Logic Pro 11 - #28 Sends, Buses, Aux Tracks & Time Based Effects

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the concepts of sends, buses, and auxiliary tracks in Logic Pro 11, focusing on how to effectively use time-based effects to enhance your mixes. Understanding these elements is crucial for any music producer looking to create professional-sounding tracks.

Step 1: Understand Sends, Buses, and Aux Tracks

• Sends are used to route audio signals from one track to another. They allow you to apply effects to multiple tracks without duplicating the effect on every individual track.
• Buses are pathways that combine multiple audio signals. When you send audio to a bus, it can be processed collectively.
• Auxiliary Tracks (or Aux Tracks) are used to apply effects to the audio signals coming from sends. These tracks allow you to control the effects applied to multiple sources.

Practical Tips

• Use sends for effects that you want to share across multiple tracks, such as reverb or delay.
• Buses can help manage complex mixes by consolidating audio signals.

Step 2: Route Sends to Aux Tracks for Mixing

1. Select the track you want to send audio from.
2. Locate the Sends section in the mixer.
3. Choose the desired send (e.g., Bus 1).
4. Adjust the send amount to control how much of the signal is sent to the aux track.
5. Create an aux track and apply your time-based effects (e.g., reverb, delay).

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don’t send too much signal; start with a lower amount and adjust as needed.
• Ensure your aux track is set to the correct bus to receive the audio.

Step 3: Using Space Designer

• Space Designer is a convolution reverb plugin that simulates real acoustic spaces.
• To enhance vocals, follow these steps:
  1. Open an aux track and insert Space Designer.
  2. Choose a preset that matches the desired vocal effect.
  3. Adjust parameters like wet/dry mix to suit your mix.

Step 4: Applying Ensemble Effects

• Ensemble effects can thicken sounds and add depth.
• To use Ensemble:
  1. Insert the Ensemble plugin on an aux track.
  2. Experiment with the settings to find a suitable sound for your vocals or instruments.

Step 5: Using Tape Delay

• Tape Delay adds a vintage echo effect which can enhance your mix.
• Steps to apply Tape Delay:
  1. Insert the Tape Delay plugin on an aux track.
  2. Set delay time and feedback levels to create the desired effect.
  3. Adjust the wet/dry mix for the right balance.

Step 6: Understand Send Types

• Post Pan Sends: The send level is affected by the pan position. Use this for effects that should follow the stereo placement of the source.
• Post Fader Sends: The send level changes with the fader level. This is useful for effects that should be proportionate to the main track volume.
• Pre Fader Sends: The send level is independent of the fader. This is ideal for effects you want to maintain regardless of the track's volume adjustments.

Tips for Each Send Type

• Use post pan sends for spatial effects like stereo reverb.
• Use post fader sends for effects like vocal reverb that should vary with the vocal’s volume.
• Use pre fader sends for effects that need consistency, like a background vocal effect.

Conclusion

Understanding sends, buses, and aux tracks is essential for mixing in Logic Pro 11. By effectively routing these elements and utilizing plugins like Space Designer, Ensemble, and Tape Delay, you can significantly enhance your mixes. Experiment with different send types to find the best workflow for your projects, and consider applying these techniques in your next mixing session for a professional sound.