2 Engineering Methods using Pro Tools

One of the great aspects of Pro Tools or any similar digital audio software is the flexibility of ways they can be used. The sound of your recording is not only dependent on the equipment that you use, but also the way in which you use it. Below I will discuss two methods for using Pro Tools or other software that will drastically affect the sound of your album.

Method #1 – Individual Sessions Files for Each Song.

This is probably the most common use of and DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) such as Pro Tools. In this scenario the engineer creates a separate session file for each individual song.

This is the best method to use if you know ahead of time that the mixes for each song on the album will be markedly different. You will have to take the time to create each new mix from scratch anyway and it will allow you to save the mix for each song very easily. You move on to the next song (and mix) by opening a different file where all of those settings are recalled. This is also the best method if your songs will be using a click track. It is simple to set a single tempo in Pro Tools, but making it change tempos is more complex. Rather than having a single file cover all of the various tempos on the album it is much more simpler and efficient to use separate files. Because this method has you creating each mix from scratch they will probably end up sounding different from each other. This can be useful if you are trying to create a variety of sounds for the album. The danger is that your tracks may sound quite disparate and not fit well together as an album.

Method #2 – Using a single session like a tape machine.

5 Mistakes You Made on Your Last Recording

Everyone who goes into a studio, whether they are an artist, an audio engineer, or a producer, is trying to “get a great sound.” There is a lot that goes into making an excellent sounding recording and a lot of it doesn’t have anything to do with the gear. Here are five mistakes that people routinely make when going into the studio. When your project doesn’t come out the way you expect it to, more often than not you can find the reason in one of these five points.


1.     You didn’t book enough studio time.

• Artists: Today it is common to book a “lockout” of a studio where you have one or a few days in which to accomplish everything. Invariably the beginning of these sessions are relaxed but when you realize that the mixing or editing is going to take longer than you planned it can make the end of the sessions very stressful. Make sure you consult with an experienced engineer or producer for the amount of time you need to do your project without rushing it.
• Engineers: Make sure your artists remember to plan for mixing. Often this takes longer than the actual tracking. Also, make sure your clients plan for doing multiple takes during tracking and that they allot time to listen after each and every take. The recording equipment is never perfect and is prone to failure. Don’t be caught when your pants down because you neglected to listen back to a take.

2.     Lack of preparation

• Artists: Are your arrangements finished? Are your lyrics finished? Did you change your strings and put on new drum heads? When you are in the studio you are on the clock. Wouldn’t you rather finish writing lyrics for free on your own time rather than paying the studio?
• Engineers: Are you truly familiar with your client’s musical style? They are going to expect you to know what all their favorite bands sound like. Make sure that you do.

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