Xena FX Sends

Background

FX sends, also known as auxiliary sends or aux sends, are commonly used in audio production to apply effects, headphone or monitor mixes.

An FX Send is a routing option on a mixer that allows you to send a copy of a track’s signal for separate processing (through an FX bus) where you can add various effects such as reverb, delay, chorus, or distortion.

FX sends are also useful for creating a sense of space and depth in a mix by applying effects to only certain parts of a track, like a vocal or guitar solo. By using an FX send, you can add just the right amount of effect to enhance the sound without overwhelming it or making it sound unnatural.

FX Send Gain
Effects (Reverb, Delay)
FX Return Gain

Use Cases

  • Adding effects like Reverb (the case with Xena Web App)
  • Creating a headphone mix
  • Route a sub mix to stage monitors or other destinations

How to use FX sends?

Prerequisites

  • Load audio files in the “File Player” window
  • Push play, verify the meters (no sound yet)

Steps

  1. Raise the INPUT knob (mono channel, skip for stereo channels)
  2. Raise LEVEL knob on the same channel
  3. Raise the MAIN knob verify meters and output
  4. Raise the FX knob
  5. Raise the AUX RTN knob

FX Send Gain

To set up an FX send, adjust the level of the send for each track, which determines how much of the original signal is sent to the FX bus. The levels sent to the FX bus are PRE FADER. Meaning, the signal sent to the FX bus is independent of the channel levels feeding the main mix bus.

Audio Effects

Units that process sound such as, reverb & delay. The signals feeding the FX BUS exit the mixer at a designated output connector which feeds a series of effect units.

FX Returns

An FX Return is where the audio signal from th various effects comes back onto the mixer. Once the processed audio signal is brought back into the mix, you can adjust its volume of the returned signal and blend it with the original audio signal to create the desired effect.

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