Hey guys! Ever wondered what those AUX knobs on your Behringer mixer are really for? You're not alone! A lot of people, especially when they're starting out with audio mixing, find the AUX section a bit mysterious. But trust me, once you understand how AUX sends and returns work, you'll unlock a whole new level of flexibility and creativity in your audio setup. So, let's dive deep into the world of AUX on Behringer mixers and make sure you know exactly how to use them like a pro!

What Exactly Are Aux Sends and Returns?

Okay, let's break this down in simple terms. Think of AUX sends as extra outputs on your mixer. They allow you to "send" a portion of a channel's signal to an external device, like a reverb unit, a monitor speaker, or even another mixer. The cool part is that you can control how much of each channel's signal you send to that external device using the AUX send knob on each channel strip. This means you can have different amounts of, say, vocals and guitars going to your reverb unit.

The AUX return, on the other hand, is how you bring the signal from that external device back into your mixer. So, if you're sending your vocal signal to a reverb unit via an AUX send, the reverb unit's output would then connect to an AUX return on your mixer. This allows you to blend the processed signal (the reverb) with the original, dry signal. Makes sense?

Now, why is this so useful? Imagine you're mixing a live band. You want to add a touch of reverb to the vocals to make them sound fuller and more professional. Using AUX sends and returns, you can route just the vocal signal to a reverb unit, add the desired amount of reverb, and then bring the reverberated signal back into the mix. This keeps your main mix clean and avoids muddying up other instruments with reverb they don't need. This is the power of AUX sends. You can route any signal to it to apply an effect. The flexibility AUX sends give you is a must for live and studio mixing.

Understanding the Aux Section on Your Behringer Mixer

Behringer mixers, like many other mixers, typically have one or more AUX sends and returns. The number of AUX sends can vary depending on the model of the mixer. You might see AUX 1, AUX 2, AUX 3, and so on. Each AUX send has its own dedicated output jack, usually located on the back of the mixer. These are typically labeled as AUX Send 1, AUX Send 2, etc.

Similarly, you'll find AUX return jacks, also usually on the back of the mixer. These are where you plug in the output from your external effects processors or other devices that you're sending signals to via the AUX sends. Some Behringer mixers have dedicated AUX return channels with EQ and level controls, while others might just have simple level knobs for the AUX returns. The important thing is to identify these inputs and outputs on your mixer and understand how they're labeled.

On each channel strip of your Behringer mixer, you'll find AUX send knobs. These knobs control the amount of signal from that particular channel that is sent to the corresponding AUX send output. Typically, these knobs are labeled with the AUX send number (e.g., AUX 1, AUX 2). By adjusting these knobs, you can precisely control how much of each channel's signal is routed to your external effects or monitor mixes. The AUX send knobs are key to fine-tuning your overall sound and creating a professional-sounding mix.

Common Uses for Aux Sends and Returns

Okay, now that we know what AUX sends and returns are and how to identify them on your Behringer mixer, let's talk about some common uses. This is where things get really interesting!

1. Creating Monitor Mixes

One of the most common uses for AUX sends is creating monitor mixes for musicians on stage. Instead of the musicians hearing the same mix that the audience hears (the main mix), you can create a separate mix tailored to their individual needs. For example, the drummer might want more kick drum and snare in their monitor mix, while the singer might want more vocals and acoustic guitar.

Using AUX sends, you can send different amounts of each channel's signal to a separate amplifier and speakers on stage, creating a custom monitor mix for each musician. This is crucial for live performances, as it allows musicians to hear themselves clearly and perform at their best. To do this, you would assign an AUX send (e.g., AUX 1) to be the monitor send. Then, on each channel strip, you adjust the AUX 1 knob to control the amount of that channel's signal that is sent to the monitor mix.

2. Adding Effects (Reverb, Delay, etc.)

As we touched on earlier, AUX sends are perfect for adding effects like reverb, delay, chorus, and more to your mix. Instead of inserting an effect directly into a channel (which can sometimes be too much), you can use an AUX send to route a portion of the signal to an external effects processor. This allows you to add effects in a more controlled and nuanced way.

For example, you could send the vocal signal to a reverb unit via AUX 1, and then bring the reverberated signal back into the mix via AUX Return 1. This way, you can add just the right amount of reverb to the vocals without muddying up the rest of the mix. This technique is commonly used in both live and studio mixing to create a polished and professional sound.

3. Subgrouping Signals

Another useful application of AUX sends is subgrouping signals. This involves routing multiple channels to a single AUX send, and then using that AUX send as a subgroup master. For example, you could route all of your drum channels to AUX 1, and then use the AUX 1 send as a master fader for the entire drum kit. This allows you to control the overall level of the drums without having to adjust each individual drum channel.

Subgrouping can be particularly useful for complex mixes with many channels. It allows you to organize your mix and control multiple elements simultaneously. You can also apply effects to the subgroup as a whole, such as compression or EQ, to further shape the sound of the subgroup.

4. Creating a Cue Mix

In a studio setting, AUX sends can also be used to create a cue mix for musicians who are recording. A cue mix is a separate mix that is sent to the musician's headphones while they are recording. This allows the musician to hear themselves clearly and perform in time with the rest of the band.

Using AUX sends, you can create a cue mix that is tailored to the musician's needs. For example, you might want to give the drummer more kick drum and snare in their cue mix, while giving the singer more vocals and acoustic guitar. This helps the musicians to feel comfortable and confident while recording, resulting in a better performance.

Setting Up Aux Sends and Returns: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let's get practical. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to set up AUX sends and returns on your Behringer mixer:

1. Identify Your Aux Sends and Returns: Locate the AUX send and return jacks on the back of your mixer. They are usually labeled clearly (e.g., AUX Send 1, AUX Return 1). Also, find the AUX send knobs on each channel strip.
2. Connect Your External Device: Connect the output of your external effects processor (e.g., reverb unit) to the AUX return jack on your mixer. Connect the AUX send jack on your mixer to the input of your external effects processor.
3. Assign the Aux Send: On the channel strip that you want to send to the effects processor, turn up the AUX send knob for the corresponding AUX send. For example, if you're using AUX 1, turn up the AUX 1 knob on the vocal channel.
4. Adjust the Return Level: Adjust the level of the AUX return on your mixer to blend the processed signal with the original, dry signal. If your mixer has a dedicated AUX return channel, use the fader or level knob on that channel. If not, use the AUX return level knob.
5. Fine-Tune Your Mix: Listen carefully and adjust the AUX send and return levels until you achieve the desired effect. You may also want to adjust the EQ or other settings on the effects processor to further shape the sound.

Pro Tip: Start with the AUX send knob turned all the way down and gradually increase it until you hear the effect. This will help you avoid sending too much signal to the effects processor and overloading it.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a good understanding of AUX sends and returns, you might still run into some issues from time to time. Here are a few common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

• No Signal in the Aux Return:
  • Check the Cables: Make sure all of your cables are properly connected and in good working order.
  • Verify the Aux Send Level: Ensure that the AUX send knob on the channel strip is turned up.
  • Check the Effects Processor: Make sure your external effects processor is powered on and functioning correctly.
  • Verify the Aux Return Level: Ensure that the AUX return level on your mixer is turned up.
• Too Much Noise in the Aux Return:
  • Check the Gain Staging: Make sure your gain staging is properly set up to avoid clipping or excessive noise.
  • Use High-Quality Cables: Low-quality cables can introduce noise into your signal path. Use shielded cables to minimize noise.
  • Isolate Ground Loops: Ground loops can cause hum and noise in your audio signal. Use a ground loop isolator if necessary.
• Feedback:
  • Lower the Monitor Levels: If you're using AUX sends for monitor mixes, lower the monitor levels to reduce the risk of feedback.
  • Adjust Microphone Placement: Make sure your microphones are properly positioned to avoid picking up sound from the monitor speakers.
  • Use EQ to Reduce Feedback Frequencies: Use an EQ to cut the frequencies that are causing feedback.

Advanced Techniques and Tips

Once you've mastered the basics of AUX sends and returns, you can start exploring some advanced techniques and tips to further enhance your mixing skills:

• Using Multiple Effects Processors: You can use multiple AUX sends to route signals to different effects processors simultaneously. This allows you to create complex and layered effects chains.
• Creating Parallel Compression: Parallel compression involves sending a heavily compressed signal to an AUX send and then blending it with the original, uncompressed signal. This can add punch and fullness to your mix without sacrificing dynamics.
• Using Sidechain Compression: Sidechain compression involves using the signal from one channel to control the compression of another channel. This can create interesting and dynamic effects.
• Experimenting with Different Effects: Don't be afraid to experiment with different effects and combinations of effects to find what works best for your mix. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A comprehensive guide to AUX sends and returns on Behringer mixers. I hope this has demystified the AUX section for you and given you a better understanding of how to use it to enhance your audio setup. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment and try out different techniques. With a little bit of practice, you'll be using AUX sends and returns like a pro in no time! Now go out there and create some amazing mixes!