Any session that I run where we’re recording drums I always make and bring a few copies of a tracking input list spreadsheet. This keeps me and the assistant engineer organized and it helps me plan out what mics, pres, eqs and compressors I want to use on each source. Before my session I will usually go through the studio’s gear list to see what mic and pre offerings they have and make my input list with the artist/band’s song(s) in mind. We, as producers/engineers, are here to serve the artist and their song and that starts with the way we capture the song!

I like having physical copies in the live room and control room so that we can multitask. I set up mics, while the assistant engineer works the patch bay and makes sure we’ve got things where they need to be on the console and ProTools. This makes set up move faster and allows us to get to creating faster, which is why we’re in the studio! I think doing little things like this go a long way to show the artist/band you’re working with that you’re prepared, worth the money they’re paying you AND you’re efficient with your time, and time is money!

I use this spreadsheet as a way to keep my setup running smooth BUT you could also use this as a way to recall your signal flow incase you ever needed to go back to the studio to overdub a guitar part or something like that. I keep every one of my input lists in Google docs folders so that I can recall how we got a certain sound if I or an artist want a sound like one that I’ve captured before! Pictured is a screenshot of one of my input lists from an old session just to show you how I fill mine out!

Click to download your blank copy of my spreadsheet. The spreadsheet should open in Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel.

If you’re running a full band setup or any set up that’s not exactly like mine feel free to customize and tweak this spreadsheet to fit your workflow! Happy Recording!