If you’re still rocking a single monitor, we’ll show you how you can maximise SSL mixer screen real estate. As an added bonus this will have you cranking out board mixes like a boss. You’ll have access to everything you need to adjust levels, panning, filters, eq, compression, and also gates without any scrolling or screen dancing! Tips don’t get quicker than this but it’s a definite productivity enhancer.
Admittedly, many of you probably mix as you go but for those of you that don’t, this can help you shave a chunk off the time it takes to get from one end of your board mix to the other. Let’s get to it!
Maximise SSL Mixer Screen Real-Estate:
Before we get stuck in… I’ve mentioned the term board mix a few times already, so I think I should quickly explain what that means. The aim of a board mix is to get the whole thing in the ballpark before you get into the fine-tuning and fx. For some that as simple as levels and panning, others like to go a step further and also do some basic eq and compression. This part of the process is usually done pretty rapidly without agonising over details. This method of laying out your screen allows you to get to everything except inserts and sends.
Let’s Set It Up:
- In the Mixer double click on the collapse the EQ, Inserts, and also Sends.*
- Pull up the Rack section from the bottom of the screen. Ensure you can still access the compressor controls at the top of the screen.
- Hit F2 on your keyboard to bring up the eq window.
- Move the EQ into the space at the bottom of the screen and drag it into shape with click and drag.
- To change from one mixer channel to another just click on it and start tweaking.
* There is a coloured bar in between each of the mixer sections. To collapse a section double click on the corresponding bar.
And that is that. Once you’ve got everything in rough shape, you can then reverse up and work through your mix. Eventually, your instincts will improve and your board mixes get further and further along.
If you wanted to up your sprint game, check out these tutorials from Ken Lewis. They are very modestly priced and there’s nothing like a bit of instruction from a pro. You can find them here.