Lesson 1Session backups and file management: immediate backups, incremental saves, consolidated audio export and session export checklistCover safe backup habits: save strategies, incremental versions, local/external backups, consolidating audio, exporting sessions for other studios, and clear folder structure for long-term archiving.
Save habits and incremental versionsLocal, external and cloud backupsOrganizing project and audio foldersConsolidating and cleaning audio filesExporting sessions for other DAWsArchiving and documenting final sessionsLesson 2Take management and comping workflow: marking good takes, playlists/lanes, comping strategies and version controlLearn to mark takes, use playlists/lanes, organise alternates, comp efficiently, and maintain version control to rebuild edits, compare options, and preserve great performances.
Labeling and rating each recorded takeUsing playlists or lanes per instrumentOrganizing alternates and safety takesComping strategies for vocals and solosEditing while preserving performance feelVersion control and session snapshotsLesson 3Talkback, communication and session etiquette: talkback mic setup, cue talkback workflow, headphone mix management and session timeboxingSet up reliable talkback, manage cue mixes, keep communication clear and respectful, timebox takes/breaks, and maintain focused, professional atmosphere for relaxed, productive band sessions.
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 4Guide tracks and click usage: when to use click or guide guitar, setting tempo map and time signatures for three-song demoCover when/how to use click tracks, guide guitars, or scratch vocals, build tempo maps, handle changes/odd meters, and prepare tight grid for multi-song demo without losing feel.
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 5Input list construction and mapping: 1–8 input template with instrument, mic model, preamp assignment, pad/phantom and gain notesDesign clear input list and map to interface: number inputs, assign instruments, mic models, preamps, pads, phantom power, gain notes, and build reusable 1–8 templates for quick setup.
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 6Recording order and rationale: recommended step-by-step (scratch/vocals guide, drums, bass, guitars, overdubs, leads, final vocals) and alternate live-with-rooms approachesExplain logical recording order, why scratch tracks matter, prioritise drums/rhythm, capture vocals, and adapt for live-off-floor/room-focused approaches in modern sessions.
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 7Pre-session preparation: session checklist (power, cables, spare mics, DI boxes, cans, adapters, tools) and pre-communication with bandBuild pre-session routine: checklists for power, cables, mics, DI boxes, headphones, tools, plus communicate songs, tunings, arrangements, expectations, studio rules to avoid 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 8Gain staging workflow: setting mic preamp gain, checking RMS/PEAK meters, using trim plugins and headroom targets for analogue and digital chainsRepeatable gain staging: set mic preamp levels, read RMS/peak meters, use trims/pads, hit safe headroom in analogue/digital chains to avoid noise, clipping, weak 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 9Track naming, grouping and routing in the DAW: track templates for drums, bass, guitars, vocals, stereo synth and bussing strategyConsistent track naming, colour coding, grouping, routing in DAW: templates for drums, bass, guitar, vocal, synth, bus routing, print tracks for fast, readable, mix-ready sessions.
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 early
