Send/return

Definition

Send/return refers to a method of routing audio signals in a mixing or recording setup, where an audio signal is sent from the main mix to an effects processor and then returned back to the mix. This technique allows for the integration of effects like reverb or delay without affecting the original sound source directly, maintaining a clean audio path while adding depth and texture to the mix.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Send/return setups can be used with both analog and digital mixers, allowing for flexible routing of audio signals.
2. Using send/return paths helps save on processing power by allowing multiple channels to share the same effect rather than applying it individually.
3. In a send/return setup, effects can be adjusted independently of the main mix levels, offering greater control over the final sound.
4. Return signals can often be blended with the dry signal, giving engineers creative options to achieve the desired sound without overwhelming the original track.
5. Send/return is particularly useful for live sound applications, where immediate access to effects can enhance performances without disrupting the overall mix.

Review Questions

• How does the send/return method improve flexibility in mixing and processing audio signals?
  • The send/return method enhances flexibility by allowing engineers to route audio signals to effects processors while keeping the original sound intact. This approach enables multiple channels to share the same effect, reducing processing load and creating a cohesive sound. Additionally, it allows for independent adjustments of effect levels and blends with dry signals, giving engineers more creative control over the final mix.
• Compare and contrast send/return with insert methods in terms of audio processing and routing.
  • While both send/return and insert methods are used for audio processing, they differ significantly in routing. Send/return routes an auxiliary signal to effects processors, allowing multiple channels to utilize the same effect and return blended audio back to the mix. In contrast, inserts connect effects directly into a channel’s signal path, affecting that specific channel's audio without shared processing. This means inserts can alter the sound before it reaches the main mix, whereas send/return maintains separation between processed and unprocessed signals.
• Evaluate the impact of using send/return setups on live sound engineering and studio recording practices.
  • Using send/return setups has a significant impact on both live sound engineering and studio recording. In live settings, this method allows sound engineers to quickly add effects like reverb or delay without compromising the clarity of individual instruments or vocals. It enables real-time adjustments that enhance performances while preserving overall sound quality. In studio recordings, send/return provides flexibility for layering effects across multiple tracks, resulting in a polished mix that retains the original character of each instrument. This dual functionality emphasizes its importance in producing professional-quality audio across different environments.

Related terms

Auxiliary Send: A dedicated output on a mixer that routes audio signals to external effects units or processors, often used in conjunction with send/return configurations.

Insert: A method of connecting effects processors directly into the signal path of a channel, allowing for processing of the audio signal before it reaches the main mix.

Return Path: The channel or input through which the processed audio signal comes back into the mix after being altered by an effects unit.