Using Rack EFX for multiple mix channels

[TheFollower]

Looking to use Rack EFX to greater measure. Presently, we use a MainLR reverb and a Drum verb. What I would like to do is utilize EFX within individual channels. Need some guidance about setup and functionality on the SQ6. Example: I want to use the De-esser for a couple problem vocalists. I add the De-esser to a Rack and Insert it into the mix channel. Great. But this is a one-to-one scenario (similar to the days of outboard processing). Leads me to assume I have to load the De-esser to a second RackEFX space for the remaining vocalist. Is this a correct understanding?

May concern is…given there are only eight rack spaces, we will run out of Rack spaces quickly. Is there another approach to more efficiently use RackEFX? Thank you.

Stephen

[Brian]

I use an Avantis and the FX racks have a “dual mono” option which allows you to insert a single FX into two different mono channels. This means you could use one rack space with a de-esser and use the left channel of the de-esser for your main vocalist and the right channel of the de-esser for the second vocalist.

However this “dual mono” option isn’t available on the SQ series FX racks. That is a real bummer. It’s been suggested here on the forum multiple times through the years, but it seems like it still hasn’t been implemented yet.

Long story short, your experience and assumptions are unfortunately accurate with the SQ consoles.

[Dave]

Oh man, I wish I had an Avantis! You’re a lucky man, Brian!

So Stephen, I don’t know if this is helpful for you or not, but you can have a de-Esser on every channel on the SQ.
There is a MixWizard video where he shows how to set up and use the “Free De-Esser” in every SQ. He uses the compressor on the channel with settings that turn it into a de-esser, so it won’t use up any of your rack effects.

Let me know if you want to know more

I hope that helps!

Dave

[SQuser]

You could also send your vocals through a group and insert a common De-Esser (or another FX) there.
But then you won’t be able to make separate settings for both.
(In this case, don’t forget to turn off the assigns of these vocals to Main.)

[Brian]

Here is the link to that video in case anyone is interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB64-gQFXPk

Just keep in mind that while this is a great solution if you don’t have enough Rack FX capacity to run all the deessers you need, this is not a perfect solution. Not only do you will you loose the ability to use your compressor for more normal “compressor” things, the result also won’t be as transparent as a true deesser.

This is because while the Mixwizard is using a filter set at 3.5kHz to ensure the compressor only reacts to the high frequencies, when it does react it will still be compressing the entire frequency range of the source audio. A true deesser will only react and compress the high frequencies while letting the lower frequencies pass without any alteration. A true deesser will be more transparent than a full range compressor will be.

So while this is probably the best “work around” outside of using a third party plugin solution, it can easily result in more audible “pumping” when it reacts to the “esses”. Just keep that in mind if you want to set it up this way. You’ll probably want to be less aggressive with your settings than you could be with a real deesser.

[Dave]

Hi Brian,

Thanks for the link and the helpful advice about the “Free De-Esser” approach. Your advice is always top notch, and thank you for all your help here on the forum!

Yes, I have found the pumping to be problematical, but was a good short term fix.
I had set the side chain to 5K so that it would react to only the frequencies above 5k. (5k is the highest the side chain filter will allow on the SQ desk).

So Brian, what is your preferred De-Esser? Do you ever use the “Add On” De-esser? I’ve contemplated buying that one.

Thanks!

Dave

[Tobi]

Use DynEQ . You can then have 2 filter, one for 5k and one for 8k.

Best Regards,
Tobias

[Brian]

As noted above, I use an Avantis and not the SQ series. I honestly don’t have any experience running an SQ console, so I am not the best person when it comes to specific FX options on that system. The Avantis I use also has the deeppack plugings. I have used both the addon deesser and the Dyn8 and they both work fine and I suspect the options on the SQ are very similar.

[Dave]

Thanks for the info, Brian and Tobi! Much appreciated!

Ok, so you talked me into it. I’m buying the De-Esser.
I wish the Dyn8 was available to us SQ users – I’ve heard nothing but amazing reports about how good that thing is! Maybe in a future update it will be available to us SQ users.(hint, hint Keith?)

Thanks!

Dave

[SQuser]

> I have used both the addon deesser and the Dyn8 and they both work fine and I suspect the options on the SQ are very similar.
I can confirm Brain.
On the SQ are just a few fewer setting options.

> I wish the Dyn8 was available to us SQ users
You can use something similar with the SQ.
The Dyn8 is on the SQ just split into DynEQ4 and MultiBD4 Compressor.
So take a look at the “Dynamic Trio”.

[Dave]

Hi SQuser,

Thanks for the info “The Dyn8 is on the SQ just split into DynEQ4 and MultiBD4 Compressor.” I did not know that!

Ok, so now I gotta buy the “Dynamic Trio”.

Thanks for the great info!

Dave

[Author]

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