Getting to Work with the Avid S6 An Introduction and Learning Guide

This complete guide to the Avid S6 console offers the best techniques and practices from a seasoned industry veteran, Curt Schulkey, for utilizing its unique features and functions. The Avid S6 was created to be the industry standard virtual mixing console; however, it is so feature-packed that it can be difficult for new users to navigate. This book provides the ultimate guide to breaking down these amazing features and demonstrating how to use them effectively in your next project, with easy-to-follow instructions, rich illustrations, and general real-world advice from the author. This book takes students from neophyte to high-level intermediate. Readers should begin with a functional knowledge of Pro Tools and general understanding of mixing for cinema, but previous knowledge of mixing surfaces is not necessary as this book provides guidance through rudimentary, basic, and intermediary level workflows.

Part I – Fundamental Knowledge Welcome to the S6 1. Beginning Work on the Avid S6 2. Starting the S6 Systems 3. Mixing with Mouse and Keyboard 4. Setting Up the Settings 5. The Channel Strip Part II – Basic Tools for Mixing 6. Basic Tools and Modes 7. Meters 8. Three Ways to Approach Mixing 9. Ready for Mixing at a Basic Level Part III – Intermediate Tools 10. More Advanced Features 11. Soft Keys 12. Spill Zones – What, Why, and Where are they? 13. Track Layouts and the Tracks Screen Part IV – Options and Extras 14. Master Meter Modules 15. The Master Post Module 16. The Joystick Module 17. Snapshots 18. Expand Faders 19. Making Selections in the Pro Tools Timeline 20. Colors and Lights 21. What is Next? Appendix: A collection of disconnects facts and features Appendix 2: System Settings – User Preferences Appendix 3: Button Names Lookup Appendix 4: Soft Key Quick-Jump Shortcuts

Curt Schulkey is a post-production industry veteran, and an educator at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He continues to work as a supervising sound editor, dialogue editor, and mixer on feature films and longform streaming content.