Q: Can I use a sub-mixer and still access my effects?

I just purchased a second mixer to use along side my first. The problem is, I only have two external effects units, and I'd like to be able to use both effects with both mixers. All I've come up with so far is to dedicate one effects unit per mixer, or -- worse -- do without effects on the sub-mixer. Any suggestions, short of buying more effects?

A: Combining two mixers will give you a bunch of extra inputs, which is always a good thing. Even high-end studios will occasionally hook up a sub-mixer to their giant mega-buck console. Sharing effects processors between the master and sub-mixer is a little tricky, but it is indeed possible. Alternately, I'll be happy to sell you some extra effects units I have lying around here… I'm going to make a few assumptions to get the ball rolling: Both mixers are stereo, we have a handful of extra inputs to spare, and we're using two mono sends -- one feeding each effect. Follow the steps below to route the aux sends from the sub-mixer to the corresponding aux bus of the master mixer...

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Rudy Trubitt is the author of five books and hundreds of articles on music and sound technology. See what he's been up to recently at http://www.trubitt.com