What is a bus in Pro Tools?

A bus in Pro Tools serves as a virtual pathway that enables users to route audio signals between tracks and various effects or processing destinations. This functionality is crucial for mixing, as it allows for the manipulation of audio signals from multiple sources, such as instruments and vocals, into a single channel or group of channels. By using buses, audio engineers can efficiently manage their sessions, apply effects to multiple tracks simultaneously, and create intricate routing configurations that enhance their overall sound.

Buses are central to the mixing workflow in Pro Tools, facilitating tasks such as sub-mixing, where multiple tracks can be combined into a single bus for processing. This reduces CPU load and helps maintain organization within the session. Understanding how to effectively use buses is essential for achieving professional-sounding mixes in Pro Tools.