To avoid level changes when doing stuff like the transition trick, resampling, using cue outputs as “alt 3/4 routing” to external hardware (I noticed that’s something everyone seems to understand here) and the like, I don’t use levels for mixing, but I use amp vol. instead. I leave all levels at 108 (=-3dB) except resampling tracks and the master (127).
Cue levels and track levels are independant and I didn’t see a way to set cue levels “post-fader” in normal mode. So for instance, if you route the main outs AND the cue out to a mixer , in normal mode and “cue mutes track” on, (I find that very useful) you would want to have the exact same volume when switching from main to cue, meaning you would need to set all the cue levels manually to the same value as the track levels. Too much of a hassle for me so I just use amp vol so your cue sends/resampling/transition trick send mix will always be “post-fader”. Pretty much foolproof. I use this routing a lot because I can process subgroups of tracks (adding ext reverbs, or use it to make mute groups). Just one caveat: the amp vol is pre-fx so if you use dynamics processing (compressor, lo-fi and such) inline you need to take that into account.
BTW, I’m starting to set up such a template too. I’ve lost too much time messing up things by trying out new ideas in an existing project and think that I systematically should start fresh, but having a certain number of duties already set-up (transition tricks, some drum&perc kits, FlexiPickups, some midi tracks controlling external gear) and more I think about, more I feel it’s what I need to do right now.
Have you made any progression since?
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