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So I'm new to recording I am using Pro Tool 10 running with PreSonus Digital preamp monitoring with M-audio BX5a's.

I have recently recorded a my friends band

Drums
GTR
Bass
Lead Vocals

I'm now at editing stage and wanted to stem out my drums so that it

1) looks neater cause it sometimes get confusing seeing so many clip's and tracks
2) takes up less screen real-estate by joining top and bottom mics
3) Make my session run smoother because I will open up the new steams in a completely new session

is there anyone here who can give me a great work flow ?

I've tried looking online but can't find much on this question.

thank you in advance for any help

Comments

audiokid Thu, 04/28/2016 - 21:49

Here are a few things on my top list.

  • Are you sure about your mix now? If so, keep the backup of all the tracks of course and bounce them down into a few stems.
  • Call them all the same group ( or whatever you feel is memorable) so you can keep a record of what you learn later on.
  • I'd keep the snare, kick, hats and cymbals separate no matter what. I can't think of one mix where I didn't want to have 100% control over all 4 of these sections. Toms as well.
  • Once you are completely satisfied, I suppose you could bounce these all together to make a 2 track stem of the group.
  • Make sure the phase is spot on and you are good to go. Other than their natural ambiance, bounce them dry so you can add the verb needed as well. Or, I suppose you can bounce the verb into the final 2 track stem as well.

It really comes down to being certain and including it all in the stem(s)

Hope that helps.

audiokid Thu, 04/28/2016 - 22:01

PS,

  • Don't forget about your SR destination and any dithering.
  • Keep things as simple as possible until you are absolutely certain of the mix. If you are like me, you will be making dozen of tweaks before you are completely satisfied.
  • Leave room for the 2-bus, master. Don't slam the bounce into insane levels either. -6 or more. The more the better.
  • And I would stay away from aggressively compressing the stem but that's just me.

cheers