Mixing and Mastering with Pro Tools

Course details

Once recording and editing are finished, audio engineers can take advantage of the training in Mixing and Mastering with Pro Tools to punch up the final output. Digidesign Certified Expert Brian Lee White covers all the basic mixing tools that every producer and engineer should know, from using EQ to add clarity and focus to using compression and limiting to maximize track levels within a mix. Brian stresses the importance of setting up a solid mixing plan prior to any work in Pro Tools, and gives advice on the best plug-ins for each stage of the process. Exercise files accompany the course.

Learning objectives
Using the Pro Tools Creative Collection to add clarity, punch, width, and depth to a mix
Recording real-time automation moves for future replication
Building healthy and profitable mixing habits when putting a final mix together
Knowing when to process the audio of a track
Using saturation effects to capture that "analog" sound
Working with limiting and multiband compression during the mastering process
Dealing with plug-in delay and latency in a mix

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Welcome
02 - The past, present, and future of mixing
03 - Strategies for mixing and mastering
04 - Using the exercise files

1. Preparing to Mix

05 - Mixing in the box
06 - Setting up the studio - Speakers and acoustics
07 - Staying organized - Effectively prepping the mix
08 - Managing system resources during mixdown

2. Working with the Pro Tools Mixer

09 - Introducing the Pro Tools Mixer
10 - Understanding mixer signal flow
11 - Using inserts and plug-ins
12 - Working with plug-in settings
13 - Using sends and creating FX returns
14 - Submixing with aux tracks
15 - Using groups while mixing
16 - Using master faders effectively

3. Mixing Tools and Strategies

17 - Conceptualizing the mix and making a plan
18 - Using volume and pan to balance the mix
19 - Knowing when to process - Mix problems vs. mix solutions

4. Understanding and Using EQ (Equalization)

20 - Understanding the mechanics of sound
21 - Learning the basics of EQ - Frequency-specific level control
22 - Using DigiRack EQ III
23 - EQ strategies in mixing - Corrective vs. creative
24 - EQ workflow example 1 - Kick drum
25 - EQ workflow example 2 - Filtering loops
26 - EQ workflow example 3 - The telephone effect
27 - Mixing tips and tricks for EQ

5. Understanding and Using Dynamics Processors

28 - Understanding dynamics and dynamic range
29 - Working with dynamics processors
30 - Using the DigiRack Dyn III compressor limiter
31 - Balancing and shaping track dynamics
32 - Using gates and expanders
33 - Using de-essers to eliminate sibilance
34 - Dynamics workflow example 1 - Vocals
35 - Dynamics workflow example 2 - Drums
36 - Mixing tips and tricks - Dynamics
37 - Building parallel or upward compression
38 - Reviewing dynamics concerns - How much is too much

6. Mixing with Reverb, Delay, and Other Effects

39 - Using time-based effects to add depth and width
40 - Using DigiRack D-Verb
41 - Using the DigiRack delays
42 - Mixing with reverb
43 - Mixing with delays
44 - Mixing tips and tricks - Creating mix depth

7. Introducing the Pro Tools Creative Collection

45 - Working with the Creative Collection
46 - Building distortion and saturation

8. Automating the Mix

47 - Understanding automation
48 - Recording real-time automation moves
49 - Viewing and editing automation
50 - Automating plug-ins
51 - Automation strategies for mixing

9. Putting It All Together

52 - Understanding the characteristics of a great mix
53 - Working to reference tracks
54 - Avoiding some common pitfalls
55 - Building healthy mixing habits
56 - Crafting your mix from start to finish

10. Mastering in Pro Tools

57 - Understanding mastering
58 - Bouncing the mix
59 - Working with general mastering strategies
60 - Using limiting and compression to maximize track level
61 - Working with multi-band compression
62 - Understanding sample rate, bit depth, file formats, and dither
63 - Using Pro Tools for CD track sequencing
64 - Compressing audio for the web

11. Reviewing Third-Party Plug-Ins

65 - Tips for evaluating plug-in processors
66 - Using EQ plug-ins
67 - Using dynamic compression plug-ins
68 - Using reverb and delay plug-ins
69 - Reviewing additional plug-ins

12. Additional Topics

70 - Effectively using saturation analog style effects
71 - Setting up side chains
72 - Master buss processing
73 - Creating and using mix templates
74 - Surround mixing
75 - Dealing with plug-in delay and latency
76 - Drum sample replacing

Conclusion

77 - Goodbye