In my posts I use the term “aux” a lot so I figured i’d explain what they were to those who might not know. In your DAW whether it be Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase ect… You’ll have the option to use aux tracks/channels. (They might also be referred to as group tracks, FX tracks or send tracks in some programs). To sum it up an aux track is an alternative path that a track’s signal can follow. One of the main uses of an aux is inserting an effect that you may want to use on more than one track at a time as opposed to having to put the same effect on each track separately: this can greatly reduce the computing power needed by the program, and is particularly suited for effects such as reverbs and delays. For example say you need some drum reverb. You create an aux track, put the desired reverb on it, then bus the sends of the drums needing reverb to the aux track (Snare, Toms, etc..)
Aux channels can also be used to group tracks or for submixes. You can send multiple tracks to a dedicated aux channel and then control all of the track’s as a group through the Aux. I’ll use this technique a lot. Lets say I have a bunch of background vocals that I want to effect the same way. I’ll bus them all to the same aux, put whatever effects, EQ, compression I want on the aux and it will effect the whole group. I can now also use the aux fader to adjust the volume, pan, mute of all the tracks. Aux’s are a great thing to get in the habit of using.
