How to create return tracks

Set up return tracks in Ableton Live to apply shared effects like reverb and delay across multiple tracks.

Getting Started · intermediate level

Steps

  1. Create a return track

    Go to Create > Insert Return Track, or press Cmd + Alt + T (Mac) / Ctrl + Alt + T (Windows) to add a new return track.

  2. Add effects to the return track

    Drag effects like Reverb or Delay onto the return track. These will be shared by any track that sends audio to it.

  3. Adjust send levels

    On each audio or MIDI track, turn up the corresponding Send knob (A, B, etc.) to route signal to the return track.

  4. Set return track output

    By default, return tracks output to the Master. You can change this in the return track's Output selector if needed.

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