the sounds you like and keep
things light on the processing.
Music production takes a lot of
computing power and we all have
unique systems we create with.
Include reference mixes in the
sessions: Since we can’t all be
in the same room together, our
reference mixes have become
a little more important. They let
us know where the productions
stand and provide goal posts as
well as a bread crumb trail for
great moments. Keep a clearlydescribed
reference mix in your
session for quick access and
communicate with co-creators
about what is good or bad in the
reference.
SHARING YOUR
WORK
Sharing sessions between two
different DAWs can be a little
more complicated. Exporting
an AAF file can allow for quick
sharing between Logic and Pro
Tools, for example. To further
streamline the process, make
sure to commit any plug-ins you
like and take notes of any plugins
that exist as aux sends that
may be crucial to the sound.
AAF files do not carry any plugins
or plug-in settings, just information
like where clips live in a
timeline, clip gain, pan positions,
and volume automation. If exporting
an AAF is not an option
in your DAW and you’re looking
for a full multitrack production to
share, simply consolidate all of
your audio so there are no edits
in the tracks while making sure
all of the audio files start and
end at the same time.
There are a lot of ways we can
share our work and while none
may be as satisfying or productive
as having a collaborator in
the same room, there are workflows
and products that are tremendously
helpful.
DAVID BOTTRILL
David Bottrill is a Grammy-winning producer and
engineer boasting credits with Peter Gabriel, Tool,
Rush, Muse, Smashing Pumpkins, and countless others.
Now based in Toronto, he still spends much of his
time working with artists in various international locations.
www.davidbottrill.com.
Tips for remote work…
Advance preparation is key. One of the most important
things is to make sure the communication devices
you are working with are reliable. If you are doing a
live remote session, it is important for it to feel as natural
as possible. The artist should feel as if you are
there at the session, or that they are there in your studio.
Treat the session the same way you would if you
were there in person. Clear communication between
you and all the band during the session is key.
When doing a tracking session, make sure you
have the arrangements sorted and that, as the producer,
you’re well-versed in the song. If it’s a vocal
session, have the lyrics ready beforehand. Discuss
the process with the artist well in advance of the
session.
Also, scheduling a setup session beforehand can
be quite helpful. It’s very important to keep the session
moving. There are always technical problems in
every session, but excepting those, it’s important to
keep the session flowing.
In the case of a mix session, once you have your
first mix sent to all the members for review, it’s important
that all the artists involved in the subsequently
scheduled review session come prepared with clear
and concise revision notes.
PHOTO: NEAL BURSTYN, NTBCREATIVE.COM
50 CANADIAN MUSICIAN