Master Fader Tracks and Signal Flow

For more information, see the following topics:

Common Uses for Master Faders

Using a Master Fader

Master Fader tracks control the master output levels of output and bus paths. When assigned to an active output or bus path, they provide post-fader effects processing and master level control for a main mix, headphone and cue mixes, stems, effects sends, and other signal routing applications. Master Faders support all track formats supported on your Pro Tools system.

Master Faders do not consume any of your system’s audio processing power. Master Faders provide up to five post-fader inserts and no sends. Also, Master Fader tracks do not have Pan sliders, or Mute and Solo buttons.

Unlike inserts on audio tracks and Auxiliary Inputs, Master Fader inserts are post-fader. This lets you insert a dither plug-in, or similar plug-in, on your master mix, and affect its processing with the Master Fader level (for more information, see Dither).

If you absolutely must have a pre-fader insert on your Master Fader signal, set up an Auxiliary Input before the Master Fader. For example, if you want compression on the mix, but you also want to fade out the mix, insert a compression plug-in on the Auxiliary Input track and insert a dither plug-in on the Master Fader track that is assigned to the Output path of the Auxiliary Input track. Then you can fade out with the Master Fader without changing the compression threshold for the mix.

Master Fader Meters

Meters on Master faders always show post-fader levels, regardless of the Pre-Fader Metering setting in the Options menu.

Master Faders and Paths

Master Faders can be assigned to main or sub-paths as defined in the I/O Setup. Multiple Master Faders cannot be assigned to the same path.

Active and Inactive Master Faders

When a Master Fader track is inactive, its associated plug-ins, I/O assignments, and their resources are made inactive.

When a Master Fader output assignment (path assignment) is made inactive, the Master Fader no longer controls the master gain of that path.

When you duplicate a Master Fader track, the duplicated track’s assignment will be inactive.