Lesson 1Session backups and file management: immediate backups, incremental saves, consolidated audio export and session export checklistCover secure backup practices: save methods, incremental versions, local and external backups, audio consolidation, session exports for other studios, and structured folders for enduring archiving.
Save habits and incremental versionsLocal, external and cloud backupsOrganising 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 controlExplain marking takes, utilising playlists or lanes, organising alternatives, efficient comping, and version control to swiftly reconstruct edits, evaluate choices, and preserve excellent performances.
Labelling and rating each recorded takeUsing playlists or lanes per instrumentOrganising 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 dependable talkback systems, handle cue mixes, ensure clear and courteous communication, allocate time for 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 behaviourTimeboxing 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 demoAddress when and how to apply click tracks, guide guitars, or scratch vocals, construct tempo maps, manage tempo shifts and unusual metres, and prepare a precise, musical grid for multi-song demos without stifling 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 metresClick 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 precise input lists and map them to interfaces: number inputs, assign instruments, mic models, preamps, pads, phantom power, and gain details, plus develop reusable 1–8 input templates for quick setups.
Numbering and labelling 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 approachesOutline logical recording sequences for contemporary sessions, the importance of scratch tracks, prioritising drums and rhythm, vocal timing, and adapting for live-off-the-floor and room-centric recording styles.
Planning scratch and guide performancesPrioritising 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 bandEstablish a robust pre-session routine: technical checklists for power, cables, mics, DI boxes, headphones, and tools, plus band discussions on songs, tunings, arrangements, expectations, and 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 8Gain staging workflow: setting mic preamp gain, checking RMS/PEAK metres, using trim plugins and headroom targets for analogue and digital chainsDevelop a consistent gain staging process: adjust mic preamp levels, interpret RMS and peak metres, apply trims and pads, and meet headroom goals in analogue and digital paths to prevent noise, clipping, and faint signals.
Setting initial mic preamp gainReading RMS and peak metres correctlyUsing pads, trims and input sensitivityHeadroom targets for digital recordingGain staging through analogue hardwareTroubleshooting noisy or hot signalsLesson 9Track naming, grouping and routing in the DAW: track templates for drums, bass, guitars, vocals, stereo synth and bussing strategyApply uniform track naming, colour coding, grouping, and routing in the DAW, including templates for drums, bass, guitar, vocals, synths, bus routing, and print tracks to maintain speed, readability, and mix readiness in large sessions.
Consistent track naming conventionsColour coding by instrument familiesCreating drum and band track templatesRouting to buses and submix groupsUsing VCAs and folder tracksPreparing mix and print tracks early
