Why I Always Use Pre-Fader Settings in My DAW (And Why You Might Want To)

Every producer has their preferred workflow, but certain techniques can elevate your mixing in subtle yet crucial ways.

For me, one of these techniques is setting my DAW to pre-fader metering and regularly using pre-fader sends when mixing. Here are the two main reasons I rely on pre-fader settings, and why you might find them useful too.

1. Accurate Input Level Monitoring with Pre-Fader Metering

My DAW is always set to pre-fader metering, which means the channel meter shows me the exact level of audio coming into the channel, before any adjustments I make with the fader.

This setup provides a critical advantage:

• Clear visual feedback on my gain structure.

With pre-fader metering, I instantly know if my input levels are healthy or clipping, independent of my mixing adjustments. I don’t have to guess if lowering or raising my fader is masking an input issue. This ensures that I maintain optimal gain structure from start to finish, resulting in cleaner mixes.

Tip: If you find yourself constantly chasing volume adjustments, consider switching to pre-fader metering. You’ll see exactly what’s hitting your plugins, EQ, compressors, and effects, keeping your gain staging precise and consistent.

2. Placing Sounds Precisely in Space Using Pre-Fader Sends

When mixing, spatial placement is everything. To place certain sounds further back in the mix, I rely on pre-fader sends for my Shimmer reverbs and other spatial effects.

Here’s how I approach it:

• I’ll send audio from a channel pre-fader directly into my reverb.

• Initially, I can fully immerse the sound in the reverb, placing it at the very back of the mix.

• Then, I gradually bring up the channel’s main fader. This brings the sound forward step-by-step until it sits perfectly in the desired spatial position - not too distant, not too upfront, just right.

This method gives me pinpoint control over depth placement:

• Using a post-fader send, adjusting your fader changes both the dry and wet signals simultaneously, often muddying precise spatial adjustments.

• With pre-fader sends, I have absolute control: the depth (wet effect) stays fixed, and the main fader simply brings the original sound forward or pushes it back.

Using Pre-Fader Sends for Depth and Clarity in Mixing

Pre-fader sends allow you to push sounds into the background while keeping the mix upfront clean. If I need to place sounds that are vast, or need to sound big, I’ll start by placing them deep into my reverb space using a pre-fader send. The dry signal remains low, letting the reverb establish the sense of depth first. Then, by slowly bringing up the dry fader, I can balance the sound’s presence without losing the immersive, vast feel.

This technique helps maintain clarity in the foreground while achieving a deep, spacious mix, keeping lead elements distinct and letting ambient sounds blend naturally.

Conclusion: Why You Should Consider Pre-Fader Settings

While workflows differ, incorporating pre-fader metering and sends into your mix process provides clarity and precision that’s difficult to achieve otherwise. Whether you’re focused on perfecting your gain structure or achieving a clear and nuanced spatial balance, pre-fader techniques can greatly enhance your control and confidence.

Give pre-fader a try in your next session. It might just become your go-to mixing technique as well.