submixing

Submixing is the practice of combining multiple audio signals into one or more submixes (subgroups) before they reach the main stereo mix. It is common in both live sound and studio environments and helps manage large channel counts by grouping related sources for centralized processing and level control.

Signals are routed to a submix bus or subgroup on a mixing console or in a digital audio workstation. Examples include drums, guitars, backing vocals, or keyboards. The submix can receive its own processing such as EQ, compression, or limiting, and the resulting signal is sent to the main mix or to further subgroups.

Typical workflow: assign tracks to submixes, set the submix level, apply processing on the subgroup, and route the submix to the main stereo bus. In live sound, submixes can also feed monitor outputs. In the studio, submixes are often referred to as groups or buses, and, when rendered as separate files, form stems.

Equipment and techniques: analog or digital consoles provide bus routing; DAWs use bus or group tracks. Submixing can involve inserts on the subgroup or post-fader sends, and may use parallel processing or auxiliary sends for effects.

Benefits and considerations: submixing reduces load on the main mix, simplifies processing, and improves headroom and recall. Potential issues include phase and time alignment between the submix and main mix, latency differences, and the need for careful gain staging. Submixes are not final and can be collapsed during mastering or used as stems for collaboration.