In this Free Expert Tutorial for Production Expert, Technical Editor James Ivey visits Dax Liniere at North London's Puzzle Factory Studio to talk about how you don't just have to use dynamics processors on channels. They can also be used on your effects returns to shape the tone or a delay or reverb. Dax has an example to hand to demonstrate the process.

Dax starts by playing the song through so you can hear how the vocal delay is just a little too much on the louder vocal parts of the vocal phrase. He uses FabFilter Pro C2 to tame the vocal level going into the delay by playing the plug-in in the effect return before the delay processor.

In the second audio example, Dax puts the compressor after the delay effect in the effect return. This makes for a thinker, denser compressed delay sound. It's a very subtle difference but it is noticeable.  You can also see up close on the plug-in GUI how Dax alters the parameters of the plug-in depending on where the compressor is in the effects return chain. 

The song used in this tutorial video is entitled 'Leaving Rose Bay' by Katie Rosewood.

If you want to find out more about Dax check out the Mix Direction website or check out our Podcast Extra Interview with Dax where he talks about his introduction to music and recording, moving to the UK and his new Puzzle Factory Studios.