Students in this comprehensive course gain an understanding of foundational Pro Tools principles, equipping them with all the knowledge they need to produce a complete Pro Tools project, from the initial setup process through to final mix completion.
Participants learn the process of building multi-track recording sessions that incorporate live audio recordings, MIDI programming, and software-based virtual instruments. Through practical hands-on labs and real-world projects, you will develop core competencies including session development techniques, recording and incorporating audio and MIDI material, manipulating and refining session content, navigating through multi-track sessions and positioning material across channels, and applying core mixing approaches and audio enhancement tools to finalize your production. The course includes downloadable resources containing sample media and Pro Tools session files to support your learning activities and hands-on projects.
Who is this class for?
This comprehensive program serves both beginning and seasoned Pro Tools users who want to establish a comprehensive foundation in Pro Tools software fundamentals and capabilities.
Prerequisites:
- Prior experience with Avid Pro Tools is not required
- Comfort with using Windows or Apple operating systems
- Foundational knowledge in audio production and digital audio workstations, such as experience with audio capture equipment, working familiarity with recording and programming audio and MIDI, understanding of multi-track recording concepts (such as adjusting levels and applying panning), and prior experience with contemporary audio gear like MIDI keyboards and audio converters.
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Set up a Pro Tools session with suitable configuration options
- Execute common audio production work and tasks
- Use navigation and audio manipulation techniques in a multi-track Pro Tools environment
- Apply appropriate recording and blending methods for both audio and MIDI content
- Examine and understand the organization of session file structures
- Identify and navigate the Pro Tools interface and available tool options
SYLLABUS:
Getting to Know Pro Tools
What Is Pro Tools?
- Audio recording and editing
- MIDI sequencing and recording
- Music notation features
- Mixing console and automation
- Production and mastering
The Evolution of Pro Tools
- Early history and beginnings
- Development into the Digidesign platform
- Emergence of Pro Tools software
- Growing maturity and stability
- Growth of Avid audio products
- ICON Mixing Console System
- VENUE Sound System and Mixing
- Pro Tools in recent years
- Current state and modern capabilities
Basics of Digital Audio
- Core Sound Characteristics: Waveform Properties, Frequency Range, and Loudness Level
- Converting analog audio signals to digital format
- Digital to analog signal transformation
- Creating audio in digital file format
Pro Tools System Configurations
- Available software packages
- Computer-based systems and specialized processing systems
- Audio input and output interface choices
- Pro Tools |HD Series recording interfaces
- Core Pro Tools capabilities and options
- Integrated audio processors and optional features
Cross Platform Issues
- Keyboard shortcuts across platforms
- File naming guidelines and conventions
Getting Inside Pro Tools
Target Hardware and Configuration
Pro Tools File Organization
- File arrangement and storage
- Parts of a Pro Tools session
Starting Pro Tools
- Powering on your audio hardware
- Using the PACE iLok protection system
- Opening Pro Tools software
- Connecting your audio input and output devices
- Improving performance of computer-based systems
The Pro Tools Software Interface
- The menu system structure
- Primary Pro Tools windows and components
- Help text and tooltips
Edit Tool Functions
- Zoom adjustment tool
- Edge trimming and cutting tool
- Region selection tool
- Moving and repositioning tool
- Scrubbing for precise location tool
- Drawing and freehand tool
- Multi-purpose tool combining features
Edit Modes
- Shuffle sequencing mode
- Free positioning mode
- Time location mode
- Quantized positioning mode
Time Scales and Rulers
- Primary time display
- Secondary time display
- Available ruler display selections
MIDI Control Features
- Wait for input trigger
- Metronome click track
- Preparation measure
- MIDI recording combination mode
- Enable ruler display
- Time signature display
- Tempo adjustment controls
Creating Your First Session
The Session Setup Panel
Creating and Setting Up a Pro Tools Session
- Selecting appropriate session parameters
- Storage space requirements
- Establishing a new session
Working with Tracks
- Inserting new tracks
- Labeling your tracks
- Removing tracks
- Placing content on tracks
The Playback Cursor and the Edit Cursor
- Position during playback
- Position for editing
- Establishing the playback start location
- Moving the playback position
- Navigation and scrolling options
Saving, Locating, and Opening Existing Sessions
- Preserving your session
- Finding and retrieving a session
Making Your First Audio Recording
Before Recording
- Storage space requirements for audio files
- Storage space monitoring
Preparing to Record
- Adding a metronome beat (optional)
- Verifying hardware setup
- Enabling record on tracks
- Configuring audio input routing, gain, and panning
Recording and Managing Audio
Organizing after Recording
- Switching back to playback mode
- Arranging audio material and segments
- Deleting audio segments and clearing audio files
Importing and Working with Media in a Session
Considerations Prior to Import
- Sample resolution, sampling frequency, and recording format
- Stereo file preparation
Importing Audio
- Audio import window and controls
- Using the import audio menu option
- Bringing audio in using file management windows
- Importing multiple audio files at once
- Copying audio from CD media
Importing Video
- Video channel options
- Managing video content in sessions
Making Your First MIDI Recording
MIDI Fundamentals
MIDI Capabilities in Pro Tools
- Building MIDI recording channels
- Real-time processing versus tempo-based processing
- Time display formats for MIDI editing
Setting the Session Meter, Tempo, and Key Signature
- Configuring time signature
- Adjusting tempo speed
- Establishing the musical key
Preparing to Record MIDI
- Connecting MIDI input devices
- Confirming MIDI device connections
- Enabling record on MIDI channels
- Configuring recording parameters
Using Virtual Instruments
- Installing a virtual instrument on a recording channel
- Using the Xpand!2 instrument
- Using the Boom sampler
- Using the Structure Free synthesizer
- Recording MIDI sequences
Viewing MIDI Data on MIDI Compatible Tracks
- MIDI clip view
- MIDI note view
- Velocity intensity view
- MIDI editing window display options
Selecting and Navigating
Using the Universe View
- Adjusting universe size
- Current position indicator
- Scrolling and repositioning in universe view
- Types of selection modes
- Timeline selection methods
- Editing area selection methods
Working with Selections
- Making independent timeline and edit selections
- Selecting regions across multiple channels
- Using the tab navigation key
- Jumping to transient detection points
Adjusting the Session View
- Modifying track height
- Rearranging track sequence
- Using the zoom adjustment tool
- Using zoom toggle feature
- Adjusting horizontal and vertical magnification
- Saving and retrieving zoom configurations
Adding Markers to Your Session
- Memory location reference points
- Establishing a marker
- Memory location reference panel
- Jumping to a marker location
- Removing a marker location
- Making a region based on markers
Basic Editing Techniques
Selecting Playback Options
- Navigation and scrolling during playback
- Continuous playback repetition
Using the Edit Modes
- Shuffle mode sequencing
- Free slip mode
- Spot mode positioning
- Grid quantization mode
- Using grid snap
- Customizing grid settings
- Modifying regions and clips
- Standard editing operations
- Specialized Pro Tools editing techniques
Moving and Trimming Clips
- Using the grabber repositioning tool
- Using trim and cutting tools
- Using the nudge adjustment feature
- Creating fade transitions
- Fade in and fade out effects
- Crossfade blends
- Fade customization options
Undoing Your Work
- Multi-step undo capability
- Returning to prior selection
- Reverting to previously saved state
- Retrieving from session backup copies
Basic Mixing Techniques
Basic Mixer Terminology
- Signal inputs
- Signal outputs
- Processor connections
- Sends to auxiliary channels and returns from effects
The Pro Tools Mix Window
- Setting up the mixing console window
Basic Automation
- Recording parameter changes during mixing
- Playing back recorded parameter changes
- Disabling parameter automation
- Viewing parameter automation data
- Adjusting automation points and curves
Real Time Plug Ins
- Real-time processor capabilities
- Processor plugin categories
- Built-in audio processing tools
Finishing Your Work
Backing Up Your Session
- Creating a session archive copy
- Moving a session between computers
Creating a Stereo Mixdown
- File format and compatibility for bouncing
- Combining to existing tracks
- Combining to new file
- Transferring bounce file to media player
Burning Songs to CD from Media Library
