Send and Return Submixing for Effects Processing

When you are submixing for reverb, delay, and similar effects processing, use sends to achieve traditional send/return bussing. You can use a real-time plug-in or a hardware insert as a shared resource for all tracks included in a submix. The wet/dry balance in the mix can be controlled using the track faders (dry level) and Auxiliary Input fader (effect return, or wet, level).

See Plug-In and Hardware Inserts for more information.

To create an effects return submix with a plug-in or hardware insert:

1 Assign each track’s main output to your main mix outputs.

2 On the source tracks, assign a send (mono or stereo) and select a mono or stereo bus path from the Send selector. Configure the sends for pre- or post-fader, as needed.

3 Choose Track > New.

4 Specify the track type (Aux Input) and format (stereo), then click Create.

5 From the Auxiliary Input track’s Input Path selector, select the send bus path.

6 Solo safe the track so that if you solo another track that uses the effects send, you won’t mute the effects return (see Solo Safe Mode).

7 Assign a plug-in or hardware insert on the Auxiliary Input.

8 Set the effect to “100% wet,” and set any other controls.

9 From the Auxiliary Input track’s Output Path selector, select an output path (main outputs).

Adjust the individual track faders to balance the dry (unprocessed) tracks. With the send set to pre-fader, the amount of effect is controlled by the level of the Send Level fader or the Auxiliary Input Volume fader. If the send is post-fader, the Send Level fader follows volume level.