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How to use FlexBus routing in DaVinci Resolve Fairlight

DaVinci Resolve Fairlight FlexBus is a flexible audio bussing system that lets every track send to up to 20 sets of busses with up to 36 channels per bus. This guide covers routing, cascade bussing, and multi-format delivery.

How does FlexBus routing work in DaVinci Resolve Fairlight?

FlexBus is an audio bussing and routing system that replaces traditional fixed aux, sub, and main busses with multi-purpose busses up to 36 channels wide. Every track can send post-fader information to as many as 20 sets of busses, with each set containing up to 3 busses for a total of 60 destinations. Busses themselves can also be sent to additional bus sets, enabling cascade-style bussing.

FlexBus gives you complete freedom over audio routing without the limitations of traditional fixed-bus architectures. A single track can send to a dialogue bus, a music bus, an effects bus, and a stereo master simultaneously. Each bus can have its own processing, EQ, dynamics, and effects.

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How do you set up FlexBus routing in Fairlight?

Open the Fairlight mixer and click the Bus icon to view the bus configuration panel. Create bus sets for different mix elements — Dialogue, Music, Effects, and Master. Assign tracks to busses by selecting the track's output destination in the mixer channel strip.

For cascade bussing, route one bus to another. Route your Dialogue, Music, and Effects busses to a Stereo Master bus. The Master bus receives the combined output of all sub-busses. Each bus in the chain can have independent processing.

FlexBus supports mono, stereo, 5.1, 7.1, and immersive formats simultaneously. A single project can output a stereo master for web delivery and a 5.1 master for broadcast from the same timeline, using separate bus chains for each format.

How does FlexBus compare to traditional DAW bussing?

| Feature | FlexBus | Traditional DAW |

|---|---|---|

| Bus width | Up to 36 channels | Limited to format |

| Sends per track | 20 sets x 3 busses = 60 destinations | Typically 8-16 |

| Cascade routing | Yes — busses feed busses | Yes, but limited |

| Multi-format output | Simultaneous | Separate projects |

| Processing per bus | EQ, dynamics, 6 FX slots | Varies by DAW |