Signal routing examples – M-AUDIO Pro Tools Recording Studio User Manual
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Signal Routing Examples
The following examples show how main and 
sub-paths can be used, using an example session 
consisting of a 5.1 main mix, with music and ef-
fects stems (or submixes). 
Submix Stem Examples
Figure 20 shows a routing configuration for an 
effects submix. Two tracks are routed to stereo 
bus sub-paths, while others are assigned to an 
LCR and a mono bus sub-path. Two tracks (one 
mono, one stereo) are assigned to multichannel 
busses for surround panning. A 5.1 Auxiliary In-
put assigned to the FX main bus path serves as a 
submixer. 
Extending Stereo Mixing Conventions to 
Surround Mixing
Stereo mixing sets the precedent for active and 
static panning, and surround mixing can bene-
fit from the same basic principles. 
Panning a sound back-and-forth between the 
left and right speakers is best used as a special ef-
fect. In a typical music mix, the basic tracks are 
placed in the stereo sound field and remain 
there. 
Surround mixes can become incoherent if too 
many elements are continuously moving, For 
special effects, some tracks can be panned dy-
namically, bouncing between speakers or sweep-
ing from one side to the other.
Figure 20. FX stem
