Aux Track
Definition
An auxiliary track used for audio routing purposes, typically serving as a destination for sends (reverb, delay, and other time-based effects) or as a Bus for group processing. Called “Return Tracks” in Ableton Live and “Aux Tracks” in Pro Tools and Logic Pro.
Context
Aux tracks are fundamental to efficient mixing workflows. Rather than placing a reverb plugin on every individual track, engineers route multiple tracks via sends to a single aux track hosting the reverb, saving CPU and providing centralized control. Aux tracks are also used for parallel processing techniques such as parallel compression, where a compressed duplicate signal is blended with the dry signal.