Introduction to VCAs in Pro Tools

VCA masters have been available in Pro Tools HD software for a number of years. As of Pro Tools 12.2 they are also available in the native version of Pro Tools. A VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) provides a means of easily controlling a group of faders, allowing the overall level of the grouped tracks to be brought up or down whilst maintaining the relative balance of the group members and retaining the individual track automation. This video gives an overview of how to setup and use VCAs and how they differ from aux tracks.

[@LasseLammert]

hey, Paul.
Just discovered your channel, amazing job, informative, well produced, never boring.
cheers for that!

[@makisoundeditor]

brilliant explanation. much thanks!

[@JohnScering]

Very good explanation of VCA faders in Pro Tools. Thanks

[@davidjonathan3854]

once again... very good, to the point, super informative and educating video.. tons of tips!! thank you for sharing all of this. I have learnt so much from you

[@trod13]

Dude, great video. Recently was listening to Andrew Scheps give a talk for the RBMA and he mentioned how he uses several VCA's in his mixes. Being the learning enthusiast, I wasn't sure quite how it worked after reading stuff online and this vid plus your master fader video have been super helpful. Thanks for the informative content!

[@paulmaunder3007]

+Tyler Rodriguez No problem. I'm glad you found it useful!

[@ericarnason1422]

Thank you so much. I wanted to record some verbal cues for click tracks, and this saved me from having to re-create my whole session. I appreciate your time.

[@paulmaunder3007]

+Eric Arnason No problem! I'll be producing more videos soon. Thanks for watching!

[@PrinceTimNortey]

Eric Arnason

[@TracksAllDay]

I didn't even know I needed this video today, but I did. thanks!

[@garvE17]

Very informative, many thanks !

[@paulmaunder3007]

No problem. Thanks for watching!

[@portamentouk]

wicked video thanks

[@GingerDrums]

Great content as ever. I'm very tempted to remove that hum on the audio track for you though XD

[@stevegeorge7773]

Great example, thank you!!!

[@paulmaunder3007]

Thanks Steve

[@SteveStockmalMusic]

Hi Paul,
So is something that I would need to use for a “regular” mix (just music, no video)? Thank you, Steve

[@bjkalahann]

very cool.
thanks

[@mmapinkall]

Thanks for your video.
Q.
If the sends were pre fader would that omit the need for a vca fader, since the reverb track would be receiving a pre fader signal?

[@QuinnWaters]

thank you!

[@lahirukariyawasam9582]

Goog teacher..

[@pacificbase]

Most Useful 50 Pro Tools Shortcuts : czcams.com/video/96KQMmjJvTE/video.html

[@matthiaslachmund3303]

Couldn’t you just send the reverb post fader as well?

[@QuincasMoreira]

yes, but if the same reverb is used for other tracks that are not in your group, then you have a problem.

[@garyleahy5464]

GOOD VIDEO.
YOUR SCREEN REAL ESTATE IS TO BUSY FOR THE EYES.
PLEASE NEXT TIME PLEASE ONLY DISPLAY THE MIX WINDOW AS WELL AS COLOUR THE VCA CHANNELS
SO THE VIEWERS CAN FOLLOW MORE CLEARLY..
HOWEVER YOUR DIALOG IS GOOD
JUST FOR NEXT TIME

[@paulmaunder3007]

+Gary Leahy In subsequent videos I've started selectively zooming the screen to make it easier to see what's going on. Thanks for your comment.