Aux sends provide a great opportunity to use output audio signals for something other than monitors. Here's a list of aux send uses that will make you look like the superhero sound guy that you are!
Aux sends on a mixing board send audio signals out to sources other than the house mains. They can be controlled at both the channel level and the over level. Now let's rock out some ways to use this audio.
1. Mixing to a recording. The mix in the house doesn't sound the same when record. Plug a board-level aux out into a recording device. Next, plug headphones into the recording device. Now you can mix the recording using the channel-level aux sends. Remember to use the same aux send in all cases, for example Aux Send B.
2. Send audio to a video camera. Some video cameras have an audio input. Using this, you can get a better sound onto the recording. This is great for weddings. Make sure you've got your sends matched up and levels set. I always test the video recording and play it back to make sure I can hear it.
3. Send audio to an effects processor and then patch back into a channel thereby creating an effects loop.
4. Send audio to another room. Add ceiling speakers in the church nursery or in the hallway and no one misses the service even when they are volunteering outside the sanctuary.
Don't just let those aux sends sit idle!
Too much coffee for me? Hmmmm…..
Question(S): How have you used aux sends?