What are the advantages and disadvantages of using pre-fader and post-fader routing in FL Studio mixer?

1 Pre-fader routing

Pre-fader routing means that the signal from a mixer track is sent to another track or an external output before it reaches the track's volume fader. This means that the level of the signal is not affected by the fader position, and that any effects on the source track are applied before the routing. You can use pre-fader routing for various purposes, such as sending a dry signal to a parallel compressor, creating a submix of multiple tracks, or recording a pre-mixed signal to another software or device.

2 Post-fader routing

Post-fader routing means that the signal from a mixer track is sent to another track or an external output after it passes through the track's volume fader. This means that the level of the signal is affected by the fader position, and that any effects on the source track are applied after the routing. You can use post-fader routing for different purposes, such as sending a wet signal to a reverb or delay bus, creating a master output with a limiter or EQ, or monitoring a final mix through headphones or speakers.

3 Advantages of pre-fader routing

Pre-fader routing can be advantageous depending on the desired mixing results. It enables the user to control the amount of signal sent to another track or output without affecting the source track's volume, thus preserving the dynamics and transients of the signal before applying compression or limiting. Additionally, pre-fader routing can create a more consistent and balanced submix of multiple tracks without altering their individual levels. Furthermore, it can help avoid feedback loops and phase issues when using effects with high feedback or delay settings on another track or output.

4 Disadvantages of pre-fader routing

Pre-fader routing has some disadvantages compared to post-fader routing, depending on the mixing challenges and expectations. For example, adjusting the overall level of the signal sent to another track or output is more difficult with pre-fader routing as you have to change the level of each source track separately. Additionally, if the signal is too loud before reaching the fader, it can cause clipping or distortion on another track or output. Pre-fader routing can also create a mismatch between the sound heard on the source track and the sound sent to another track or output, particularly when effects with high gain or frequency changes are used on the source track. Finally, pre-fader routing can reduce the headroom and dynamic range of the signal before applying effects that can enhance them on another track or output.

5 Advantages of post-fader routing

Post-fader routing can be advantageous in certain mixing scenarios. With post-fader routing, you can adjust the level of the signal sent to another track or output just by moving the source track's fader. This prevents clipping or distortion on another track or output, and creates a more realistic and natural sound when using effects with high wetness or modulation settings. Additionally, post-fader routing increases the headroom and dynamic range of the signal by applying effects that can reduce them on the source track.

6 Disadvantages of post-fader routing

Post-fader routing has some disadvantages compared to pre-fader routing, depending on your mixing problems and taste. It can be difficult to control the amount of signal sent to another track or output independently of the source track's volume, as you have to use a send knob or a plugin to adjust it. Additionally, post-fader routing can alter the dynamics and transients of the signal after applying compression or limiting on the source track. It may also create a more uneven and unbalanced submix of multiple tracks if their individual levels are frequently changed. Furthermore, it can cause feedback loops and phase issues when using effects with high feedback or delay settings on the source track.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?