Pro Tools: Mixing and Mastering

Discover the mixing tools that you should know in Pro Tools, from using EQ to add clarity to applying compression, limiting to control dynamics, and maximizing levels in a mix.

Introduction

• Welcome
• What is mixing? The past, present, and future
• Exploring strategies for mixing and mastering
• Using the exercise files

1. Preparing to Mix

• Mixing "in the box"
• Setting up the studio: monitors
• Setting up the studio: acoustics
• Staying organized: labeling tracks and clips
• Staying organized: memory locations and window configurations
• 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 effects 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
• Adjusting 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 3
• Exploring EQ strategies in mixing: correcting vs. creating
• A working example: kick drum and bass
• A working example: filtering loops
• Exploring mixing tips and tricks: EQ

5. Understanding and Using Dynamics Processors

• Understanding dynamics and dynamic range
• Working with dynamics processors
• Using the DigiRack Dyn 3 compressor/limiter
• Balancing and shaping track dynamics
• Using gates and expanders
• Using de-essers to eliminate sibilance
• A dynamics workflow example: vocal
• A dynamics workflow example: drums
• Exploring mixing tips and tricks: dynamics
• Building parallel, or upward, compression
• Reviewing dynamics concerns: How much is too much?
• Using Avid Channel Strip

6. Mixing with Reverb, Delay, and Other Time-Based Effects

• Using time-based effects to add depth and width
• Exploring DigiRack D-Verb
• Using the DigiRack delays
• Mixing with reverb
• Mixing with delays
• Exploring 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
• Using clip gain
• Automating plug-ins
• Exploring automation strategies for mixing

9. Putting It All Together

• Understanding the characteristics of a great mix
• Working with a reference track
• Avoiding common pitfalls
• Building healthy mixing habits
• Crafting your mix from start to finish

10. Mastering in Pro Tools

• Understanding mastering
• Working with general mastering strategies
• Using limiting and compression to maximize track level
• Working with multiband compression
• Bouncing the mix
• Understanding sample rate, bit depth, file formats, and dither
• Metering with the DigiRack Phase Scope
• Compressing audio for the web

11. Additional Topics

• Evaluating plug-in processors
• Using saturation and other analog-style effects effectively
• Setting up side-chains
• Master bus processing
• Creating and using mix templates
• Dealing with plug-in delay and latency
• Drum sample replacing
• Setting pan depth in Pro Tools

12. Pro Tools 11 Addendum

• Mixing in Pro Tools 11: What's new
• Understanding the AAX 64-bit plugin format
• Configuring the Pro Tools 11 Playback Engine
• Using new metering options in the mixer
• Working with advanced metering options
• Mixing shortcuts in Pro Tools 11
• Printing a mix using Offline Bounce
• Advanced Offline Bounce workflows

Conclusion

• Thank you and goodbye