Importing session data in Pro Tools is quite valuable as a time saver. It also serves as the best way to keep continuity on song to song when working on a project or album. As the name suggests, it allows you to pull in data from one session into another. This can be audio/midi or this can be settings such as plugins, routing, pan, volume, etc. The exact method and process will depend on what you are after for your end results.
The technique of the “reverse swell” has been around and used for quite a long time. It’s a wonderful way to build intensity and anticipation. It has been done using lots of different sounds; cymbal, vocals, keyboard, samples, etc.
To break it down to basic terms, Mid Side gives the ability to separate the middle of the signal from the unique stereo, left-right content of the signal. Nowadays we do have a few plugins that can do this for us, but here we are going to look at the manual way to do it and what is arguably still the most flexible. It is also a lesson in routing and patience
Texture tracks are repetitive sounds that can be effected to fill space. They’re there if you need them, and easily removed from the mix if you don’t.
VCA faders are a great way to speed up your workflow. They control entire groups from one fader while still allowing you to control individual tracks in the group by adjusting their respective faders.
Having a mix bus lets you apply plugins to your entire mix without applying it to any sample mixes. This allows you to use the A B technique.
A sample mix can be placed inside of your DAW that skips the mix bus and goes directly to your speakers. This keeps the sample mix true.
If you apply the plugins to your master track, the plugins will also affect the sample track. Take a look at this video to see how mixing with a mix bus can help you improve your workflow and ultimately, lead to better mixes.
