Mixing and Mastering with Pro Tools

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.

Introduction

• Welcome
• The past, present, and future of mixing
• Strategies for mixing and mastering
• Using the exercise files

1. Preparing to Mix

• Mixing "in the box"
• Setting up the studio: Speakers and acoustics
• Staying organized: Effectively prepping the mix
• Managing system resources during mixdown

2. Working with the Pro Tools Mixer

• 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

3. Mixing Tools and Strategies

• Conceptualizing the mix and making a plan
• Using volume and pan to balance the mix
• Knowing when to process: Mix problems vs. mix solutions

4. Understanding and Using EQ (Equalization)

• 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

5. Understanding and Using Dynamics Processors

• 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?

6. Mixing with Reverb, Delay, and Other Effects

• 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

7. Introducing the Pro Tools Creative Collection

• Working with the Creative Collection
• Building distortion and saturation

8. Automating the Mix

• Understanding automation
• Recording real-time automation moves
• Viewing and editing automation
• Automating plug-ins
• Automation strategies for mixing

9. Putting It All Together

• 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

10. Mastering in Pro Tools

• 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

11. Reviewing Third-Party Plug-Ins

• 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

12. Additional Topics

• 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

Conclusion

• Goodbye