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.