🎵 Session Preparation Checklist

Export reference versions of your song including: 1. all vocals, 2. the instrumental, 3. the entire song. Bring these files into the session.

Go to File → Collect All and Save. Enable all 4 buttons to ensure that all relevant samples and files are collected into the project. Hit save.

Replace all AU2, AU3 (audio-unit), or VST plugins with their VST3 equivalents. Make sure settings are the same. You can see what type a plugin is by going into Ableton's preferences and disabling all plugin types.

Some plugins emulate the noise vintage analog gear makes. Turn this off in places where you feel it is not crucial to the sound. The most common culprit is the "analog" switch on Waves plugins.

Freeze all tracks using third-party plugins to prevent compatibility issues and reduce CPU load.

Move volume and pan automation to a utility audio effect. This keeps global track controls clean and easily adjustable while mixing without affecting your automation.

Organize background vocals into separate tracks by section (verse bgs, pre bgs, chorus bgs, bridge bgs, etc.) so that they may be found easily. Rearrange the tracks in order of appearance, so the first vocal heard in the song is at the top of the vocal group, and last is at the bottom.

Put a # before each track name. This automatically numbers the track so that if it is moved, the number changes accordingly (e.g., # Kick, # Snare, etc). If you are a Suite/Max for Live user, Side Brain has made a device that does this automatically*

Verify every track has been edited so that there are so pops, clicks, or odd sudden jumps in sounds. I find it helps to disable any reverbs and listen to a track solo'd. Make notes of any tracks that still need work. If it feels beyond your editing capabilities, add an question mark (?) before the track name so I know to take a look.

Put an exclamation point (!) before the name on any tracks that have particular thoughts or you don't want the sound changed on. Edit the Info Text on the track and explain what you would like/not like done on that track.

Assign colors to different track groups (drums, vocals, instruments, etc.) for visual organization.

Consolidate edited audio clips where appropriate to simplify the arrangement and reduce file clutter.

Review all tracks for timing problems, especially vocals and key instruments. Note any that need correction.

Remove any unused audio clips, MIDI clips, and empty tracks to keep the session organized.