Mixing

Aux (Auxiliary Channel)

Definition

A secondary signal path used to route audio to a shared destination — typically a headphone mix for performers, a send to an effects processor, or a submix. "Aux" and "send" are often used interchangeably in modern DAWs.

In Simple Terms

A secondary output used for headphone mixes during recording or for sending audio to shared effects like reverb. In modern DAWs, aux and send mean the same thing.

In Practice

A headphone aux mix is built separately from the main mix so the drummer can hear more of their own instrument without changing the engineer's balance at the main output.

Related Terms

Send / ReturnBusMix BusInsert vs Send
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