Vorausblenden

Vorausblenden is a German term that translates to "pre-fade" or "pre-listening" in English. It is a technical term primarily used in the context of audio mixing and broadcasting. The concept of Vorausblenden refers to the ability of a sound engineer or DJ to listen to an incoming audio source privately before it is sent to the main output or broadcast. This allows for crucial adjustments and monitoring without the audience hearing any changes or unexpected sounds.

In a live mixing scenario, Vorausblenden enables an engineer to cue up a new track, adjust its volume and equalization, and ensure it sounds good before seamlessly fading it into the current mix. Similarly, in radio broadcasting, a producer can use Vorausblenden to preview an interview or advertisement before it goes live, ensuring its quality and relevance. This feature is typically accessed through a dedicated button on a mixing console or DJ controller, often labeled "PFL" (Pre-Fader Listen) or "Solo." It routes the selected audio channel directly to the engineer's headphones, bypassing the main output fader. The ability to Vorausblenden is essential for professional audio production, contributing to a polished and error-free final product.