Overview
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Covers all the basic mixing functions in Pro Tools that every producer and engineer should know, from setting up a mixing plan to mastering a final mix.
Syllabus
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Introduction
- Welcome
- The past, present, and future of mixing
- Strategies for mixing and mastering
- Using the exercise files
- Mixing "in the box"
- Setting up the studio: Speakers and acoustics
- Staying organized: Effectively prepping the mix
- Managing system resources during mixdown
- Introducing the Pro Tools Mixer
- Understanding mixer signal flow
- Using inserts and plug-ins
- Working with plug-in settings
- Using sends and creating FX returns
- Submixing with aux tracks
- Using groups while mixing
- Using master faders effectively
- Conceptualizing the mix and making a plan
- Using volume and pan to balance the mix
- Knowing when to process: Mix problems vs. mix solutions
- Understanding the mechanics of sound
- Learning the basics of EQ: Frequency-specific level control
- Using DigiRack EQ III
- EQ strategies in mixing: Corrective vs. creative
- EQ workflow example 1: Kick drum
- EQ workflow example 2: Filtering loops
- EQ workflow example 3: The "telephone" effect
- Mixing tips and tricks for EQ
- Understanding dynamics and dynamic range
- Working with dynamics processors
- Using the DigiRack Dyn III compressor/limiter
- Balancing and shaping track dynamics
- Using gates and expanders
- Using de-essers to eliminate sibilance
- Dynamics workflow example 1: Vocals
- Dynamics workflow example 2: Drums
- Mixing tips and tricks: Dynamics
- Building parallel or "upward" compression
- Reviewing dynamics concerns: How much is too much?
- Using time-based effects to add depth and width
- Using DigiRack D-Verb
- Using the DigiRack delays
- Mixing with reverb
- Mixing with delays
- Mixing tips and tricks: Creating mix depth
- Working with the Creative Collection
- Building distortion and saturation
- Understanding automation
- Recording real-time automation moves
- Viewing and editing automation
- Automating plug-ins
- Automation strategies for mixing
- Understanding the characteristics of a great mix
- Working to reference tracks
- Avoiding some common pitfalls
- Building healthy mixing habits
- Crafting your mix from start to finish
- Understanding mastering
- Bouncing the mix
- Working with general mastering strategies
- Using limiting and compression to maximize track level
- Working with multi-band compression
- Understanding sample rate, bit depth, file formats, and dither
- Using Pro Tools for CD track sequencing
- Compressing audio for the web
- Tips for evaluating plug-in processors
- Using EQ plug-ins
- Using dynamic compression plug-ins
- Using reverb and delay plug-ins
- Reviewing additional plug-ins
- Effectively using saturation/analog style effects
- Setting up side chains
- Master buss processing
- Creating and using mix templates
- Surround mixing
- Dealing with plug-in delay and latency
- Drum sample replacing
- Goodbye
