Aux sends

Definition

Aux sends, short for auxiliary sends, are signal routing pathways found on audio mixing consoles that allow sound engineers to send a portion of the audio signal from a channel to external devices, like effects processors or monitors, while maintaining the original signal's presence in the mix. This feature is essential during live performances and post-production, as it enables flexible control over sound processing and monitoring setups, ensuring that artists can hear themselves and the desired effects without altering the overall mix.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aux sends can be set as either pre-fader or post-fader, which determines whether the signal is affected by the main channel fader adjustments.
2. They allow sound engineers to create separate monitor mixes for performers, ensuring they can hear what they need without affecting the front-of-house mix.
3. In live performance settings, aux sends are crucial for routing audio to stage monitors or in-ear monitoring systems.
4. In post-production, aux sends help route audio signals to effects processors or other mixing tools without disrupting the original tracks.
5. Using multiple aux sends allows for more complex sound design by enabling different effects chains or processing routes for various parts of a mix.

Review Questions

• How do aux sends enhance flexibility in live sound environments?
  • Aux sends enhance flexibility in live sound environments by allowing sound engineers to create separate monitor mixes for performers. This means that musicians can hear themselves and other instruments clearly without altering the main mix being sent to the audience. The ability to control whether an aux send is pre-fader or post-fader adds further flexibility, allowing for tailored monitoring solutions based on each performer's needs.
• Discuss the role of aux sends in post-production audio processes and their impact on overall sound quality.
  • In post-production audio processes, aux sends play a critical role by allowing sound engineers to route audio signals to effects processors without changing the original recordings. This capability helps maintain the integrity of individual tracks while applying desired effects like reverb or delay. The use of aux sends can significantly improve overall sound quality by providing precise control over how effects are blended into the final mix, leading to a more polished and professional-sounding result.
• Evaluate how using multiple aux sends can influence creative sound design during live performances and recordings.
  • Using multiple aux sends opens up numerous possibilities for creative sound design during live performances and recordings. By routing various audio channels to different effects processors or monitor mixes, sound engineers can craft unique sonic landscapes tailored to each performance. This approach allows for dynamic responses to the energy of live events or specific artistic visions in recording sessions. Additionally, it enables real-time experimentation with sound manipulation, which can lead to innovative approaches and enhanced audience engagement.

Related terms

Effects Processor: A device used to apply audio effects, such as reverb or delay, to audio signals before they are mixed down or output.

Monitor Mix: A customized mix of audio signals sent to performers on stage, allowing them to hear specific elements of the performance clearly.

Channel Strip: A section of an audio mixing console that includes controls for input levels, EQ, aux sends, and panning for a single audio channel.