Intro to Cubase 10 The Basics Part 3: Send FX, Insert FX, and EQ

Introduction

This tutorial covers the basics of using Send Effects, Insert Effects, and Equalization (EQ) in Cubase 10. These essential tools will enhance your mixing skills and help you get started on your first projects. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refresh your knowledge, this guide will provide you with clear, actionable steps to effectively use these features.

Step 1: Understanding Insert Effects

Insert Effects are applied directly to individual audio tracks. They modify the sound of the track before it reaches the output.

How to Use Insert Effects

1. Open Your Project

   • Launch Cubase and load your audio project.

2. Select an Audio Track

   • Click on the track where you want to apply the insert effect.

3. Access the Inspector Panel

   • On the left side of the workspace, locate the Inspector panel.

4. Add Insert Effect

   • In the Inspector, find the "Inserts" section.
   • Click on an empty insert slot to open the effects menu.
   • Choose an effect from the list (e.g., Reverb, Delay, Compressor).

5. Adjust Effect Parameters

   • After selecting an effect, adjust its settings to achieve the desired sound.

Practical Tips

• Experiment with different effects to see how they alter your audio.
• Use a combination of effects for more complex sound design.

Step 2: Exploring Send Effects

Send Effects allow you to send a portion of your audio signal to an effect without altering the original sound. This is useful for applying effects like reverb or delay to multiple tracks simultaneously.

How to Use Send Effects

1. Open the MixConsole

   • Go to the "Devices" menu and select "MixConsole."

2. Create an Effects Channel

   • Click on “Add Effects Channel” in the MixConsole.
   • Select the desired effect (e.g., a reverb plugin).

3. Send Audio to Effects Channel

   • On the audio track, locate the "Sends" section in the Inspector.
   • Click on an empty send slot and select the effects channel you created.

4. Adjust Send Level

   • Use the send level fader to control how much of the track is sent to the effect.

Common Pitfalls

• Avoid sending too much audio to an effect, which can muddy your mix.
• Ensure that the effect is set to a suitable level to maintain clarity.

Step 3: Using Equalization

EQ is essential for shaping the tonal balance of your audio tracks. It allows you to boost or cut specific frequencies.

How to Use EQ

1. Select an Audio Track

   • Click on the track you want to EQ.

2. Open the EQ Section

   • In the Inspector, find the "Equalizer" section.

3. Adjust Frequency Bands

   • Use the graphical EQ interface to select frequency bands.
   • Boost or cut frequencies to enhance or reduce specific tones.

4. A/B Comparison

   • Use the A/B comparison feature to toggle between your EQ settings and the original sound.

Practical Tips

• Start with subtle adjustments to avoid drastic changes.
• Focus on the most problematic frequencies, typically between 200 Hz and 2 kHz.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to use Insert Effects, Send Effects, and EQ in Cubase 10. These tools are fundamental for mixing and improving your audio projects. As you become more familiar with these techniques, consider exploring more advanced tutorials to deepen your understanding. Remember to experiment and trust your ears to achieve the best results in your music production journey.