6 aux sends but 8 returns, why?

[Flanksteak]

I know this is probably a silly question but why is it that on some consoles they have 6 aux sends for effects but have 8 returns for those sends?

Wouldn't it make more sense to have 8 and 8? I know I'm probably not realizing something that is really obvious but I was wondering if someone could explain it to me... thanks

Flanksteak

[Rogervandeberg]

mono source send to a stereo verb?

[DeepSpace]

Originally Posted by Flanksteak

Wouldn't it make more sense to have 8 and 8?

You take a feed off a direct-out - or a tap off an insert point - or run a splitter off one of the six auxes - or pull up a submix to send thru an effects device...

...you're going to need somewhere to return the wet signal.

[Flanksteak]

Originally Posted by DarkSky

You take a feed off a direct-out - or a tap off an insert point - or run a splitter off one of the six auxes - or pull up a submix to send thru an effects device...

...you're going to need somewhere to return the wet signal.

I understand that, I guess what I'm asking is if you're going to make a console with 8 stereo effects returns why not have 8 aux sends also?

[thenoodle]

Last time I ran into anyone who actually USES returns, it was about 1975. Everyone I know uses channels for returns so that you get full access to further routing, eq, big faders, automation etc etc. I always forget the master returns are even there.

[Fleaman]

Ok, the obvious answer since no one seems to give it:

6 sends are mono but practically all the time they are going into a stereo effects device, so you're gonna have a stereo return (stereo out), needing 2 inputs on your console returns. 8 returns allow for 4 separate stereo returns. So you could have 4 separate stereo effects units returning to those 8 returns.

And as already mentioned, most would use the mixer channels for returns...if you still have channels open to use...otherwise use the returns.

[Fleaman]

And to further clarify> The sends and returns don't need to match count wise (even if you do 6 mono sends to 12 returns) due to the different jobs they do.

Each send allows you to dedicate say one channel to 1 effects unit, if you like. Or, you can create a 'mix' of sends. i.e.> You have a stereo vocal delay for send 1 which only comes from the vocal channel, then you have a reverb effect that you want on many more instruments...so you use send 2 on drums, guitar, vox channels, etc. So now you have 2 sends that require 2 stereo returns...4 return inputs/channels. You can of course do any combination you want.

I actually have a console that has 12 sends and 4 stereo returns (8 inputs), so I can hook up only 4 separate effect units (all stereo) to those returns and anymore have to go through other inputs (channels, monitors, etc.). But as already mentioned, I only go to the returns when I run out of channels on the console.

[thethrillfactor]

[AllAboutTone]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

lol, depends on if its a value pack.

[DeepSpace]

Originally Posted by Fleaman

Ok, the obvious answer since no one seems to give it:

6 sends are mono but practically all the time they are going into a stereo effects device, so you're gonna have a stereo return (stereo out), needing 2 inputs on your console returns. 8 returns allow for 4 separate stereo returns.

It's only 'obvious' if you *assume* that they're all mono returns. Flansteak didn't say.

[Fleaman]

Hence my clarification.

Also, 6 sends and 8 stereo returns? That would be pretty weird, but I certainly haven't see it all....that's for sure.

[Sigma]

Originally Posted by thenoodle

Last time I ran into anyone who actually USES returns, it was about 1975. Everyone I know uses channels for returns so that you get full access to further routing, eq, big faders, automation etc etc. I always forget the master returns are even there.

so true!

[stevep]

Aux sends are mostly used to buss to effects or cue mixes......

The tape or monitor returns were for the tape machine for monitoring while tracking

I never use the tape/mon. returns... i always work in a split configuration
and my most used processors are normaled into faders

[Fleaman]

Originally Posted by stevep

Aux sends are mostly used to buss to effects or cue mixes......

The tape or monitor returns were for the tape machine for monitoring while tracking

I never use the tape/mon. returns... i always work in a split configuration
and my most used processors are normaled into faders

OP was asking about the aux returns....

[stevep]

Aux returns, monitor returns, tape returns , basically the same thing, an input that usually has a trim and a pan, usually internally sent to the stereo buss

cool ?




.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by thenoodle

Last time I ran into anyone who actually USES returns, it was about 1975. Everyone I know uses channels for returns so that you get full access to further routing, eq, big faders, automation etc etc. I always forget the master returns are even there.

When mixing on a 48 channel SSL all the time.

Heck i use every available output and input when doing a mix.