How Do I Use Sends and Returns in Pro Tools?

What Sends and Returns Are

A send routes a copy of a track’s signal to a bus.
A return is typically an Aux track that receives that bus signal and processes it.

This setup allows multiple tracks to share the same effect or processing chain while keeping individual control over how much signal is sent.

Why Sends and Returns Matter

Using sends and returns allows you to:

• Share one reverb or delay across many tracks
• Maintain consistent effects across a mix
• Save CPU by avoiding duplicate plugins
• Use parallel processing techniques
• Keep mixes flexible and adjustable

Most professional mixes rely heavily on sends and returns.

Step 1: Create a Return (Aux Track)

1. Go to Track → New.
2. Choose Aux Input.
3. Select Stereo for most effects.
4. Name it clearly (e.g., “Vocal Reverb,” “Drum Parallel Comp”).
5. Set the Aux track’s Input to an unused bus (e.g., Bus 5–6).
6. Set the Output to your main output.

This Aux track is your return.

Step 2: Insert Effects on the Return

• Add reverb, delay, compression, or other effects on the Aux track.
• For time-based effects, set the plugin’s Mix control to 100% wet.

The original dry signal stays on the source track.

Step 3: Create a Send from an Audio or Instrument Track

1. On the source track, click an empty Send slot.
2. Choose the same bus used by the Aux track (e.g., Bus 5–6).
3. Adjust the send fader to control how much signal is sent.

This routes part of the track’s signal to the return.

Step 4: Pre-Fader vs Post-Fader Sends

• Post-Fader (default)
• Send level follows the track’s volume fader
• Best for reverb and delay
• Pre-Fader
• Send level is independent of the track’s volume
• Useful for headphone mixes or parallel compression

Choose the send type based on your mixing goal.

Step 5: Using Sends for Reverb and Delay

• Create one or two main reverb returns for the entire mix.
• Send vocals, instruments, and drums to the same reverb for cohesion.
• Adjust individual send levels instead of duplicating plugins.

This creates a more natural and unified soundstage.

Step 6: Using Sends for Parallel Processing

Parallel processing blends the dry signal with a heavily processed version.

Common examples:

• Parallel compression on drums or vocals
• Parallel distortion or saturation
• Parallel EQ shaping

To do this:

• Use a send to feed an Aux track
• Apply aggressive processing on the Aux
• Blend the Aux fader with the original track

Step 7: Automation and Control

• Automate send levels for dynamic effects.
• Automate return faders for global effect changes.
• Use mute automation to drop effects in specific sections.

Automation adds movement and interest to your mix.

Best Practices

• Name buses and Aux tracks clearly.
• Keep effect returns organized and color-coded.
• Avoid clipping on sends and returns.
• Use fewer, higher-quality effects instead of many similar ones.
• Periodically solo returns to check what’s being sent.

Artist vs Producer Perspective

• Artists benefit from consistent effects and cleaner mixes.
• Producers/Engineers gain flexibility, CPU efficiency, and professional-level routing control.

Final Thoughts

Sends and returns are one of the most powerful routing tools in Pro Tools. They allow you to build efficient, flexible, and professional mixes by sharing effects, applying parallel processing, and maintaining precise control over how audio flows through your session.