← Mixing & Routing
Mission 30 · World 5
Groups & Routing
Sub-mixes and signal flow.
Groups tame complexity. Routing turns Live into a modular synth.
+80 XP
// WHAT IT DOES
A Group track wraps multiple tracks into a folder with one fader. Routing lets any track output into any other input.
Cmd/Ctrl+G groups selected tracks. Then process the group as one (drums bus, vox bus, synth bus).
Think of it like → Groups are file folders for tracks. Routing is the patch cables behind your studio rack.
▸ WHY YOU CARE
- • Process all drums together with one compressor.
- • Build sidechains, parallel chains, complex routings.
// SEE & HEAR IT
Scenario 1/5 — Shared reverb on a return track
Classic Reverb Send
One reverb on a return is more CPU-efficient than 4 separate reverbs, and creates a cohesive 'room' that glues the mix.
GOAL: Set each send to approximately match the target levels. Press CHECK when ready.
Target routing (approximate)
Track
REVERB
KICK
10
SNARE
25
VOX
40
PAD
60
Your sends — adjust to match target
KICK
REVERB0
SNARE
REVERB0
VOX
REVERB0
PAD
REVERB0
▸ HOW IT WORKS
Group sums children → group's devices process → group's mixer → Master. Inter-track routing reroutes signals before summing.
▸ Signal flow — watch the dot
▸ SIGNAL FLOW
Glowing dot = your signal travelling through Live.
▸ LISTEN FOR
- • Group compression glues drums; individual hits remain visible.
▸ WALKTHROUGH (3 steps)
- 1. DO: Select all drums → Cmd/Ctrl+G.▸ LISTEN: Drums fold under one fader.
- 2. DO: Drop a Glue Compressor on the Group.▸ LISTEN: All drums compressed together.
- 3. DO: Route Bass 'Audio To' a sidechain Aux track.▸ LISTEN: Bass enters that track's input.
▸ COMMON MISTAKES
- ✗ Forgetting Group has its own automation lane.
- ✗ Routing into a track without arming/monitoring it — silence.
// QUIZ (QUICK)
Question 1 / 30 correct
Group tracks are…