Organizing The Audio Tracks For Mixing; Using The Direct Outs 1-4 - M-Audio Omni I/O Manual

You can still mix through the Omni, adding effects using the Channel 1-4 Effects
Send, and also using the Direct Outs. We will describe using the Direct Outs in
the section 11.2, "Using the Direct Outs 1-4."

11.1 Organizing the Audio Tracks for Mixing

There are a number of ways to setup the audio tracks for mixing. Here are a
couple of suggestions.
Let's say that you've recorded two live rhythm guitars, four background vocals, lead
vocal and lead guitar. The Delta has four software outputs, arranged in two stereo
pairs. These pairs are 1/2, and 3/4. The Delta Patchbay/Router should be set to the
software outputs for this example (WavOut on PC, SM/ASIO on the Mac).
In your music software, set your rhythm guitars and background vocals to software
outs 3/4. Pan the guitars, and set the background vocals to varied pan positions and
all of your playback levels within your music software. Add effects by increasing the
level control on Omni channels 3 and 4 effects sends.
Software outs 1/2 are now left for your lead vocal and lead guitar. This setup allows
you to treat the lead instruments separately. Most likely, you will pan the lead vocal
in the center, and possibly the lead guitar also panned center. Add the amount of
effect you desire on the lead vocal, and give the lead guitar its own amount of effects,
by increasing the level control on Omni channels 1 and 2 effects sends.
Providing that you have an Aux In available, this setup also allows you to patch
in a single effect for each of these lead instruments. Refer to the next section,
11.2, for more information on how this can be done.

11.2 Using the Direct Outs 1-4

The Direct Outs 1-4 are directly connected to the Delta H/W Outs 1-4, and are
unaffected by the Omni mixer. They can be used to send the signal of a single
recorded audio track to an additional effects units. Mostly, you'll want to do this
during mixdown. You will also need to have Aux Ins available to return the
effects to the Omni, or a submixer for effect returns with its stereo out connected
to the Omni FX Return.
1. If you have an audio track set to output to the Delta H/W Out 1, for
example, connect Direct Out 1 to the input of your effects unit.
2. Take the output of the effects unit, and "return" it to one of the Omni Aux
Ins. Control the listening level of the effect by adjusting the input and output
controls on the effects unit itself.
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