Can I listen to a track without it running through the master fader

[Spikerama]

I want to load a reference song into a current project so I can compare its finished mix to the current project I am mixing. My problem is the reference song gets altered by the master fader.

Is there a way to listen to a single track without it running through the master fader? I know I can turn off the master fader output but is there a way to a/b the project with the reference mix.

Thanks.

[musicman691]

Originally Posted by Spikerama

I want to load a reference song into a current project so I can compare its finished mix to the current project I am mixing. My problem is the reference song gets altered by the master fader.

Is there a way to listen to a single track without it running through the master fader? I know I can turn off the master fader output but is there a way to a/b the project with the reference mix.

Thanks.

There's no need to even have a master fader in a PT session (even though I believe they exist in a session whether they are explicitly shown in said session or not). If you don't show it in say the Edit or Mix window it's like it doesn't exist at all. I never use them. My final 2-bus output is an aux track (before the session gets rendered to audio).

[albee1952]

Yes, the master track exists, even if its not shown(of course you would not be able to use inserts on it until you add it to the track). Using a stereo AUX and routing your mix through it is a great option, and adds the advantage of keeping mastering compressors and/or limiters operating on a fadeout. As said, that also covers your desire to listen to a reference track that bypasses the master processing(which you would bypass by not going thru the AUX bus with the plugins).

I have another option that gives me a way to "solo" anything, regardless of pre/post fade routing or sends. I add a pre-fade send to every track(in the last slot) with all sends set to -0 and all muted. A simple Ctrl-click on any send(s) feeds a second output from my rig. I can either switch my speakers to listen to this extra output only(without the main mix), or route it to a second set of speakers so I can "solo" anything in addition to the main mix. Now you're wondering why I would do that? So I can hear a new part being recorded, but hear it louder than "in the mix" as it goes down(so I can hear if anything needs attention like little mouth pops, buzzing, humming, etc). This also allows me to "solo" a reverb return by itself(try doing that without pre-fade sends or solo-safe). Of course this requires some kind of monitor/source switcher(I use a Presonus Central Station)

[Spikerama]

Hi guys. Thanks for the responses.

I did a few "master fader" searches before posting my question and thought "oh no, I'm going to get my mitts patted when I mention master fader." :)

Thanks again.

[Spikerama]

OK...I tried it and of course it worked.

Thanks again for the tips.

[Inglesworth]

Just a little quick insight on the Master Fader vs. Aux track discussion. I see some points from people who may find this useful.

Remember that the inserts on the Master Fader are Post-Fader, where as is every other track in pro tools, they are Pre-Fader.

This means that you can easily use a master fader to ride the input levels going into a compressor or other dynamic processor and that sometimes gets very advantageous results.