Project templates and track archives

In Cubase, there are two ways to do this: saving a Project Template (for starting new songs) or using Track Archives (for bringing your setup into existing projects). Given your workflow of producing first and mixing later, Track Archives are your best friend.

1. How to Save a Track Archive

This “exports” your entire mixer structure—including your Group tracks, VCA faders, FX channels (reverbs), and all that complex sidechain routing you just set up.

1. In the Project window, select all the Group Tracks, VCA Tracks, and FX Channels you want to save.

2. Go to File > Export > Selected Tracks....

3. A dialog box will appear. Ensure “Copy Media Files” is unchecked (you only want the settings, not the audio).

4. Name it something like Pro_Mix_Framework.xml and save it in a dedicated “Cubase Assets” folder on your drive.

2. How to Import it into a New Mix

When you are ready to move from production to mixing:

1. Open your Production project (or a fresh project with your rendered stems).

2. Go to File > Import > Track Archive....

3. Select your .xml file.

4. A list of tracks will appear. Select them all and click OK.

5. The Magic: Cubase will recreate all your groups, colors, plugins (including the sidechain settings), and VCAs instantly.

3. Re-linking the “Sidechain”

The only thing Cubase cannot “guess” is which specific track is the trigger. After importing:

1. Go to your Lead Vocal track.

2. Open the Sends.

3. The Sidechain destination might be “grayed out” or disconnected. Simply re-select the Frequency 2 Sidechain from the list. Because the plugin was imported with the archive, the “hook-up” point is already waiting for the signal.

Why this is better than a Project Template

Since you often start songs with a creative, messy production phase, you don’t always know how many tracks you’ll have. Using a Track Archive allows you to “drop in” your professional mixing desk structure only when you are ready to mix, rather than being forced to look at 20 empty group tracks while you’re trying to write a melody.

Final Step for Your Workflow

Now that you have:

• Mono files for mono instruments.

• Groups and Sub-groups for logic.

• VCAs for volume/reverb balance.

• Frequency 2 for vocal sidechaining.

Your step 10 (Master Bus processing) will be much easier because the mix will already feel “finished” before it even hits the stereo out.