Control Plug-ins Simultaneously On Multiple Tracks

By TOM BOWSER

In this Avid Pro Tools tutorial I show you how to simultaneously control the settings of the same plug-in installed on two or more tracks.

This might be useful if you want to process (equalization, compression, other) 2 separate drum overhead tracks (1 Left + 1 Right), doubled guitars or vocals.

NOTE: The plug-ins you want to control must be inserted on the same letter insert on ALL tracks. Inserts are assigned the letters A through J to identify them. See the image below.

Create a "group" that includes your tracks:

1. Press and hold down the SHIFT key on your keyboard.
2. Left click on the name of each track to select it. The background should turn white.
3. Press and hold down the CTRL key on your keyboard then press the letter g. The Create Group window opens.
4. Type a name for your group in the box next to “Name:”.
5. Verify the tracks you want to include are listed in the box beneath the heading “Currently in Group:”.
6. Left click on the “OK” button to save your changes.

Open the Modify Groups window:

1. Right click on the name of the group you created. Groups are listed beneath the “GROUPS” heading in the Pro Tools Edit window.
2. Left click on the word “Modify…” in the menu that appears.

In the Modify Groups window:

1. Left click on the “Attributes" tab.
2. Remove the checkmark to the left of “Follow Globals”.
3. Press and hold down the ALT key on your keyboard then left click in a single checkbox under both the “Controls” and “Bypass” headings. All should become selected. See image below.
4. Left click on the “OK” button to save your changes.

Open 2 of the plug-ins you want to simultaneously control. Arrange them next to each other. Now, when you move a control on 1 of the plug-ins the same control will be moved on the 2nd other plug-in.