EFFECTS - IN MASTER OR INSERT; AND CONSEQUENCES

[♔Chello]

EFFECTS - IN MASTER OR INSERT; AND CONSEQUENCES

I found out today that I've been on the wrong track, because I've heavily added effects in Insert FX.
This resulted in many styles not being as expected, as in some cases there was strong distortion (to my ears) and unfortunate compressions, which was especially very evident on drums and perc.

I also made another mistake (until now) which was that I assumed the default max output level should be -12 to -10dB, because most of the recordings I have in my music collection are at this level.
This output level has often caused the same problems as effects in Insert FX.

Korg has used an output level of about -20dB, which turns out to be much better, as this reduces the risk of distortion; it increases the headroom.

Here comes Pa5X's double player to its kingly seat:
By playing the original style in one player and the one you are editing in the other, you can A/B test the difference continuously - no other keyboards have this amazing capability - you have with this the same possibilities as with a full-blooded sound studio..!

My experience is that if I keep the output level at -20dB, and put all my effects (which are basically only Stereo Compressor and Reverb Room) in Master FX instead of Insert FX, I achieve the desired results without distortion and compression problems.
And the necessary work is significantly reduced..!


CONCLUSION:
* Avoid putting lots of basic effects in Insert FX, and put them in Master FX instead.
* Only special effects needed for one track must be added to Insert FX.
* Avoid output levels higher than -20dB.

It took some time to figure this out, but I'm convinced that this is technically the correct way, because this is also done the same way by Korg on the Pa5X.

This way of doing it also frees up resources, while the other left you short on resources.