External FX unit as Return

[Arpegius]

Hiya fellas,

So here's my gear:

Soundcard: Saffire Focusrite USB
Mixer: Soundcraft Spirit Folio SX
FX unit: Zoom 1202

Now what I want to achieve in Ableton is to send individual channels to a return track with the effect of my Zoom 1202.

I've tried slamming an external effect on a return bus, to no effect (no pun intended). Tried routing things differently, to no avail either. Right now the Zoom 1202 is active as an AUX on my mixer. Would love to hear if someone can help me out here on how to connect everything to get this to work.

[outsidesys]

The audio you want to send to the 1202 has to go OUT your Saffire to the 1202, and then from the 1202, back IN the Saffire.

Saffire (out) --> 1202 (in) --> 1202 Effect --> 1202 (out) --> Saffire (in)

Use Live's External Effect to choose the Input/Output of the Saffire you're using with the 1202.

[Arpegius]

Hi outsidesys, thanks for your reply.

I figured as much, however in that case the mixer is still out of the equation, how should I incorporate this on there?

[Richie Witch]

To get the mixer back in the equation, your audio interface has to be integrated into your mixer. With the combo you have, I don't think that's possible.

If you're willing to upgrade, look at Mackie, Allen & Heath, and Soundcraft for integrated mixer/interface units that will do what you're looking for.

[fishmonkey]

Hi outsidesys, thanks for your reply.

I figured as much, however in that case the mixer is still out of the equation, how should I incorporate this on there?

what kind of setup are you after? it's all a bit vague so far...

[outsidesys]

Yeah, his intensions are vague. Here's how I would route it.

Safire (Out 1/2, RCA jacks) --> Folio (2TK In, RCA jacks, Level assigned to Mix)
Safire (Out 3/4) --> Folio (In 1/2)

Folio (Out Sub-mix) --> Safire (In 1/2)
Folio (Out Aux 1, 2, or 3) --> 1202 (In)

1202 (Out) --> Folio (In 15/16 or 19/20)

Watch out for audio feedback loops. Keep the sub-mix faders down when you're not recording or monitoring thru Live, and never assign 2TK Level to SUB, or SUB to MIX.

[Richie Witch]

Yeah, I can see how that would work. Especially since the unbalanced cables on those RCA connections are probably short.

And you're right--feedback loops would be a hazard, but as long as he's careful, it's workable.

Crafty thinking!

[outsidesys]

Crafty thinking!

Thanks!

[Arpegius]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the comments, sorry for not being clear enough - like I said im fairly new to all this. Will try aforementioned method and keep you posted!