3 Misc MIDI Workflow Tips In PreSonus Studio One 5

Although I’m pretty comfortable with respect to recording audio - when it comes to working with MIDI, I’ll take any help that I can get. That being said, modern day DAW’s have quite a few tools that can help in this regard.

Whether it’s recording MIDI drums, performed with less then perfect timing, or attempting to inject a little bit of Soul to 100% quantized MID - In this video, I demonstrate 3 different tips that can come in handy when working with MIDI based productions in PreSonus Studio One.

And as always, if you enjoy this content, please - Share, Subscribe, and hit that like button. :)

Cheers, Marcus

3 Different Workflow Approaches for Creating a 1 to 1 Track-Channel Parity When Working In Impact XT

In this video, I demonstrate 2 different workflow approaches I like to use for creating a 1:1 parity between the tracks (Arrange Window) and the Channels (Console) - when working with Impact XT in PreSonus Studio One 5. In addition - I also show one other workflow that can be utilized (that I don't personally use)

And as always, if you enjoy this content, please - Share, Subscribe, and hit that like button. :)

Cheers, Marcus

VocAlign Ultra ARA2 - Running In Studio One 5.1.2 - Full Overview

In this video, I take a deep dive into the brand new VocAlign Ultra from Synchro Arts - running in Studio One 5.1.2. There are many new features and updates that come with this plug-in. Most notably an update to the Time Compression & Expansion algorithms - borrowed from Synchro Arts flagship product Revoice Pro. But also, a docked editor (when running in ARA2 Mode) and various other parameters that really raise the levels in terms of the creative possibilities that VocAlign Ultra offers.

And as always, if you enjoy this content, please - Share, Subscribe, and hit that like button. :)

Cheers, Marcus

Mixing Workflow Tip - Using The Alt or Option Modifier Key In PreSonus Studio One

Working with groups (both selection based, and tradional) is a great way to speed up the mixing / editing process in Studio One. But in some cases, you may find yourself in need of quickly adjusting a parameter outside of the group.

In this video, I demonstrate how to Alt/Option Modifier Key(s) can be used to temporarily suspend parameters from selection based groups as well as traditional groups, in PreSonus Studio One 5.

And as always, if you enjoy this content, please - Share, Subscribe, and hit that like button. :)

Cheers, Marcus

The One-Pass Stem Printing Approach In PreSonus Studio One 5

In this video, I demonstrate a change that I've recently made to my Mixing process. More specifically, How I'm able to print/archive all tracks with hardware processing, as well as my Mix, and my Mix going through a limiter - all in One Pass.

And as always, if you enjoy this content, please - Share, Subscribe, and hit that like button. :)

Cheers, Marcus

Using Direct Inputs on Virtual Instruments In PreSonus Studio One 5

If you think about a traditional “writing session” there’s usually a piano, or electric keyboard plugged in and ready to play at a minutes notice. In many cases it can be really useful to have something ready to play, for working out chord progressions, and melodies. When it comes to software, we of course have plenty of different options to choose from, but it can involve loading a virtual instrument, then either record enabling, or input monitoring the instrument. Also depending on certain preferences that may or may not be enabled, this might be linked to a selected track.

In this video, I demonstrate the "Direct Input" feature in PreSonus Studio One 5 - more specifically, what it does and when & why it might be useful to enable. In addition, I share some useful tips as to a few things to be aware of when using the feature with Virtual Instruments.

And as always, if you enjoy this content, please - Share, Subscribe, and hit that like button. :)

Cheers, Marcus

Session Archiving Workflows when working with External Hardware in PreSonus Studio One 5

Although Pipeline XT offer's users the ability to make text notes (of settings), as well as bring in pictures of your hardware all directly within the plug-in interface - IMHO, there are many different reasons why printing (re-recording) tracks that had hardware processing applied, is a good idea when it comes to archiving a Mix.

First - let’s start off with the obvious. It might be the case, that you no longer have a certain piece of hardware in your collection. Or perhaps it’s in need of some maintenance and doesn’t sound the same anymore with the same settings.

These two above reasons alone are a good enough reason to take the time to ensure that you have the ability to recall a Mix sounding “reasonably” the same as where it was left upon client sign-off.

In this video, I walk through a basic workflow that I like to use when archiving Mix sessions where external hardware was used.

And as always, if you enjoy this content, please - Share, Subscribe, and hit that like button. :)

Cheers, Marcus

How to Build a Vocal Tracking Template In PreSonus Studio One 5

I’ve been meaning to put together a new Vocal Tracking Template for the last month or so, so I thought to myself - why not roll a video, as it might be helpful to some people looking to do the same :)

In this video, I go over how to create a basic Vocal Tracking Template that can be used with the Import Song Data feature - or as a Song Template that can be loaded when creating new Songs.

How To Toggle Optional Views In PreSonus Studio One

In this video, I demonstrate how to Toggle Optional Views in PreSonus Studio One 5. This simple but useful feature can be used to immediately clear any unnecessary windows, views, that are open in the GUI - with the added bonus of being able to bring them "back" into view just quickly.

And as always, if you enjoy this content, please - Share, Subscribe, and hit that like button. :)

Cheers, Marcus

Auto-Expand Selected Channels In PreSonus Studio One 5

I must say that when compared to the other DAW’s that I’ve used in the past (Mainly Pro Tools & Logic Pro) Studio One has a really dynamic GUI. It allows a user to customize the amount of information being displayed quite a bit. Admittedly, when I first began using Studio One (somewhere around 2014 during Version 2) it took me a bit to get used to. But now, I love it. Especially when working with a mobile setup.

My “main” setup is with my Macbook Pro in clamshell mode, connected to all my peripherals - which is connected to a 24 inch Samsung Monitor - so I tend to have a “default” view when I work. That being said, depending on what I’m doing, and how much of the arrange window I need to see I will usually toggle back and forth between the Console being in Large view (with Sends and Inserts above the channels), and Small View. This is especially the case when Im working with a mobile setup.

This is where the “Expand” View comes in Handy. It will allow a user to see the inserts, and sends of each channel directly to the right. But in the end, a user will still have to mouse click the icon, or use a shortcut or hardware controller to actually “open” the view.

In this video, I demonstrate a new preference that was added to the Console Options in Studio One Version 5. It's a small one, but I find it to be incredibly useful in specific circumstances - such as working with limited screen real-estate on a mobile setup.

And as always, if you enjoy this content, please - Share, Subscribe, and hit that like button. :)

Cheers, Marcus

How To Create Key Switch Presets For 3rd Party Instruments In PreSonus Studio One 5

For anyone who works with Virtual Instruments - the concept of triggering different articulations via Key Switches will most likely be a familiar one. That being said, this hasn’t always been the easiest thing to deal with in Studio One. Case in point - Relatively simple tasks like transposing a track, an Instrument Part, or Rendering Note FX could lead to unexpected results unless the Key Switches were accounted for!

Until now that is! At the time that I’m writing this article, Version 5.0 has just been released. And along with some other various new features aimed at Composer’s and Producers, Studio One now has a really simple and easy to use Key Switch Articulation Editor built in.

I think for me, this has to be one of the top features of Version 5 with respect to “Non Audio Related” features that have been added / improved.

The good news is that the Key Switch Presets for Presence XT Instruments (that support the feature) are built right in - so we have nothing to worry about. For example, simply load up any instance of a PSO KS Preset - and everything works right out of the gate (as expected) But what about Virtual Instruments that aren’t Native to Studio One?

In this video, I demonstrate how to create, save, and embed Key Switch Presets for 3rd party virtual instruments in PreSonus Studio One 5.0 and above.

In addition, we also take a look at how to upload & download Key Switch presets using the recently updated PreSonus Exchange platform.

And as always, if you enjoy this content, please - Share, Subscribe, and hit that like button. :)

Cheers, Marcus

How to Assign Alternate Key Commands In PreSonus Studio One

In this video, I demonstrate how to assign an alternate set of Key Commands In PreSonus Studio One. It may not be immediately obvious but this can be incredibly useful when working with Mobile Setups. ie: When you don't have the luxury of a full sized keyboard with a Numeric Keypad - yet still need to access to firing off an essential Key Command on a Laptop.

**Special thanks goes out to Don Baarns for showing this trick to me a few years back!!

And as always, if you enjoy this content, please - Share, Subscribe, and hit that like button. :)

Cheers, Marcus

How to get a Large Floating Time Display Window In PreSonus Studio One

Having the ability to view a Large Time Display, whether in Bars / Beats, SMPTE, or Mins / Seconds - can be useful at times.. In this video, I demonstrate how to get your Main Time Display to “pop up” as a Large Floating Floating window in PreSonus Studio One 4.

And as always, if you enjoy this content, please - Share, Subscribe, and hit that like button. :)

Cheers, Marcus

How to Create a Cue Mix In PreSonus Studio One 4

In a previous video, we took a look at why it's a good idea to create custom Cue Mixes for artists when working in PreSonus Studio One. In this video - In this video - I thought it would be a good idea to show how one would go about setting one up with their interface of choice. :)

And as always, if you enjoy this content, please - Share, Subscribe, and hit that like button. :)

Cheers, Marcus

How To Get Your Studio One Song to Start with a Negative Bar Offset

Here’s a simple, but useful tip :)

In some cases it can be useful to have your Studio One Song start at a negative Bar - thus allowing some pre-roll for count off's or pick up's. In this video - I demonstrate how to go about setting this up!

And as always, if you enjoy this content, please - Share, Subscribe, and hit that like button. :)

Cheers, Marcus

My New Collaborative Workflow for 2020 - PreSonus Studio One

It’s been a while since I’ve posted, so this will be my first official post of 2020! First off, let me start off by saying that I wish you ALL the best for a productive and prosperous year. And - I’ve got a ton of useful content planned.

Secondly, I will say this: Make sure you back up your system regularly! And also make sure that you’re backing up your recent projects (sessions) to external drives. :) I’ve had quite a few issues with my current system over the last 4-5 weeks, so much so that it was time to move onto a new one. (More on this later)

But now that I’ve got things temporarily sorted out again - Let’s talk about Collaboration…

It’s not uncommon these days for multiple people to be working on a single project. It’s also not uncommon for each of these individuals to have their own home-based setup where they can work. This leads to sharing sessions.

Now for the most part, I don’t usually share the “Master” Sessions over dropbox, but rather a streamlined version of the session that’s created especially for the artists doing additional overdubs / production. So for a singer, this could be something as simple as a rendered stereo Instrumental Mixdown - or in cases where more flexibility is required - Varying degrees of Stems. From here, I make regular use of the “Import Song Data” functions within Studio One to easily bring over additional elements from my “Master” Song.

But one area that I’ve never really paid attention to (which I should) has been file size. Not everyone has unlimited cloud storage, and space on their systems - This is actually something that came up recently, and I thought it may be useful to some of you who are reading this article.

So needless to say, I've recently made some changes to my workflow that I use when collaborating with other Studio One User's via Dropbox. (Also applies to other cloud based sharing options). In this video, I demonstrate the basic's as well as give an explanation as to why I've made changes to how I approach "sharing" sessions.

And as always, if you enjoy this content, please - Share, Subscribe, and hit that like button. :)

Cheers, Marcus

WHY You Should Consider Setting Up Custom Cue Mixes When Tracking

I recently had a live off the floor session, where I was tracking Percussion / Drums and Guitar in order to get the best possible “Lock” in terms of Groove from the artists. Quite often I try to treat these types of sessions as if though the takes we capture, could potentially be the takes that end up on the record. Because In MANY cases - they are.

One interesting thing happened during that session - was both the Percussionist and Guitarist made mention of the fact that they were both really appreciative with the fact that I ‘even bothered’ to offer each of them a custom Cue Mix. In all honesty, I found it a little odd - because from my personal experience, giving a really decent Headphone Mix to an artist as he/she is tracking has got to be one of the easiest ways a tracking Engineer can improve the odds of them capturing some magic.

That being said, it’s an easy thing to say - but slightly harder to grasp without actually “hearing” exactly what I’m referring to. Also, this article / video isn’t really about HOW as much as it is about WHY! With this in mind, this will be the first of many new articles and video’s that will go further into exploring these types of concepts. 🙂 Watch this space…

But if you are interested in the HOW - A simple youtube search should kick back some video’s from multiple fellow content creators, and I myself have a video I did when I was with Studio One Expert, that covers everything you’d need to know about Setting Up a Cue Mix in PreSonus Studio One.

In this first video of a new series I'm launching, (Why vs How) we take a look at WHY, as a Tracking Engineer - You should consider creating custom Cue Mixes / Headphone Mixes for artists while tracking in PreSonus Studio One.

My Production Workflow - Cleaning Up a Tracking Session and Preparing For Overdubs

Last week I shared some tips and work-flow concepts with respect to the Pre-Production phase of working on a project in Studio One. Sidenote: This is something that (providing I have clearance from the artist) I’d like to do a lot more of in the coming months.

If you haven’t had a chance to catch that article / video yet - You can find it here.

Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised to have received a lot of positive feedback - and thought to myself, what better way to pick up from where we left off, then to continue along the same course for this week.

But this time, pealing back an additional layer of the production process - with the basic tracking session(s) having been completed, and literally opening up up a Song and once again, working in real-time - explaining my decision’s and work-flow as I go.

In this video, I demonstrate the basic steps I take after a tracking session in PreSonus Studio One - including, session clean-up, editing, pre-mixing, optimizing phase on multi-track Drums, and more.

And as always, if you enjoy this content, please - Share, Subscribe, and hit that like button. :)

Cheers, Marcus

Pre-Production Workflow Tips In PreSonus Studio One

The Pre-Production Process

Although this phase of the Production Process isn’t the most exciting, It can be VERY useful depending on the genre. I will say this though - if I’m writing & producing ‘on the fly’ with (or without) an artist, than I don’t tend to separate this step from Producing. It tends to be one fluid process as I work. Creating Arranger Sections, dropping in Markers, adjusting BPM, all as I’m working..

That being said, this isn’t usually the case if I’m hired to produce a Record, EP, or Single. In those cases, the basic idea’s of the song, and rough chord progressions, arrangements and Hooks are usually already determined. The client / artist would send me the above (in varying degrees of quality / completion) and I would then need to set this up in my DAW to get started on the project. This is really where good Pre-Production comes into play for me.

What is Pre-Production?

Well, simply put, I like to think of Pre-Production as being organized before the main tracking / writing sessions take place when developing a song or musical idea with an artist.

Although nothing is yet “set in stone”, for me personally - at a basic level, this would involve having a basic BPM, maybe some Markers, Key Signature, Time Signatures, and some basic arrangements in place. Essentially, I want to make sure that I’m familiar with the material and the different sections of the arrangement, so that I can run a tracking / writing session. However, this happens to be one area that Studio One really outshines the competition - because it’s actually capable of doing SO much more - and I personally love the way Studio One’s tool aid in the above process.

In this video I demonstrate my basic workflow that I use when doing my Pre-Production Sessions to prep for tracking / writing in PreSonus Studio One - Covering everything from working with scratch tracks, Arranging, to utilizing the Chord track in PreSonus Studio.

And as always, if you enjoy this content, please - Share, Subscribe, and hit that like button. :)

Cheers, Marcus

The Return of Record Level Input Metering In Studio One 4.5.3 and Above

In general, I like to keep things simple with respect to my monitoring. So since getting the PreSonus Quantum, due it’s extremely low latency and stable performance - all of my monitoring is done via Software Monitoring inside Studio One (utilizing Studio One’s Native Low Latency ‘Green Z’ Monitoring).

However for those using other 3rd party interfaces, such as a Universal Audio Apollo system, Studio One offers the ability to disable software monitoring all together. The main reason for this being that another application (UA’s Console, for example) “takes over” the task of providing a low latency monitoring mix for tracks that are Record Enabled in Studio One.

Although as many people have reported, there has been a longstanding issue where the Record Level Meter’s in Studio One essentially disappear the minute the transport kicks into Record Mode.

Well, I’m happy to report that as of the Version 4.5.3 update - this is no longer the case… 🙂

In this video I demonstrate a welcomed Bug Fix in Studio One - being that as of Version 4.5.3, the Recording Level "Input Meters" for Record Enabled tracks - now work as expected.

And as always, if you enjoy this content, please - Share, Subscribe, and hit that like button. :)

Cheers, Marcus