Thread [Getting started] Insert Effects and Aux Effects

That's why inserts are usually used for effects that change the waveform of the audio signal, like dynamic processors (gate/expander, compressor/limiter), saturation/distortion effects, bitcrushers, de-essers, filters (EQs, wah effects, etc.), audio restoration tools, and psycho-acoustic processors (harmonic generators, stereo width processors, etc.).


We've also mentioned that an aux adds an effect without actually changing the source signal, which makes them ideal for effects that are mixed with the original signal. We are talking about "acoustic generators" (reverb, delay, echo, etc.), pitch effects (harmonizer, octaver, pitch-shifter, etc.) and modulation effects (chorus, flanger, phaser, etc.).

A special remark: if you have the choice, use a post-fader aux so that the effect amount (ratio between effect signal and direct signal) stays the same, regardless of the fader position in the channel.