In Broadcasting, do we use Pre or Post aux sends for IFB's?

In Broadcasting, do we use Pre or Post aux sends for IFB's?

• A. Pre
• B. Post
• C. Both
• D. Neither

Answer: (B)

In broadcasting, the IFB feed should mirror what the audience hears, including any levels or fades. That’s why you’d use a post-fader aux send for the IFB. With a post-fader path, the signal going to the talent’s earpiece follows the same changes as the main program—if the producer reduces the overall program level or applies a fade, the IFB cue adjusts in tandem. This helps cues and timing stay aligned with what’s actually on air. Using a pre-fader send would give the talent a cue that is independent of the on-air mix, which can lead to mismatches between what they hear and what the audience hears, making timing and cues less reliable. In practice, post-fader for IFB is the standard approach because it preserves consistency with the live broadcast experience.

In broadcasting, the IFB feed should mirror what the audience hears, including any levels or fades. That’s why you’d use a post-fader aux send for the IFB. With a post-fader path, the signal going to the talent’s earpiece follows the same changes as the main program—if the producer reduces the overall program level or applies a fade, the IFB cue adjusts in tandem. This helps cues and timing stay aligned with what’s actually on air.

Using a pre-fader send would give the talent a cue that is independent of the on-air mix, which can lead to mismatches between what they hear and what the audience hears, making timing and cues less reliable. In practice, post-fader for IFB is the standard approach because it preserves consistency with the live broadcast experience.