Templates Are a Trap
Written ByMusic Scientists
Why starting from scratch forces intentionality—and how to build a flexible framework instead.
Templates aren't the enemy
Rigid templates are.
A template should be a framework, not a prison.
Replace templates with primitives
Build a set of primitives you can assemble fast:
- Routing (buses, sends)
- Metering and gain staging
- A minimal mix chain (optional)
- A reference track slot
The 10-minute startup ritual
- Import a reference
- Create buses
- Set levels to -12dB peak
- Start writing
Result
You keep speed and intention.