So you’ve got your dialog cut across 5 tracks or so, each with an EQ and then compressor, and each bussed to your dialog master aux which is the home of your dialog chain of plugins. On your chain you’ve first placed another EQ followed by a noise reduction tool of your choice. What’s next? Read the rest of this entry »
The dialog chain refers to the series of plugins and processing through which all of your dialog travels on its way out to your master mix. This is the place where each mixer creates their own special flavor, and is the source of greatest differentiation between different dialog mixers. A certain amount of it is taste, another amount definitely hocus-pocus. But there are key things that can be applied globally to your dialog via your chain that really improve things. Here are a few of my recommendations for your dialog chain in Pro Tools.
One of the most powerful automation features that used to be reserved for Pro Tools HD systems is Trim Automation. Avid has finally brought this fantastic feature to the masses with Pro Tools 9 (with the Complete Toolkit, that is).
Trim automation allows you to apply a relative change to your existing volume automation. Let’s break down exactly what that means. Read the rest of this entry »