CUBASE 101 - AUX Sends vs BUS Channels in CUBASE World - How to use them

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the differences between AUX sends and BUS channels in Cubase, a digital audio workstation (DAW) widely used for music production. Understanding these concepts is essential for creating professional, polished mixes. By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to effectively apply AUX sends and BUS channels in your projects.

Step 1: Understanding AUX Sends

AUX sends allow you to send a portion of an audio signal to an auxiliary track. This is particularly useful for adding effects like reverb or delay without affecting the original signal.

How to Set Up AUX Sends

1. Open Your Cubase Project: Load the project you want to work on.
2. Locate the Mixer: Press F3 or go to the “Devices” menu and select “Mixer.”
3. Find the AUX Sends Section: In the mixer, look for the AUX sends section on the channel strip.
4. Activate an AUX Send: Click on one of the AUX send slots to activate it. This will open a drop-down menu.
5. Select the Effect: Choose the effect you want to use (e.g., reverb).
6. Adjust the Send Level: Use the fader to control how much of the signal is sent to the AUX channel.

Practical Tips

• Use AUX sends for effects you want to apply to multiple tracks.
• Adjust the send level for fine-tuning the effect's intensity.

Step 2: Exploring BUS Channels

BUS channels allow you to route multiple audio tracks to a single channel, making it easier to manage levels and apply effects.

How to Create and Use BUS Channels

1. Open the Mixer: Use F3 to access the mixer.
2. Add a New Group Channel: Click on “Add Group Channel” in the mixer.
3. Name Your BUS Channel: Give your new BUS channel a name that reflects its purpose (e.g., "Drum BUS").
4. Route Tracks to the BUS:
   • Select the tracks you want to route (e.g., all drum tracks).
   • In the channel settings, find the “Output” section.
   • Change the output to your newly created BUS channel.

Adjusting BUS Levels

• Adjust the BUS channel fader to control the overall level of all routed tracks.
• You can also add effects directly to the BUS channel, affecting all routed tracks simultaneously.

Common Pitfalls

• Remember not to overload your BUS channels, as this can cause distortion.
• Ensure you solo the BUS channel to check the mix of all routed tracks.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned the fundamental differences between AUX sends and BUS channels in Cubase. You now have the tools to apply effects efficiently and manage multiple audio tracks effectively.

Next Steps

• Experiment with different effects on AUX sends to find the sound that fits your mix.
• Use BUS channels to streamline your mixing process, especially for complex projects with many tracks.

With practice, mastering these techniques will enhance your mixing skills and lead to more professional-sounding recordings.