NIOA VS-880 TIP 210-0004:

Recording w/o effects on one track, effects on other track

Dan Hulse (dhulse@concentric.net) wrote: I want to be able to do a simple track record without effects, and then be able to play/set up effects1/2 and then send a copy of the track with effects to another track. What would be the simplest way to do this?

While in Input --> Track Mode

1). Record your material with fx set to Pre or PostFade. this will allow you 
    to hear the fx, but only the dry signal will reach the track.

2). Just bounce the desired track(s) with fx to other track(s).

   a). To do so, set the track(s) that you will record TO so the 
       Input/BussMIX and arm it for record (blinking red).

   b). Set the track(s) that you want to record with the chosen fx
       (1 and/or 2) to playback (green).

   c). Set your levels at this point (I use the postfader display).

   d). Make sure no other tracks are lit.  Now just hit Record and Play.
       This will record whatever you hear (Mix Buss).

This is cool because it's quick and easy and it leaves a copy of your dry tracks for later use. For example, if you get to final mix and that once cool sounding delay-chorus guitar riff now sounds like crap - no problemo! just rebounce it with another effect!

ps - this was from memory, my 880 isn't nearby.... if any of the gurus see mistake let us know. Mike Perry.

Rick Knepper Ft. Worth, Tx added:

I waited to respond to this question until I saw someone else review the method you chose (so I wouldn't have to do all that typing). This would have been my first suggestion to Dan. In addition to the check list you mentioned, I would have added that there are two different ways to record effects with the dry track. You can apply the effects POSTFADE to the dry track as you stated or apply the effects INSERTED on the track you will bounce to. You'll definitely want to use the former if you are using those effects descibed as LOOP effects. If Dan uses the insert method, he'll also have to remember to set the EQ/EFF PREINS=On.

My second suggestion, although you did ask for simple, is to use the Input Mix mode (from page 51 of the Application Guide 2.0). Channel 1 will record the dry signal and Channel 2 gets the effects simultaneously, thus avoiding the bouncing process and saving a little time down the road. I realize the INPUT MIX and TRACK MIX modes are no-mans land for many, but you can experiment within a dummy song (hey, I'll send ya one of mine) to get a feel for it. Actually, I don't know why the following can't be done in the INPUT>TRACK MIX mode, but I don't have time this morning to test it out.

1. Hold the SHIFT key and simultaneously press the SELECT key, then select INPUT MIX.

2. On channel 2, choose prefade for youe effect #1, then set your effect (I'm assuming you know to do this.) Repeat for Effect #2 if desired.

3. On channel 2, set the INPUT/BUSS=1-2. Turn the pan all the way left to send the signal to BUSS 1.

4. On the MASTER channel, set the EFF 1 RTN=1-2. Set the EFF 1 RTN Bal=R63. Return to Display.

5. Now switch to TRACK MIX.

6. Raise the faders for both channel 1 an 2 to cross the null point.

7. Record.

Edward DeGenaro (NudeGuitars@webtv.net) also contributed the following:

Rick, why would you use insert the effect (insert ef) and turn on eq/eff pre ins on, as opposed to just inserting on the original track and routing this through the mix out?

For example if you record a guitar signal goind into the 880 dry, then when bouncing you go (only an example) -- amp simulator into delay-- that would be insert to post/pre fade to mix. This will definite;y sound diferent (better?) than sending it Delay postfade out to mix into track to be bounced insert eff.. Hope that made any sense. Ed

Of which Rick Knepper responded:

Eddie, I understand what you are saying. But what I was saying was there is more than one way to do it however superior one way could be over another. The method you detail below most probably is the best way to do it. I think somewhere in my poorly written explanation, I mentioned the difference in LOOP effects and INSERT effcets.

BTW, there is another way to do it on top of everything else mentioned thus far.

INPUT>TRACK MIX mode.

Set channel 1 to record, Set channel 2 to record, Set both for the same INPUT 1 (Let's say your guitar is plugged INPUT SENS 1)

Set channel 2 effects (inserts only in this particular case) Record your ass off. Channel 1 is dry. Channel 2 is a mixture of your dry and "effected" signal.

My previous example (in an earlier post) detailed a method using the INPUT MIX mode. The end result here is slightly different from above. Channel 1 is dry and Channel 2 has only the effect recorded without the mixture.

Eddie, keep me honest.

Rick Knepper

Ft. Worth, Tx

1998/02


Numerical Index
Subject Index
The Latest Tips for this Edition
Additional Information / Submit a tip

Back to the NIOA Tip List Main Page