Auxiliary Sends
Routing channel signal to monitors, effects, and sub-groups.
What Is an Aux Send?
An auxiliary send (aux) is a secondary output from a channel that feeds a separate mix bus — independent of the main L/R output. Each channel has its own aux send knob for every aux bus on the console. You can have completely different levels for every channel on every aux bus.
Pre-Fader Auxes — Monitor Mixes
A pre-fader aux picks up signal before the channel fader, so it is independent of what the front-of-house engineer does with the main mix. This is the correct setting for performer monitor mixes and in-ear monitor (IEM) feeds — the performer's mix stays consistent even if FOH fades the channel.
Post-Fader Auxes — Effects & Recording
A post-fader aux picks up signal after the channel fader. When the fader is pulled down, the aux level drops too. This is the correct setting for feeding effects units (reverb, delay) — when a channel is faded out, you don't want reverb trail spilling into the mix.
Aux Masters & Return
Each aux bus has a master send level on the master section of the console (or a separate aux master module). The signal leaves the console at this aux output, travels to a stage monitor amplifier or effects unit, and returns (for effects) via a dedicated effects return channel or a spare input channel.
Building a Monitor Mix
Start every aux mix (monitor mix) with all aux sends at zero. Bring up only what the performer needs to hear. More of me (vocals) is almost always the first request; add drums and bass to taste. Keep the mix sparse — a cluttered monitor mix makes performers feel buried and leads to more volume requests.