1. How They Work
The above example is just one possible way to build a mixer with the Modular Bus Mixers. Once you know the basic concepts, you can easily create mix groups, run a partial mix through a side chain compressor, or set up fade automation for a live set.
The first thing to note is how each module is connected with the BUS IN and BUS OUT ports. This allows them to route audio along three stereo buses: blue, orange, and red.
An audio source is connected to inputs on each mixer strip in the image (Gig Bus Mixer). The mixer strip knobs set the levels of their inputs to each stereo bus.
In the above example, the red bus is considered the master bus, and blue and orange buses are used for send effects. (With most modules, you do not need to make the red bus a master bus and can route the three stereo buses in novel ways.)
Bus Depot modules provide vu meters and fade automation to chains and groups in your mixers. A Bus Depot can also provide a stereo mix out from your Modular Bus Mixers or accept any stereo input through the AUX IN.
The BUS OUT ports are connected to a Bus Route, allowing the fade to go before the send effects on this mixer. Use as many Bus Depots as you need to create mix groups with vu meters and fade automation.
The Bus Route module is used for send effects. In this case, the blue bus is going to a plate reverb and the orange bus is going to a drum room reverb. The red bus is passing through as the dry, master bus. You can easily audition your send effects with a long press on one of Bus Depot's on buttons. You can also provide latency compensation for a long send chain or an external effect with Bus Route's integrated sample delays.
The MIX OUT ports from Bus Route are connected to the audio device.
None of the Modular Bus Mixer modules will clip (or clamp) your audio streams. You can safely add compressors or limiters after a Bus Depot or after a Bus Route module has mixed down your stereo buses.