Pro Tools: Mixing and Mastering

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