Using inserts to add effects to tracks

While volume automation can get you very far within the mix stage of a project, using plugins to affect the sound is how you shape and sculpt the tone as well as add dimension and character. And while it’s possible to do this with AudioSuite and print changes onto clips destructively, it’s a much more practical and effective use of time to use real-time plugins with inserts. With Pro Tools, any one track can have up to 10 plugins inserted, and we’ll be adding some across different tracks.

Getting ready

This recipe requires a Pro Tools session with four mono audio tracks and four stereo tracks. While audio clips are not needed, having them helps demonstrate how the effect signal chain works. You will need to have Inserts A-E active in the track headers as well. To do this, go to the menu bar and select View | Edit Window Views | Inserts A-E.

How to do it…

We’ll be adding plugins as inserts in a few...