Create AMAZING Headphone CUE MIXES in CUBASE PRO

Introduction

Creating a comfortable and effective headphone cue mix is essential for any recording session, as it can greatly influence a musician or vocalist's performance. This tutorial will guide you through the process of building a perfect cue mix using Cubase Pro, ensuring that your artists have exactly what they need in their headphones to deliver their best work.

Step 1: Activate the Control Room

• Open Cubase Pro and navigate to the Audio Connections window.
• Select the Control Room tab.
• Check the box to activate the Control Room feature. This allows you to manage multiple outputs and cue mixes effectively.

Step 2: Add a Cue Mix

• In the Control Room, click on the Cue Mixes section.
• Create a new cue mix by clicking the Add Cue button.
• Label the cue mix clearly to identify it later (e.g., "Vocalist Cue").

Step 3: Route Cue Mixes to Outputs

• Assign the new cue mix to a specific output channel.
• In the Outputs section, select the output that corresponds with the headphone mix your artist will use.
• Ensure the output routing is correct for the best sound quality.

Step 4: Activate the Cue Mix

• Select the cue mix you created.
• Click the Activate button to make it live.
• Confirm that the cue mix is active by checking the status indicator.

Step 5: Build a Cue Mix for Your Musicians

• Start adding channels to your cue mix by selecting the desired tracks (e.g., vocals, instruments).
• Adjust the levels of each channel to create a balanced mix that suits the musician's needs.
• Use the Pre vs Post Fader setting to determine if the mix will be affected by the fader position (pre-fader for a consistent level, post-fader for a dynamic mix).

Step 6: Create a Starting Cue Mix Quickly

• Use a template or preset if available for a starting point.
• Adjust the levels and panning for each track based on the musician's preferences.
• Save this as a new cue mix for future sessions.

Step 7: Example of a Cue Mix from a Session

• Refer to a specific session as an example.
• Highlight how different elements (like vocals and instruments) can be balanced in the cue mix.
• Share insights about what worked well and adjustments made during the session.

Step 8: Reset Cue Mix Sends Quickly

• To reset any cue mix sends, navigate to the Control Room.
• Select the cue mix you wish to reset and use the Reset button.
• This clears all adjustments, allowing you to start fresh.

Step 9: Use Group Channels for Fast Cue Mixes

• Create group channels to combine similar tracks (e.g., all drums).
• Route these group channels into the cue mix for easier control and adjustments.
• This simplifies the mix and gives more flexibility when setting levels.

Step 10: Add a Click Track to the Cue Mix

• To help musicians keep time, add a click track.
• Create a new audio track for the click and set its output to the cue mix.
• Adjust the level of the click track so it’s audible but not overpowering.

Step 11: Include a Talkback Mic

• Set up a talkback microphone to communicate with the musician.
• Route the talkback mic to the cue mix, ensuring it can be heard clearly.
• Adjust the level to maintain a good balance with the mix.

Conclusion

Building an effective headphone cue mix in Cubase Pro involves activating the Control Room, carefully routing outputs, and adjusting levels to meet the specific needs of your musicians. By following these steps, you can create a conducive recording environment that encourages stellar performances. As you gain experience, experiment with different configurations to find what works best for each artist. Happy mixing!