Send

Definition

In audio production, a 'send' refers to the process of routing a portion of an audio signal from one source to another destination, often for the purpose of applying effects or processing. Sends are essential for creating complex soundscapes and managing signal flow, as they allow producers to blend various effects like reverb or delay without altering the original audio track permanently.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sends can be either pre-fader or post-fader, indicating whether the signal is sent before or after the channel fader adjusts the volume level.
2. Using sends allows you to apply effects to multiple tracks simultaneously without needing to duplicate the effect on each individual track.
3. Sends can improve workflow by enabling non-destructive editing, meaning the original audio remains intact while effects are applied externally.
4. Sends are commonly used in live sound situations to route signals to stage monitors or recording devices without affecting the front-of-house mix.
5. When setting up sends, balancing levels is crucial to ensure that the desired amount of effect is applied without overpowering the original signal.

Review Questions

• How do pre-fader and post-fader sends affect the way audio signals are processed and mixed?
  • Pre-fader sends allow you to send audio signals to effects processors before the channel fader adjusts the volume. This means that even if the main mix level changes, the effect level remains consistent. In contrast, post-fader sends send signals after the fader, meaning any adjustment made to the channel's volume will also affect how much of the signal is sent to the effects unit. Understanding these differences helps in managing levels effectively during mixing.
• What advantages do sends offer over inserts in terms of applying effects to audio tracks?
  • Sends provide several advantages over inserts when applying effects. Unlike inserts, which process the entire signal and alter it permanently, sends allow you to apply effects while keeping the original track untouched. This means you can blend effects more creatively and flexibly across multiple tracks without redundancy. Additionally, sends enable non-destructive editing, allowing changes in effect levels without reprocessing the original audio.
• Evaluate how effective use of sends can impact both studio recording sessions and live sound situations.
  • Effective use of sends greatly enhances both studio recordings and live sound environments by providing flexibility and control over audio processing. In studio sessions, they allow producers to create rich sound textures by easily managing multiple effects across various tracks while preserving the integrity of original recordings. In live sound situations, sends facilitate routing signals to monitors or recording devices without disrupting the front-of-house mix. This ability ensures optimal sound quality and clarity in both settings, ultimately leading to better overall production results.

Related terms

Auxiliary Send: An auxiliary send is a dedicated output from a mixing console that allows you to send audio signals to external processors or effects units.

Insert: An insert is a direct connection point on a mixer where an external processor can be inserted into the signal chain, affecting the entire audio signal rather than just a portion of it.

Mixing Console: A mixing console is a device that combines, routes, and processes multiple audio signals, including sends and inserts for effective sound management.