How Do I Use Aux Tracks in Pro Tools?

What Aux Tracks Are

An Aux Input track is a routing and processing track. Instead of recording audio, it:

• Receives audio from one or more buses
• Processes that audio with plugins
• Sends the processed signal to an output or another bus

Aux tracks are the backbone of professional Pro Tools sessions.

Common Uses for Aux Tracks

Aux tracks are commonly used for:

• Submixes (drums, vocals, instruments)
• Shared effects (reverb, delay, parallel compression)
• Headphone mixes
• Master processing chains before the final output

They reduce CPU usage and simplify session control.

Step 1: Create an Aux Track

1. Go to Track → New.
2. Choose Aux Input.
3. Select Mono or Stereo, depending on your routing needs.
4. Name the track clearly (e.g., “Vocal Reverb,” “Drum Bus”).
5. Click Create.

The Aux track appears in both the Edit and Mix windows.

Step 2: Route Audio to the Aux Track

• On an audio or instrument track, set the Output or Send to a bus (e.g., Bus 1–2).
• On the Aux track, set the Input to the same bus.
• Set the Aux track’s Output to your main output or another bus.

This routes audio through the Aux track for processing.

Step 3: Insert Plugins on the Aux Track

• Add EQ, compression, reverb, delay, or saturation plugins to the Aux track.
• All audio routed through the Aux will be affected by these plugins.

This is ideal for consistent processing across multiple tracks.

Step 4: Using Aux Tracks for Effects Sends

• Use Sends from individual tracks to feed the Aux track.
• Set the send level to control how much signal is sent to the effect.
• Typically use post-fader sends for time-based effects like reverb and delay.

This allows multiple tracks to share one effect efficiently.

Step 5: Using Aux Tracks for Submixing

• Route related tracks (e.g., all drums) to a single bus.
• Process the entire group on the Aux track.
• Control the group’s volume with one fader.

Submixing keeps large sessions manageable and organized.

Step 6: Automation and Control

• Automate the Aux track’s fader or plugins for global changes.
• Use Aux automation for group volume rides or effect changes.
• Combine Aux tracks with Folder Tracks for cleaner session layouts.

Aux-level automation provides powerful mix control.

Tips for Using Aux Tracks Effectively

• Name and color-code Aux tracks clearly.
• Keep effect Aux tracks separate from submix Aux tracks.
• Avoid unnecessary plugin stacking to reduce CPU usage.
• Use parallel Aux tracks for advanced processing techniques.
• Keep routing simple and well-documented.

Artist vs Producer Perspective

• Artists experience consistent effects and clean headphone mixes.
• Producers/Engineers rely on Aux tracks for efficient routing, processing, and mix control in complex sessions.

Final Thoughts

Aux tracks in Pro Tools are essential for routing, submixing, and effects processing. By sending audio through buses to Aux tracks, you gain precise control over groups of tracks, shared effects, and overall session flow. Mastering Aux tracks is a major step toward professional-level recording and mixing in Pro Tools.