Is there a better one to choose between in the option of a chain on the audio/midi or sending it to a return track in Ableton? I see people accomplishing the same task with each method and was wondering if there was one that would be less cpu intensive then the other? Or if at the end of the day the only difference was personal preference
Using send and returns gets more CPU-efficient once you start sending multiple channels to the same send-and-return buss, rather than using an insert on each channel.br
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Personally, i usually use send and returns if i can, because my PC is not the most powerful, so i like to limit the CPU usage where possible, and also, i like to use exactly the same reverbs and delays when i can, to try and help glue the track together.br
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But there are some instances when i feel i have to use inserts.br
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A good example is if i am adding alot of reverb to a sound, and i want the reverb to pump using sidechaining - i’ll add the reverb as an insert, then insert a compressor on sidechain duty at the end of the channel, which then pumps both the sound itself and the associated reverb.br
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Sometimes as well, i want to have an effect on a particular sound that is totally unique from any other effect in the track, in order to make that particular sound stand out and have it’s own little place in the mix. A good example of this might be on a lead sound - where i want the lead to really stand out and seem extra ‘large’ in the mix.br
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Hmmm okay David appreciate the response…I’m thinking I’m not taking advantage of the return tracks the same way as you normally, only using them to apply reverb and such and using individual chains on the certain track to do more of the work but I like the idea of the way your doing it. I’m going to try it next project hopefully it will take a little load off my computer once I’m farther into the track cause I’m getting KILLED right now!