There are many ways to take advantage of “playlists” in Pro Tools.

One very common application would be to utilize playlists for alternate mixes. It is very simple and can prove to be a big convenience for keeping track of mix versions, auditioning them, and editing them as well. In your mixing workflow you are probably either routing out of Pro Tools to an external mixer or routing within Pro Tools, i.e., “mixing in the box,” and at some point you will be recording your mix onto a stereo “mix” track in Pro Tools. (or perhaps a 5.1 track if you are mixing in surround, mixing stems, etc)

In the example pictured I am mixing a track for a concert pianist and need to produce a “full mix” version, a “mix-minus” version (which would be orchestration only-no piano), and a “piano-only” version.

First things first . . . record your full mix version onto your mix track.

Next, make whatever changes you would like to make for the second pass. In this case it is simply mute the piano for the “mix-minus” version. Now highlight the “full-mix” region on your mix track by clicking with the grabber or double clicking with the selector tool and then create a new playlist by clicking “new” in the drop down menu of the playlist selector for that track. The playlist selector is a small up/down arrow box located to the right of the track nameplate. You will notice that once you have created a new playlist that you still have an area selected in your timeline which matches your first mix region.

Now just hit F12. (that’s assuming you use F12 as your record in/out button) Personally, I gave up the COMMAND-SPACEBAR routine a long time ago, but then that’s just me.

Follow this same procedure for subsequent mixes.

Now auditioning different mixes is as simple as selecting the desired mix version in the playlist dropdown menu. This all comes in very handy especially if you have plug-ins on that mix track or if you have routed this mix track through additional buses and aux tracks to utilize other mastering plug-ins as each playlist mix is utilizing the same routing and plug-ins. (you might try some of the new mastering plug-ins from Roger Nichols like FINIS and DETAILER) Also, any changes you might make to the mix track, such as volume automation, etc will apply to all the mixes in the playlist.

Editing new mix versions becomes quite easy as well. If you have laid multiple mix passes with subtle changes in each you can “comp” a new mix version by simply copying and pasting between playlists.

Here’s how:

Let’s say you like the first mix pass overall but the artist really likes the way you boosted the guitar solo in the third pass but everything else about that mix version sucked. (probably ‘cause you turned down the cowbell)

First, call up the first mix pass playlist, create a duplicate with the playlist selector dropdown menu, and name it appropriately, let’s say “comp mix v1.”

Next call up the third pass playlist, the one with the boosted guitar solo, and highlight the solo area. Copy that selected area by typing COMMAND+C or the letter C if you have keyboard focus (a...z) engaged. Now call up the comp mix v1 playlist, notice that the same area is still selected, and hit paste (COMMAND+V or the letter V). In this case V would stand for “voila” as you now have a new "comped" mix. Listen closely to the region boundary edit points to ensure you are happy with them.

You know how easy it is to alter the region edits with the TRIM tool and you may find that a very small crossfade is desirable, depending on the edit. Remember, PLAYLISTS ARE YOUR FRIENDS.

Happy mixing!