Use auxiliary effects to add depth and width to your mix

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 118 views

Understanding Auxiliary Effects in Audio Processing

In the world of audio processing, auxiliary effects play a crucial role in enhancing the overall sound quality of a mix. But what exactly are auxiliary effects, and how do they work? In this article, we'll delve into the world of auxiliary effects and explore the truth behind their functionality.

What are Auxiliary Effects?

Auxiliary effects, also known as aux sends, are a feature found in many audio processing consoles and digital audio workstations (DAWs). They allow you to send a portion of a signal to an external processor or effects unit, which can then be processed and returned to the original signal. This process is often referred to as "busing" or "routing" the signal.

How Auxiliary Effects Work

When you send a signal to an auxiliary effect, it is routed through a send bus, which is a separate audio path that is not part of the main signal chain. The send bus is typically a separate output on the console or DAW, and it is used to send a portion of the signal to the external processor.

Once the signal is sent to the external processor, it is processed and then returned to the original signal through a return bus. The return bus is typically a separate input on the console or DAW, and it is used to receive the processed signal from the external processor.

The Purpose of Auxiliary Effects

So, why are auxiliary effects useful? The main purpose of auxiliary effects is to allow you to add external processing to a signal without affecting the original signal. This is particularly useful when you want to add a specific effect to a particular track or group of tracks without affecting the rest of the mix.

For example, let's say you're working on a mix and you want to add a reverb effect to a vocal track. You can send the vocal track to an auxiliary effect, process it through a reverb unit, and then return the processed signal to the original vocal track. This way, you can add the reverb effect to the vocal track without affecting the rest of the mix.

Types of Auxiliary Effects

There are several types of auxiliary effects, including:

Pre-fader sends: These are auxiliary effects that are sent before the fader on a track. This means that the signal is sent to the auxiliary effect before it is attenuated by the fader.
Post-fader sends: These are auxiliary effects that are sent after the fader on a track. This means that the signal is sent to the auxiliary effect after it has been attenuated by the fader.
Pre-pan sends: These are auxiliary effects that are sent before the pan control on a track. This means that the signal is sent to the auxiliary effect before it is panned to the left or right.
Post-pan sends: These are auxiliary effects that are sent after the pan control on a track. This means that the signal is sent to the auxiliary effect after it has been panned to the left or right.

Using Auxiliary Effects in Your Mix

So, how can you use auxiliary effects in your mix? Here are a few tips:

Use auxiliary effects to add depth and width to your mix: By sending a signal to an auxiliary effect and processing it through a reverb or delay unit, you can add depth and width to your mix.
Use auxiliary effects to create a sense of space: By sending a signal to an auxiliary effect and processing it through a reverb unit, you can create a sense of space in your mix.
Use auxiliary effects to add a specific effect to a track: By sending a signal to an auxiliary effect and processing it through a specific effect unit, you can add a specific effect to a track without affecting the rest of the mix.

Conclusion

In conclusion, auxiliary effects are a powerful tool in audio processing that can be used to add depth, width, and space to your mix. By understanding how auxiliary effects work and how to use them, you can take your mix to the next level and create a more professional-sounding mix.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a send bus and a return bus? A send bus is a separate audio path that is used to send a portion of a signal to an external processor, while a return bus is a separate input on the console or DAW that is used to receive the processed signal from the external processor.
How do I use auxiliary effects in my mix? You can use auxiliary effects to add depth and width to your mix, create a sense of space, and add a specific effect to a track.
What are the different types of auxiliary effects? There are several types of auxiliary effects, including pre-fader sends, post-fader sends, pre-pan sends, and post-pan sends.

References

Audio Processing for Musicians by David Miles Huber
The Mixing Engineer's Handbook by Bobby Owsinski
The Art of Mixing by David Miles Huber
Auxiliary Effects Q&A: Answers to Your Most Frequently Asked Questions ====================================================================

Understanding Auxiliary Effects

In our previous article, we explored the world of auxiliary effects and how they can be used to enhance the overall sound quality of a mix. But we know that you may still have some questions about auxiliary effects. In this article, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about auxiliary effects.

Q: What is the difference between a send bus and a return bus?

A: A send bus is a separate audio path that is used to send a portion of a signal to an external processor, while a return bus is a separate input on the console or DAW that is used to receive the processed signal from the external processor.

Q: How do I use auxiliary effects in my mix?

A: You can use auxiliary effects to add depth and width to your mix, create a sense of space, and add a specific effect to a track. To use an auxiliary effect, simply send a portion of the signal to the auxiliary effect, process it through the external processor, and then return the processed signal to the original signal.

Q: What are the different types of auxiliary effects?

A: There are several types of auxiliary effects, including:

Pre-fader sends: These are auxiliary effects that are sent before the fader on a track. This means that the signal is sent to the auxiliary effect before it is attenuated by the fader.
Post-fader sends: These are auxiliary effects that are sent after the fader on a track. This means that the signal is sent to the auxiliary effect after it has been attenuated by the fader.
Pre-pan sends: These are auxiliary effects that are sent before the pan control on a track. This means that the signal is sent to the auxiliary effect before it is panned to the left or right.
Post-pan sends: These are auxiliary effects that are sent after the pan control on a track. This means that the signal is sent to the auxiliary effect after it has been panned to the left or right.

Q: How do I set up an auxiliary effect in my DAW?

A: To set up an auxiliary effect in your DAW, follow these steps:

Create a new auxiliary track in your DAW.
Arm the auxiliary track for recording.
Send a portion of the signal to the auxiliary track using the send bus.
Process the signal through the external processor.
Return the processed signal to the original signal using the return bus.

Q: What are some common uses for auxiliary effects?

A: Some common uses for auxiliary effects include:

Adding depth and width to a mix: By sending a signal to an auxiliary effect and processing it through a reverb or delay unit, you can add depth and width to your mix.
Creating a sense of space: By sending a signal to an auxiliary effect and processing it through a reverb unit, you can create a sense of space in your mix.
Adding a specific effect to a track: By sending a signal to an auxiliary effect and processing it through a specific effect unit, you can add a specific effect to a track without affecting the rest of the mix.

Q: Can I use auxiliary effects in live sound applications?

A: Yes, you can use auxiliary effects in live sound applications. In fact, auxiliary effects are often used in live sound to add depth and width to the mix, create a sense of space, and add specific effects to individual tracks.

Q: Are there any limitations to using auxiliary effects?

A: Yes, there are some limitations to using auxiliary effects. For example, if you're using a pre-fader send, you may not be able to adjust the level of the signal after it's been sent to the auxiliary effect. Additionally, if you're using a post-fader send, you may not be able to adjust the level of the signal before it's been sent to the auxiliary effect.

Q: Can I use auxiliary effects in conjunction with other effects processors?

A: Yes, you can use auxiliary effects in conjunction with other effects processors. In fact, this is a common practice in audio processing, as it allows you to create complex and interesting soundscapes.

Q: Are there any specific settings or techniques I should use when using auxiliary effects?

A: Yes, there are specific settings and techniques you can use when using auxiliary effects. For example, you may want to use a low-pass filter to remove high-frequency content from the signal before it's sent to the auxiliary effect. You may also want to use a compressor to control the level of the signal after it's been processed through the auxiliary effect.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a send bus and a return bus? A send bus is a separate audio path that is used to send a portion of a signal to an external processor, while a return bus is a separate input on the console or DAW that is used to receive the processed signal from the external processor.
How do I use auxiliary effects in my mix? You can use auxiliary effects to add depth and width to your mix, create a sense of space, and add a specific effect to a track.
What are the different types of auxiliary effects? There are several types of auxiliary effects, including pre-fader sends, post-fader sends, pre-pan sends, and post-pan sends.

References

Audio Processing for Musicians by David Miles Huber
The Mixing Engineer's Handbook by Bobby Owsinski
The Art of Mixing by David Miles Huber