BFD3 | How to setup Multichannel Output Assignment in Cubase

Using Multichannel Outputs is an incredibly powerful tool that allows you to separate individual elements of the kit, enabling you to process the kit and overall mix with your favourite plug-ins within Cubase's own mixer.

In this article, we'll highlight the benefits of multichannel mixing, demonstrating how to set up BFD3 in Cubase for Multichannel mixing.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Launch Cubase
• Create a New Instrument Track with BFD3
• Enable Output Assignments
• Routing your BFD Kit's Outputs
• Check the Outputs are sending in the Cubase Mixer
• Enjoy Mixing in Cubase!
• Routing Example

1. Launch Cubase

2. Create a New Instrument Track with BFD3

   • You can load BFD3 via the Track Inspector's Routing Tab
     

3. Enable Output Assignments

   1. Within the Routing tab - Click on the Multi-Output Routing drop-down menu
      
   2. Click on each Output you would like to enable
      • You will see a check mark appear next to each output you enable
4. Confirm Outputs via the Mixer
   • Open your Mixer within Cubase via the F3 key
   • Ensure the Channels you'd like to use are present in the mixer
     

5. Routing your BFD Kit's Outputs

   1. Open your BFD session via the Edit Instrument icon
      
   2. While in Kit view - Select the Faders tab to display the mixer
   3. Locate the Output Assignment controls at the bottom of each channel
      
   4. Select the Output you'd like to route each channel to.
      
      

6. Check the Outputs are sending in the Cubase Mixer

   • Re-open the Cubase Mixer (F3) and check that the kit is sending to the correct outputs.
     
     While the mixer is open, it's best practice to label each output to the routed kit piece/channel from BFD.
     

7. Enjoy Mixing in Cubase!

   With Multi-Out Routing, this means you can process parts of your kit without impacting the other elements of the kit, and add deeper control of your mixes.
   
   
   

8. Routing Example

   In this example, I'll be wanting to create individual outputs for the following kit pieces:
   • Kick
   • Snare
   • Hi-Hat
   • Floor Tom 
   • Mid Tom
   • High Tom
   • All Cymbals - 2x Crashes and a Ride
   • Overhead Mics
   • Ambimix (Ambient Mics)
     
     Following Step 5 above - Route the Channels listed below to the following Outputs
     
     
   • Kick -> Master
   • Snare -> Stereo 2
   • Hi-Hat - Stereo 3
   • Floor Tom -> Mono 1
   • Mid Tom -> Mono 2
   • High Tom -> Mono 3
   • All Cymbals -> Stereo 4
   • Overhead Mics -> Stereo 5
     You'll typically find the OH Channel within the Ambimix
     
   • Ambimix (Ambient Mics) -> Stereo 6

If you encounter any problems getting set up, please reach out to our customer support team for further assistance.