Insert Effects and Send Effects

You can apply effects to audio channels by using insert effects or send effects.

Insert Effects

Insert effects are inserted in the signal chain of an audio channel. This way, the whole channel signal passes through the effect.

In Cubase Elements, you can add up to 8 different insert effects per channel. In Cubase AI and Cubase LE, 4 insert effects per channel are available.

Use insert effects for effects such as distortion, filters, or other effects that change the tonal or dynamic characteristics of the sound.

To add and edit insert effects, you can use the following inserts sections:

  • The Inserts section in the Channel Settings window.

  • The Inserts section in the Inspector.

Send Effects

Send effects can be added to FX channel tracks, and the audio data to be processed can be routed to the effect. This way, the send effects remain outside the audio channel’s signal path.

Each audio channel has 8 sends in Cubase Elements and 4 sends in Cubase AI and Cubase LE, each of which can be freely routed to an effect (or to a chain of effects).

Use send effects in the following cases:

  • To control the balance between the dry and wet sound individually for each channel.

  • To use the same effect for several different audio channels.

To edit send effects, you can use the following sends sections:

  • The Sends rack in the MixConsole.

  • The Destinations section in the Channel Settings window.

  • The Sends section in the Inspector.