{"id":24680,"date":"2023-02-17T14:56:17","date_gmt":"2023-02-17T19:56:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/?p=24680"},"modified":"2025-12-09T17:28:45","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T22:28:45","slug":"audio-bus-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/audio-bus-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Your guide to busing and routing audio tracks like a pro"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\" class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Illustration:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michaelgh.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Michael Haddad (opens in a new tab)\"><strong>Michael Haddad<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Audio busing is an essential tool for optimizing your recording, production, and <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/an-introduction-to-mixing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>mixing<\/strong><\/a> workflows.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, let\u2019s cover the basics of audio busing, how to set buses up in the DAW, advanced techniques, and the practical uses of this tool in your productions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What you&#8217;ll learn:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Basics\"><strong>The basics of audio busing<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#DAWSetup\"><strong>How to set up bus tracks in your DAW<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Types\"><strong>The different types of audio busing and routing<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#AdvancedTechniques\"><strong>Advanced techniques for mix busing<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Feeling ready? Let&#8217;s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Basics\">The basics of audio busing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is audio busing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Audio busing<\/strong> is a technique used to keep your session organized, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/ways-to-optimize-cpu\/\" target=\"_blank\">save CPU resources,<\/a> and process multiple tracks with one single effect rather than applying the effect to each track individually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Busing can often be a confusing concept, and much of that confusion comes from the wealth of terms used to describe the process\u2014almost every DAW has a different approach to busing. To keep it as simple as possible, audio busing consists of three main parts: (1) the <strong>source track<\/strong> which contains the <em>original signal,<\/em> (2) the <strong>bus<\/strong> which <em>transports the signal,<\/em> and (3) the <strong>bus track<\/strong> which <em>receives the signal<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, let\u2019s talk about the <strong>source track.<\/strong> This is the original track you want to add effects to or route somewhere else. Any track can be a source track, and you can route multiple source tracks to one bus track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>bus<\/strong> is the connector between the source track and the bus track, and acts as a virtual <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/what-is-a-patchbay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">patch cable.<\/a> Buses can be used as <em>sends,<\/em> <em>inputs,<\/em> and <em>outputs<\/em> in your DAW.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, we have the <strong>bus track.<\/strong> A bus track is a track in your DAW that receives signal from one or more other source tracks via a bus. Bus tracks are used to apply effects or act as submixes to control and organize multiple source tracks at once. You may have heard bus tracks referred to as <strong>aux \/ auxillary tracks<\/strong> or <strong>return tracks<\/strong> as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does audio busing work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Audio busing works by using a bus to route the signal from your source track to your bus track. This happens in two primary ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Adding a bus on the <em>send<\/em> of the source track. This will <em>duplicate<\/em> the signal on the source track and route it to the input of the bus track. This technique is used for applying effects like reverb, delay, and parallel compression, and can also be known as <strong>parallel processing.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adding a bus on the <em>output<\/em> of the source track. This will <em>re-route<\/em> the entire output of the source track to the input of the bus track. This technique is used for creating submixes and mix buses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;re already inherently using bus tracks if you\u2019re producing music in your DAW. The <strong>master bus<\/strong> (also known as the <strong>two-bus,<\/strong> <strong>stereo bus,<\/strong> <strong>stereo out, main outs,<\/strong> etc.) is the default bus that all of your tracks have as their output. The master bus is routed to the master fader in your DAW, and then routed to your monitors or headphones. You can use your master bus \/ master fader to gain stage, monitor your overall output level, and add effects on your entire mix.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"214\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image10.png\" alt=\"The master bus in Ableton Live.\" class=\"wp-image-24692 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 200\/214;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Parallel processing: Adding a bus on the send of the source track<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine you have a mix with drums, bass, guitars, synths, and vocals, and you want them to all sound like they\u2019re in the same space. Adding individual reverbs to each track would be time consuming, difficult to adjust, and bad for your CPU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, if you add the same bus on the sends of each of these tracks, you can send them all to the same reverb on a bus track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This process is best used when you want to add effects but still want control of the unprocessed signal. Because sends duplicate the signal from the source track, the output of the source tracks will remain routed to your master bus. This allows you to balance your dry signal (the original source tracks routed to your master bus) and your wet signal (the amount on each send going to the bus track with your effects).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"178\" height=\"174\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image12.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24694 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 178px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 178\/174;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wet signal vs. dry signal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wet signal<\/strong> refers to processed audio (sounds with added processing like <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/effects-101-reverb-explained\/\" target=\"_blank\">reverbs<\/a> or <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/delay-audio-effect-impact\/\" target=\"_blank\">delays<\/a>) and <strong>dry signal<\/strong> refers to unprocessed audio. When you use buses on sends, the source track contains the dry signal and the bus track contains the wet signal. When working with any effects this way, make sure the plugin on the bus track is set to 100% wet so you don\u2019t hear any dry signal on the bus track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1020\" height=\"378\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image7.png\" alt=\"The dry \/ wet knob of a reverb module in Ableton Live.\" class=\"wp-image-24689 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image7.png 1020w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image7-400x148.png 400w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image7-355x132.png 355w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image7-768x285.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1020px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1020\/378;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pre-fader vs. post-fader<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you add buses on sends, you may have the option to make them pre- or post- fader. <strong>Pre-fader <\/strong>sends are independent of the volume \/ pan \/  mute \/ solo of the source track. <strong>Post-fader <\/strong>sends are the opposite, and are tied to the source track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, if you\u2019re using a pre-fader send and mute your source track, it won&#8217;t mute the signal being sent on the bus to the bus track. A post-fader send will follow whatever the source track does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Submixes: Adding a bus on the source track output<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Submixes<\/strong> are used to organize multiple source tracks and \/ or process them together. Let\u2019s say you have 16 background vocal tracks, and you want to control and process them all together without adding 16 individual EQs or managing 16 different faders at once. Route the outputs of these 16 source tracks to the same bus to control them with one bus track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This technique is best used when you want to process tracks together, but don\u2019t need as much individual control of wet \/ dry, as you might in parallel processing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-f5a2734ea82e3ec51d9db4acbad33d87\" style=\"background-color:#62daff\"><a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/plans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>New subscribers can try all of Splice\u2014including 200 monthly sample download credits, full access to all premium INSTRUMENT presets, and more\u2014for $4.99\/mo.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"DAWSetup\">How to set up bus tracks in your DAW<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As we mentioned earlier, different DAWs have different approaches to busing. Let&#8217;s take a look at how to set up bus tracks in some of the most popular DAWs: FL Studio, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and Logic Pro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to set up a bus track in FL Studio<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>First, create your bus track by choosing an unused track in FL Studio and giving it a name (I called mine &#8220;REVERB&#8221;). Next, click to select your source track. To use a bus as a send, simply click the triangle at the bottom of the bus track <em>while you have your source track selected<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"88\" height=\"228\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image22.png\" alt=\"An FL Studio fader source select for audio busing.\" class=\"wp-image-24704 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 88px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 88\/228;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>After you click the triangle, you&#8217;ll see a digital cable being routed from your source track to your bus track, and also to the master bus. Use the newly created knob to control how much signal you&#8217;re sending to the bus track (in this case, a reverb).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"80\" height=\"400\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image19-80x400.png\" alt=\"A channel strip in FL Studio for busing.\" class=\"wp-image-24701 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image19-80x400.png 80w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image19-205x1024.png 205w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image19-51x255.png 51w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image19.png 296w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 80px) 100vw, 80px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 80px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 80\/400;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>To create a submix, follow the same initial steps. After you\u2019ve created the connection between your source track and your bus track, right click on the triangle above the newly created knob and choose \u201cRoute to this track only.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"378\" height=\"216\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image18.png\" alt=\"The menu in FL Studio including the &quot;Route to this track only\u201d option.\" class=\"wp-image-24700 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image18.png 378w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image18-355x203.png 355w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 378px) 100vw, 378px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 378px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 378\/216;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The output of your source track is no longer routed directly to the master bus, but to your bus track instead for processing. You can also use this technique to route multiple source tracks to one bus track.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"186\" height=\"156\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image23.png\" alt=\"Bus routing in FL Studio.\" class=\"wp-image-24705 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 186px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 186\/156;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to set up a bus \/ return track in Ableton Live<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ableton Live refers to bus tracks as \u201creturn tracks.\u201d Ableton starts with two sends and return tracks ready-to-go for applying effects. To use a bus as a send, turn up the knob in the \u201csends\u201d section of your source track. This will send signal to the corresponding return track (a reverb in this example).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"182\" height=\"118\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image14.png\" alt=\"Send knobs in Ableton Live for audio busing.\" class=\"wp-image-24696 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 182px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 182\/118;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"62\" height=\"400\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image5-62x400.png\" alt=\"A channel strip in Ableton Live.\" class=\"wp-image-24687 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image5-62x400.png 62w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image5-159x1024.png 159w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image5.png 186w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 62px) 100vw, 62px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 62px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 62\/400;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>If you want to add another send and return track in Ableton, right click at the top of your mixer and choose \u201cInsert Return Track.\u201d This will add an additional knob to your sends and create the corresponding return track. Add any effects to your new return track.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"212\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24685 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image3.png 450w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image3-400x188.png 400w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image3-355x167.png 355w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 450px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 450\/212;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"186\" height=\"150\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image26.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24708 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 186px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 186\/150;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>To create a submix, add a new audio track by right clicking at the top of your mixer, and give it a name. I called mine &#8220;VOCAL BUS.&#8221; This is your bus track.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"446\" height=\"188\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image4.png\" alt=\"The menu in Ableton Live including the &quot;Insert Audio Track\u201d option.\" class=\"wp-image-24686 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image4.png 446w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image4-400x169.png 400w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image4-355x150.png 355w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 446px) 100vw, 446px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 446px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 446\/188;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"206\" height=\"140\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image13.png\" alt=\"The vocal bus in Ableton Live.\" class=\"wp-image-24695 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 206px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 206\/140;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>In the \u201cAudio To\u201d or output section of your source track(s), choose your newly created bus track as the destination.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"190\" height=\"230\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image15.png\" alt=\"The \u201cAudio To\u201d menu of the source track in Ableton Live.\" class=\"wp-image-24697 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 190px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 190\/230;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Make sure your bus track has <strong>input monitoring<\/strong> turned on so you can hear everything being sent to it.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"196\" height=\"216\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image6.png\" alt=\"The &quot;Audio From&quot; menu.\" class=\"wp-image-24688 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 196px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 196\/216;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>If you&#8217;d like to try out Ableton Live, <a href=\"https:\/\/sounds.splice.com\/ableton\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">new users can get Ableton Live 11 Lite for free after starting a Splice subscription for a limited time.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to set up an aux track in Pro Tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pro Tools uses the term \u201caux track\u201d for bus tracks. To use a bus as a send, add a new bus in the &#8220;SENDS&#8221; section of your source track.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"146\" height=\"210\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image21.png\" alt=\"Sends A-E in Pro Tools for audio busing.\" class=\"wp-image-24703 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 146px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 146\/210;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"762\" height=\"482\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image17.png\" alt=\"The menu for selecting a mix bus in Pro Tools.\" class=\"wp-image-24699 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image17.png 762w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image17-400x253.png 400w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image17-355x225.png 355w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 762px) 100vw, 762px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 762px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 762\/482;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Create a new aux track in Pro Tools by selecting &#8220;Track&#8221; \u2192 &#8220;New&#8221; in the menu bar. Set the input of the new aux track to be the bus you chose earlier. Add any effects to the newly created aux track.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"71\" height=\"400\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image9-71x400.png\" alt=\"A channel strip in Pro Tools.\" class=\"wp-image-24691 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 71px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 71\/400;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>To create a submix, change the outputs of your source tracks to a new bus and use the same bus for all of them. Create a new aux track in Pro Tools by selecting &#8220;Track&#8221; \u2192 &#8220;New&#8221; in the menu bar. Set the input of the new aux track to be the bus you chose earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"659\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image25-659x1024.png\" alt=\"Multiple channel strips in Pro Tools.\" class=\"wp-image-24707 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 659px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 659\/1024;width:494px;height:768px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image25-659x1024.png 659w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image25-257x400.png 257w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image25-164x255.png 164w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image25-768x1194.png 768w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image25-988x1536.png 988w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image25.png 1100w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 659px) 100vw, 659px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t forget to solo-safe your aux tracks to hear them when soloing source tracks with command + click (control + click on PC) on the solo button of the aux track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to set up a bus track in Logic Pro<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bus tracks in Logic Pro are also called \u201caux tracks.\u201d Logic Pro creates aux tracks automatically when buses are added as sends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To use a bus as a send, click on the \u201csends\u201d section on your source track and choose a bus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"108\" data-id=\"24702\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image20.png\" alt=\"A step-by-step for setting up an audio bus in Logic Pro (1\/3).\" class=\"wp-image-24702 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 180px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 180\/108;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"412\" data-id=\"24706\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image24.png\" alt=\"A step-by-step for setting up an audio bus in Logic Pro (2\/3).\" class=\"wp-image-24706 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image24.png 682w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image24-400x242.png 400w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image24-355x214.png 355w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 682px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 682\/412;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"198\" height=\"68\" data-id=\"24684\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image2.png\" alt=\"A step-by-step for setting up an audio bus in Logic Pro (3\/3).\" class=\"wp-image-24684 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 198px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 198\/68;\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A new aux (bus) track will be created automatically with the bus set as its input. Add any effects to the newly created aux track.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"68\" height=\"400\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image1-68x400.png\" alt=\"A channel strip in Logic Pro.\" class=\"wp-image-24683 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image1-68x400.png 68w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image1-174x1024.png 174w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image1.png 190w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 68px) 100vw, 68px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 68px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 68\/400;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>To create a submix, highlight all of the source tracks you want to submix to the aux track, and click and hold on the output to choose a new bus. A new aux track will be created with the bus as its input.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"798\" height=\"984\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image16.png\" alt=\"Multiple channel strips in Logic Pro.\" class=\"wp-image-24698 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 798px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 798\/984;width:599px;height:738px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image16.png 798w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image16-324x400.png 324w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image16-207x255.png 207w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image16-768x947.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>In Logic Pro, you can also create a \u201cSumming Stack\u201d which also works like a submix. Highlight all of the tracks you would like to be in the summing stack, and use the key command shift + command + D to create a new stack. The source tracks will now be routed to the input of the summing stack for processing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/logic-pro-busing-1-1024x600.png\" alt=\"The &quot;Which Track Stack type do you want to create?&quot; menu in Logic Pro.\" class=\"wp-image-24846 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/logic-pro-busing-1-1024x600.png 1024w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/logic-pro-busing-1-400x234.png 400w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/logic-pro-busing-1-355x208.png 355w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/logic-pro-busing-1-768x450.png 768w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/logic-pro-busing-1.png 1137w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/600;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"519\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image8-1024x519.png\" alt=\"The arrangement view in Logic Pro.\" class=\"wp-image-24690 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image8-1024x519.png 1024w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image8-400x203.png 400w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image8-355x180.png 355w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image8-768x390.png 768w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image8-1536x779.png 1536w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image8.png 1798w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/519;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Types\">The different types of audio busing and routing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stereo bus vs. mono bus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You may have the option to choose either stereo or mono when creating a bus and a bus track in your DAW. Generally, bus tracks used as reverb or submix tracks tend to be in stereo, especially if your source tracks are panned. On the other hand, if you\u2019re using a mono tape delay plugin, for example, the bus track can be mono.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re not sure which option to choose, default to stereo. Stereo bus tracks can still receive and play mono signals, while the opposite isn&#8217;t true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bus automation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bus automation adds another level of control to your mixes. Instead of automating volume or effects on multiple individual source tracks, you can use the bus track to control them all. For example, if you have a string orchestra with many source tracks routed to a bus track, you can create dynamic changes for the whole ensemble just by automating the volume of the submix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also automate your sends to <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/exploring-automation-curves\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">create effects like reverb swells or automated delays.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Parallel compression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/how-to-use-parallel-compression\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Parallel compression<\/a> is another technique that utilizes buses on sends. For parallel compression, use a bus on a send to a bus track with a heavy compressor on it. Mix your dry signal (the source track) with your wet signal (the bus track with heavy compression) to finesse your sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sidechaining<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/top-3-plugins-sidechaining\/\" target=\"_blank\">Sidechaining<\/a> is another type of bus processing you can use in your production. If you want to use your kick drum\u2019s transients to activate a compressor on your bass, choose a bus on a send on your source track (the kick) but <em>don&#8217;t<\/em> <em>create a bus track<\/em>. If your DAW creates a bus track automatically, either delete or mute it. Add a compressor plugin to your bass track and choose the same bus as the \u201csidechain\u201d or \u201ckey input\u201d on the compressor. Change the parameters of the compressor to adjust the intensity of the effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"AdvancedTechniques\">Advanced techniques for mix busing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drums<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Drums benefit from almost all types of bus processing. Use a submix to control all parts of the kit on one fader. Add <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/what-is-compression\/\" target=\"_blank\">a compressor<\/a> to your drum submix to apply drum bus compression, or a saturator to give the whole kit some grit. Use a bus on a send to a plate reverb for the snare and toms. Add another bus on the sends of the drum submix itself to apply parallel compression to the entire kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be careful with your routing and know exactly where each part of the kit is routed to. Don\u2019t put reverb on the entire drum submix if you don\u2019t want reverb on absolutely everything; instead, use reverb sends on the individual tracks to choose exactly which parts of the kit to send to the reverb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vocals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Vocals also benefit from bus processing. Use buses on sends for effects like reverb, delay, and chorus. Automate the reverb sends to create excitement in your mix with vocal throws that grow on certain words and then get dialed back. Use parallel compression to mix heavy compression with a natural dynamic performance. Create a backing vocal submix for all of your vocal layers and EQ them together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guitar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Guitar layers also benefit from using submixing to control them on one track. Submix to a stereo bus track to process panned mono guitars all at once with a compressor. Add a bus send on the guitar submix to add a room reverb to all of the guitars at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can add <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/guitar-amp-simulator-plugins-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">amp simulators<\/a> on a submix of guitars, but sometimes it\u2019s advisable to put these on individual source tracks if you want finer control of individual tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Session organization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Busing is a game-changer for session organization and your CPU. Use submixes for all similar instruments to control them on one fader. Use bus sends to create a single ambient reverb \u201croom\u201d so that all of your instruments sound like they\u2019re in the same space. Route music, sound effects, and dialog on their own submixes to control the overall balance of a film mix on three faders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How do you use busing in your productions? Start a conversation with us on <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/features\/community\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Splice Discord.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Explore more tips and tutorials on key concepts pertaining to mixing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons alignwide is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/category\/tips-tutorials\/mixing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Master the audio bus with our in-depth guide on busing tracks\u2014learn how busing and routing can take your mix to the next level.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":127,"featured_media":24850,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1851,1850,1854,1856,1698,1873,1696],"tags":[619,1641,546],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Bus Tracks Like a Pro - Blog | Splice<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Master the audio bus with our in-depth guide on busing tracks. 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