Lesson 1Track Naming, Grouping and Routing in the DAW: Track Templates for Drums, Bass, Guitars, Vocals, Stereo Synth and Bussing StrategyYou will learn uniform track naming, color coding, grouping, and routing in the DAW, including templates for drums, bass, guitar, vocals, synth, bus routing, and basic print tracks to maintain large sessions fast, readable, and mix-prepared.
Consistent track naming conventionsColor coding by instrument familiesCreating drum and band track templatesRouting to buses and submix groupsUsing VCAs and folder tracksPreparing mix and print tracks earlyLesson 2Gain Leveling Process: Setting Mic Preamp Gain, Checking RMS/PEAK Meters, Using Trim Plugins and Headroom Targets for Analog and Digital ChainsHere you will learn a repeatable gain leveling process: setting mic preamp levels, reading RMS and peak meters, applying trims and pads, and meeting safe headroom targets in analog and digital chains to avoid noise, clipping, and faint signals.
Setting initial mic preamp gainReading RMS and peak meters correctlyUsing pads, trims and input sensitivityHeadroom targets for digital recordingGain staging through analog hardwareTroubleshooting noisy or hot signalsLesson 3Pre-Session Preparation: Session Checklist (Power, Cables, Spare Mics, DI Boxes, Cans, Adapters, Tools) and Pre-Communication with BandYou will establish a strong pre-session routine: technical checklists for power, cables, mics, DI boxes, headphones, and tools, plus pre-talks with the band on songs, tunings, arrangements, expectations, and studio rules to prevent surprises.
Creating a studio session checklistVerifying power, cables and adaptersChecking mics, DIs and headphonesPreparing instruments and tunings listCollecting demos, lyrics and chartsPre-session expectations with the bandLesson 4Recording Order and Reasoning: Recommended Step-by-Step (Scratch/Vocals Guide, Drums, Bass, Guitars, Overdubs, Leads, Final Vocals) and Alternate Live-with-Rooms MethodsThis part explains logical recording order for modern sessions, why scratch tracks are vital, prioritizing drums and rhythm instruments, when to record vocals, and adapting the process for live-off-the-floor and room-centered approaches.
Planning scratch and guide performancesPrioritizing drums and rhythm foundationWhen to track bass, guitars and keysScheduling overdubs, leads and doublesTiming for final lead and backing vocalsAdapting workflow for live band trackingLesson 5Input List Building and Mapping: 1–8 Input Template with Instrument, Mic Model, Preamp Assignment, Pad/Phantom and Gain NotesThis part instructs on designing a clear input list and mapping it to your interface: numbering inputs, assigning instruments, mic models, preamps, pads, phantom power, and gain notes, plus creating reusable 1–8 input templates for quick setups.
Numbering and labeling hardware inputsAssigning instruments to each channelDocumenting mic models and positionsPreamps, pads, phantom and polarityCreating 1–8 input DAW templatesUpdating input lists during the sessionLesson 6Guide Tracks and Click Usage: When to Use Click or Guide Guitar, Setting Tempo Map and Time Signatures for Three-Song DemoThis part covers when and how to apply click tracks, guide guitars, or scratch vocals, creating tempo maps, managing tempo shifts and unusual meters, and preparing a solid, musical grid for a multi-song demo without stifling performance energy.
Deciding when to use a click trackCreating guide guitar or scratch vocalsBuilding a tempo map in the DAWHandling tempo changes and ritardandosSetting time signatures and odd metersClick and guide strategy for three songsLesson 7Talkback, Communication and Session Etiquette: Talkback Mic Setup, Cue Talkback Process, Headphone Mix Management and Session Time LimitsHere you will set up a dependable talkback system, handle cue mixes, maintain clear and respectful communication, limit takes and breaks, and foster a focused, professional vibe that keeps the band relaxed and effective.
Choosing and placing a talkback micRouting talkback to cue mixesManaging headphone mix requestsSetting expectations for studio behaviorTimeboxing takes, breaks and reviewsHandling conflicts and fatigue diplomaticallyLesson 8Take Handling and Comping Process: Marking Good Takes, Playlists/Lanes, Comping Methods and Version ControlThis part describes marking takes, using playlists or lanes, arranging alternate versions, comping effectively, and keeping version control to swiftly reconstruct edits, compare choices, and preserve strong performances.
Labeling and rating each recorded takeUsing playlists or lanes per instrumentOrganizing alternates and safety takesComping methods for vocals and solosEditing while preserving performance feelVersion control and session snapshotsLesson 9Session Backups and File Handling: Immediate Backups, Incremental Saves, Consolidated Audio Export and Session Export ChecklistThis part addresses secure backup practices: save methods, incremental versions, local and external backups, audio consolidation, session exports for other studios, and clear folder structures for long-term storage.
Save habits and incremental versionsLocal, external and cloud backupsOrganizing project and audio foldersConsolidating and cleaning audio filesExporting sessions for other DAWsArchiving and documenting final sessions
