How Do Auxiliaries Work?

Throughout a soundboard there are many different functions and knobs that all operators must know.  On most of the common types of soundboards; on every channel, there are auxiliaries (or labeled as ‘aux’). Auxiliaries are used much like the master volume on a sound mixer; and that is they send signals out from a specific channel that was selected. Aux’s are located below the gain control and above the level output sliders. They will be rotary knobs with numbers representing the different auxiliary channels.

How Auxiliaries Work For Monitors

Mixing monitors through a main mix soundboard will only be achieved through the use of auxiliaries. Auxiliaries are great for selecting individual channels to be sent to the monitors. Simply assign a monitor to a musician or to be shared with more then one. Make sure you know how to set up monitors. Check out, Setting Up Monitors At Church to learn more. From here, select an auxiliary channel to be the master of the monitor you would like to use. Every channel will have a few auxiliaries to choose from. Make sure you know which auxiliary channels you have designated for each monitor.

How To Setup Audio Sends

Setting up audio sends requires a few steps and the operator must know how these setups work. Check out, How to Setup Audio Effects, to learn exactly how to send and return effected signals by using auxiliaries on your soundboard. There are typically only 4 to 6 auxiliary outputs available on most mixers, so make sure that you use your auxiliaries wisely and that not too many effects are taking up the potential monitor configuration. 

Recording To An External Device

Some churches want to have the capabilities to record their services and music that is played. In some cases, designating an aux to be sent to a recorder can work. This will enable the person who is recording the audio, to choose the amounts and levels of each instruments and/or people talking. This again will take up more auxiliaries and it is best to do all you can for monitors and making the musicians happy.

Conclusion

Knowing auxiliaries and the functions of them, on your churches mixer is important. Try to take care of your monitor mixes first, settle the musicians and make it more comfortable for them on stage. Then, after that said, it is safe to play around with effect sends and recording.

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