Auxiliary sends

Definition

Auxiliary sends are audio routing paths used in sound mixing that allow a sound engineer to send a portion of an audio signal to an additional processing unit or output without affecting the original signal. This technique is essential for creating effects such as reverb or delay, enabling the mix engineer to enhance certain sounds while maintaining their clarity in the main mix. It provides flexibility and control, allowing for creative sound design and improved overall audio quality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Auxiliary sends can be configured as pre-fader or post-fader, affecting how the original signal's level interacts with the send level during mixing.
2. Using auxiliary sends allows for parallel processing, where effects can be applied to a duplicate of the signal rather than altering the original.
3. Different auxiliary sends can route signals to various outputs, such as monitor mixes for performers or effects processors like compressors and equalizers.
4. Auxiliary sends are essential for live sound reinforcement as they help manage stage monitors without interfering with the front-of-house mix.
5. Effective use of auxiliary sends requires understanding signal flow and the characteristics of different audio effects to achieve desired results in sound mixing.

Review Questions

• How do auxiliary sends contribute to sound mixing by allowing for parallel processing and maintaining original signal clarity?
  • Auxiliary sends enable sound engineers to create parallel processing paths by sending a portion of an audio signal to an effect while keeping the original signal intact. This means that engineers can apply effects like reverb or delay without compromising the clarity and presence of the original sound in the mix. By balancing the levels between the dry and processed signals, they can enhance the overall sound without muddying the mix.
• Discuss how pre-fader and post-fader configurations of auxiliary sends impact live sound scenarios and monitoring for performers.
  • In live sound situations, pre-fader auxiliary sends allow engineers to send a consistent level of audio to stage monitors regardless of the main mix adjustments. This ensures that performers hear themselves clearly. On the other hand, post-fader sends adjust their levels based on the main fader position, making them ideal for effects that should follow changes in volume. Understanding these configurations is crucial for creating effective monitor mixes that enhance performance quality.
• Evaluate the role of auxiliary sends in achieving a professional sound mix, considering their influence on creative sound design and technical precision.
  • Auxiliary sends play a pivotal role in achieving a professional sound mix by offering both creative possibilities and technical control. They allow sound designers to experiment with various effects while maintaining the integrity of individual tracks. By facilitating parallel processing and flexible routing options, engineers can tailor the sonic landscape of a mix, ensuring that each element contributes harmoniously. This blend of creativity and precision is essential for producing polished audio that meets industry standards.

Related terms

Effects Bus: An auxiliary channel used to apply effects to multiple audio tracks simultaneously, facilitating a cohesive sound treatment across a mix.

Fader: A control used in a mixing console to adjust the volume level of an audio signal, including those sent through auxiliary sends.

Mixing Console: A device that allows the manipulation and combination of multiple audio signals, including the use of auxiliary sends to manage effects and outputs.