{"id":8177,"date":"2023-04-12T17:24:34","date_gmt":"2023-04-12T21:24:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/?p=8177"},"modified":"2023-06-11T12:57:42","modified_gmt":"2023-06-11T16:57:42","slug":"what-are-aux-sends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/techniques-and-performance\/what-are-aux-sends\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are Aux Sends? Definition and Uses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you ready to elevate your audio mixing game? Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, there’s always something new to learn. In this post, we’ll explore aux sends in audio<\/strong> and show you how to take your sound to the next level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re feeling a little lost in the world of aux sends, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. By the end of this post, you’ll be using aux sends to create reverb, delay, compression, and more with confidence. So let’s dive in and get started – it’s time to unleash the full potential of your sound!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are aux sends in audio?<\/strong> Aux sends in audio are a way to route a portion of a track’s signal to a separate channel, allowing for the application of different effects. By using aux sends, you can create a more complex and dynamic sound while still maintaining clarity and balance in your mix. Aux sends are a powerful tool for any audio engineer or producer looking to take their sound to the next level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do aux sends work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Aux sends are outputs on mixers that allow sound engineers to create an auxiliary mix, which can be sent to a separate destination such as a monitor, an effect processor, or a recording device. The sound signal from an input channel is sent to an aux send, where its level can be adjusted. This signal is then sent to the destination device and returned to the mixer using an aux return. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sound can then be mixed with other signals in the mixer <\/strong>and sent to the main mix output. Different aux send controls for each channel allow for individual-level control. Aux sends can be used to share a single effect, such as reverb among multiple tracks, reducing the CPU load and helping to create a coherent sound. Some mixers feature multiple aux send knobs that allow users to send the FX return to any or all of the aux sends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the difference between an aux send and an insert?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An insert effect is typically used for processors that change the whole signal, like EQ, compression, limiting, gates, etc., which will alter the signal of the entire track. Send effects, such as reverb, delay, and other time-based effects<\/a>, are typically used to add effects to a signal without affecting the original audio. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main difference between an aux send and an insert is the way they handle the signal flow and processing of an effect processor…<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

An insert slot interrupts the signal completely and routes it through the effect processor, and then returns the modified signal to the mix. On the other hand, an aux send is a separate independent output signal derived from one or more input channels on a mixing console, usually with the option to select a pre- or post-fader source and adjust the contribution level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main difference between an aux send and an insert is the way they handle the signal flow and processing of an effect processor, with inserts interrupting the signal completely and aux sends sending a copy of the signal to an auxiliary channel where effects are added without altering the original audio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do you use aux sends?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Aux sends are a versatile tool in audio engineering <\/strong>and have several different uses, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Setting up monitor mixes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aux sends can be used to create separate monitor mixes for different performers on stage or in the studio, allowing them to hear themselves more clearly and adjust their performance accordingly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Applying effects processing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aux sends can be used to send audio signals to external effects processors, such as reverb or delay units, and then bring the processed signal back into the mixer via an aux return. This allows sound engineers to apply effects processing to multiple channels with a single processor and also to adjust the amount of processing on each channel individually. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Image
Image of a man using a sound mixer. Source: unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Creating parallel processing chains<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aux sends can be used to create parallel processing chains, such as parallel compression or EQ, where a copy of the audio signal is sent to an aux track, processed separately, and then blended back in with the original signal. This technique can help to add depth, clarity, and character to audio recordings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Routing signals to external recording devices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aux sends can be used to route signals to external recording devices, allowing sound engineers to capture a separate mix for recording purposes without affecting the main mix. This can be useful for live recordings or when tracking in the studio. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Mixing different sources together<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aux sends can be used to mix different sources together, such as combining multiple drum mics into a single aux send for processing or blending together different instruments in a live performance. This allows sound engineers to have more control over the overall mix and balance of different elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advantages and disadvantages of aux sends<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Aux sends have various uses, including creating monitor mixes for performers<\/strong> and sending signals to effects processors during mixing. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of aux sends to help you understand their benefits and limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advantages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aux sends offer several advantages that can enhance your sound mixing experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n