MG20XU/MG20/MG16XU/MG16/MG12XU/MG12 Owner’s Manual 11
Quick Start Guide
Step 5 Using the Built-in Effects (XU Models Only)
1. Turn the [PROGRAM] knob to select the
desired effect, and then press the knob to
enable it.
The selected effect program number flashes in the display.
For details about available effects, see the Effect Programs on
page 33.
2. Turn on ( ) the [ON] switch for [FX RTN].
3. Turn on ( ) the [ST] switch for [FX RTN].
4. Raise the [FX RTN] fader to the “0” position.
5. Use the [AUX (2, 4)/FX] knobs to adjust the
effect depth for each channel.
6. Use the [FX RTN] fader to adjust the overall
effect depth of the selected effect.
You can use the [PARAMETER] knob (page 23) to adjust
effect parameters such as reverb time and delay time. For
details about the parameters of each effect that can be
adjusted with the [PARAMETER] knob, see page 33.
[AUX (2, 4)/FX] knobs
Display
[PROGRAM] knob*
[PARAMETER] knob*
[ON] switch for [FX RTN]
[ST] switch for [FX RTN]
[FX RTN] fader
(The MG20XU has an [FX RTN LEVEL] knob.)
* The [PROGRAM] knob and
[PARAMETER] knob on the
MG20XU are in slightly different
locations than shown here.

Using Reverb and Delay

Your mixes can be further enhanced by using the built-in ambience effects such as reverb or delay.
Reverb and Delay Time
The optimum reverb time for a piece of music will depend on the music’s tempo and density, but as a general rule longer reverb times
are good for ballads, while shorter reverb times are more suited to up-tempo tunes. Delay times can be adjusted to create a wide vari-
ety of repeating rhythmic effects. When adding a delay to a vocal, for example, try setting the delay time to dotted eighth notes ( e. )
corresponding to the tune’s tempo.
Reverb Level
While working for many hours on a mix, your sense of hearing will start to dull slightly. This can lead to the perception that tracks with
excess processing sound like the perfect mix. To avoid falling into this trap, start with reverb level all the way down, then gradually bring
the reverb into the mix until you can just hear the difference. Any more than this normally becomes a special effect or, worse yet,
makes the sound muddy and indistinct. In general, you don’t want reverb to dominate the mix, so you should apply it judiciously.