@dctdct @Mark Richards
I did work out a bit of a "hack" using the main bus, but, it will overwrite any previous mainbus recordings of coarse... so, there needs to be a specific order of workflow...
1.record song
2.mix song as you normally would
3.utilize FX send and 'FX to Main' knob without worry
4.Once you're happy with your mix starting point....
5.Take all channels/Sub mainbuss assignment out/off so that only the FX is being sent to MainBus
6.Use XLR->TRS cables out the main outs into a stereo channel and record that stereo channel.
7.Once recording is done, unpatch TRS side (prevent feedback loop), re-assign all the channels/sub to Mainbus
8.Add your new stereo FX channel to mainbus
9.Do your final mix, record the main bus (Main bus is always recording every time master record is hit)
and voila, you have your FX on a stereo channel you can now mix with properly.
Mind you, this wouldn't work in a live situation. In that case, you're stuck with the FX just going straight to mainbus.
It's also possible maybe, to follow the same steps up to and 5, record only the main bus (no tracks armed), and then do a Stereo Mix Export, and re-import that stereo export to an available stereo track... Haven't tried this method yet though.
The nice thing about doing my first method, is, you can use the Graphic EQ on the main outs to shape the EQ curve of the FX, and then use AFL/PFL and the AFL/PFL master knob to monitor that stereo channel recording the FX.
The great thing about these little swiss army knife type boards is that where there's a will, there is a way, and it all just becomes part of the creative process.