Aux sends

Definition

Aux sends are auxiliary outputs on a mixing console or digital audio workstation that allow you to route audio signals to external processors or effects while keeping the original signal intact. This feature is essential for creating flexible and dynamic mixes, as it lets you blend effects like reverb or delay independently of the main mix. Aux sends can be used creatively in various ways, enhancing parallel processing techniques and dynamic mixing strategies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aux sends can be set up as pre-fader or post-fader, determining whether the send level is affected by the channel fader position.
2. Using aux sends for effects allows you to maintain control over the amount of effect applied without altering the original audio signal.
3. Aux sends are commonly used for creating headphone mixes, enabling performers to hear themselves and other instruments during recording sessions.
4. In live sound situations, aux sends are crucial for sending signals to monitor speakers or external processors like graphic equalizers.
5. Multiple aux sends can be created on a single channel, allowing for different effects or mixes to be routed simultaneously.

Review Questions

• How do aux sends contribute to creating flexible mixes in a digital audio workstation?
  • Aux sends allow you to route audio signals to different effects processors while keeping the original signal intact. This flexibility means you can blend various effects like reverb and delay without permanently altering the source track. By adjusting the levels of aux sends, you can create a more dynamic mix that enhances the overall sound without compromising the original audio.
• What role do aux sends play in parallel compression and how does this technique benefit the overall mix?
  • Aux sends are vital in parallel compression as they enable you to send a copy of the audio signal to a compressor while leaving the original uncompressed signal intact. This allows you to blend the compressed signal back into the mix for added punch and sustain without losing the dynamics of the original track. This technique enhances clarity and impact, making it a popular choice among mixing engineers.
• Evaluate how effective use of aux sends can improve dynamic mixing techniques and listener experience in music production.
  • Effective use of aux sends significantly improves dynamic mixing by allowing precise control over how effects are applied across different elements of a mix. By utilizing aux sends for various processes like reverb or delay, producers can craft a more engaging soundstage that enhances listener experience. This method encourages creativity in mixing, as you can experiment with varying levels of effects tailored to each track's needs, ultimately leading to a polished and professional final product.

Related terms

Bus: A bus is a pathway that allows multiple audio signals to be combined and sent to a single output or processing chain.

Reverb: Reverb is an audio effect that simulates the natural echoes and reflections of sound in a space, adding depth and ambiance to recordings.

Wet/Dry Mix: The wet/dry mix refers to the balance between processed (wet) and unprocessed (dry) audio signals, often used in conjunction with effects like reverb or delay.