with limited routing options like the Behringer Xenyx 1002B. We will delve into the fundamentals of effects loops, explore alternative routing strategies, and address common questions surrounding monitor sends and effects processing.
A Guide to Effects Loops: What It Is and Why It Matters
An effects loop, also known as an effects send/return, is a crucial feature on most mixing consoles and audio interfaces. It allows you to insert effects processors (like reverb, delay, chorus, etc.) into the signal path *after* the channel's EQ and pre-amp but *before* the fader. This is vital because it ensures that the effects are only applied to the signal being sent to the output, not to the signal going to the main mix. The signal is sent from the channel's "send" to the effects processor, processed, and then returned to the console via the "return." This allows for a clean, controlled way to add effects without affecting the main mix levels.
Many mixers feature both pre-fader and post-fader sends. A pre-fader send routes the signal *before* the channel fader is applied, meaning that adjusting the channel fader does not affect the level sent to the effect. A post-fader send, conversely, routes the signal *after* the channel fader, so adjusting the channel fader directly impacts the level sent to the effect. This distinction is important when deciding how to route your monitor mixes.
Behringer 1002B 4.1 Using External Effects: Limitations and Workarounds
The Behringer Xenyx 1002B, a popular budget-friendly mixer, presents a specific challenge regarding monitor sends and effects routing. It offers aux sends, but these are typically pre-fader. This means that if you want to control the monitor mix level independently of the main mix level, you need to find a workaround. The mixer lacks a dedicated post-fader send for each channel, limiting direct implementation of sophisticated monitor mixes.
4.2 Creating a Post-Fader Monitor Send on the Behringer 1002B:
The absence of a post-fader send on the Behringer 1002B doesn't preclude creating a functional post-fader monitor mix. Here are two common methods:
Method 1: Using a Direct Output and a Second Channel
This method leverages the mixer's direct output, which is typically pre-fader. You patch the direct output of the channel you want to send to the monitor to an *unused* input channel on the mixer. This creates a duplicate signal. Now, you can use the fader on this *second* channel to control the monitor level. Since the signal is taken post-fader from the source channel, adjustments to the original channel fader will affect the monitor level. This effectively creates a post-fader send.
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