I've been using a session template for about 5 yrs now, no complaints yet. I usually set up things from L to R:
drums starting with Kick/Sub, then SN/Claps, Hats, etc
Bass is next followed by GTRs
Piano, keys, synths, Horns, etc
Vox- Hooks/choruses/BKG Vox, etc
Vox- verse 1 Lead, V1 ad-libs
same with verses 2 & 3. All on separate tracks. If there's a harmony stack or extras during the verse, they'll also be placed on a separate track(s) next to that corresponding verse/ad-lib.
Group Buses
master fader
EFX bus/return tracks
MIDI tracks (it needed)
I use to set up tracks the music on the left, vox on the right, and the Group buses/Master Fader/EFX return in the middle separating the music & vox.
everything gets labeled before tracking the audio. If it's a stratch take, it gets labeled with an "x_" in front. "x_VERSE 1, x_LEAD GTR, etc". Outboard gear used in the recording gets noted in the protools comment box. Never know when a picky artist/producer might insist on redoing something just because they can.
Not much EQ, not much compression. No printed EFXs, no automation. Unneeded audio gets removed from the region list/audio folder. When saving the multiple sessions to CD-R or DVD-R, I'll try to limit it to one or 2 sessions per disc or burn a safety copy.
When working with tempo/bpm based sequencers I track in Grid Mode(1/64) after the tempo is set. Seems to helps when editing is needed. Measures are re-numbered(3 becomes 1) so that there are 2 blank measures before any audio. FILE/GET INFO is filled in with song/artist/producer/label/studio information.
When I receive songs to mix, only two things really bug me.
stereo music tracks(unseparated music tracks) and unlabeled/incorrectly labeled audio files.
