The “dry” sound is the direct signal from, in this case, the vocal mic, and the “wet” sound is the reverb effect.

Draw & Redraw
Now that the reverb sounds the way we like… If an adjustment is made to the lead vocal fader, does this affect the signal fed to the reverb device? Of course it does. What if you make a change to the EQ on channel 5? Yes, that change will also be reflected in the reverb sound.

Does adjusting the master fader affect the feed to the reverb device? No, because the feed to aux 2 is picked off before the master fader. What if the aux 1 send on channel 5 is changed - will that affect the signal fed to the reverb unit?

No. Even though aux 1 is picked off upstream from the aux 2 feed, it’s still just a pickoff point and will not affect the main signal path. Realize that the aux 2 send described here is commonly called a “post-fade” send.

It’s typical to use a post-fade send to feed effects devices because doing so allows us to easily maintain that dry-to-wet ratio. It is generally a more musical sound for the loudness of the reverb to track with the direct sound.

If you push the fader up, the direct sound increases, as does the feed to the reverb unit, so the dry-to-wet ratio is maintained. If you pull the fader down, the reverb sound diminishes as well.

The owner’s manual for your console will include a block diagram. These drawings are often awkward to read, so redraw it! Not only will it be easier to read and simpler to understand, but the point of signal flow is reinforced understanding of its flow.

All you have to do is get past the manufacturer’s silkscreen on the console. For example, what one manufacturer calls “solo” another labels the same control “cue”, and still another labels it “PFL”; what one manufacturer calls “monitor send” another labels “foldback”.

But it doesn’t matter if the console cost $600 or $60,000. The reality is that they both possess the same basic signal flow.

Curt Taipale heads up Church Soundcheck, a thriving community dedicated to helping technical worship personnel, and he also provides expert systems design and consulting services with Taipale Media Systems.

More articles by Curt Taipale on PSW:
Staying Focused - A Path To Excellence In Operating Your Church Sound System
Choosing The Right Console For Your Church Sound System
The Powerful Affect Of Digital Effects In Your System
Who Defines “Good” Sound At Your Church?
Install Your Own Church Sound System? Here Are Some Cautionary Tales
Humor Files: Unintended Amendments To The Laws Of Physics

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