Our three-day Pro Tools Fundamentals II (PT110) course expands upon the basic principles taught in the Pro Tools Fundamentals I (PT101) course and introduces the core concepts and skills students need to competently operate a Pro Tools system running mid-sized sessions. The curriculum emphasizes practical application through exercises that combine session setup, digital media integration, and advanced mixing strategies to produce commercially viable audio projects.
This comprehensive program covers a broad spectrum of Pro Tools functionalities, including professional session architecture, collaborative video integration, sophisticated loop recording paired with MIDI Merge techniques, virtual instrument implementation, Elastic Audio processing and manipulation, Real-Time Properties for rhythm correction, clip-based looping, signal processing chains, complex automation workflows, and the use of submix groups to optimize the final mix. Each hands-on exercise strengthens both recording and editing competencies while preparing participants to work at a professional level.
Pro Tools Fundamentals II (PT110) serves as the second course in a two-course sequence that collectively provides all the prerequisite training necessary for candidates seeking to obtain the Avid Certified User: Pro Tools credential and advance their career in audio production.
Ideal Participants:
This course is designed for musicians, audio engineers, and sound design professionals working in film, television, or music production environments.
Course Prerequisites:
Successful completion of Pro Tools Fundamentals I (PT101) or equivalent hands-on experience is required. Students should demonstrate competency in the following areas:
- Creating and configuring new sessions with appropriate parameters for different project types
- Working proficiently with Edit modes and selecting tools for different editing scenarios
- Setting Grid and Nudge value configurations to support precise editing
- Creating and managing memory locations for session navigation
- Navigating multi-track sessions and accessing media files efficiently
- Creating diverse Edit selections using common selection techniques
- Applying signal processing plug-ins and loading virtual instruments
- Executing basic mixing operations to balance tracks
- Writing and executing simple automation moves for mixing purposes
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Manage sessions with large track counts while coordinating multiple simultaneous input and output channels
- Establish and configure Pro Tools software settings and hardware configurations appropriately
- Configure, modify, and troubleshoot input and output (I/O) routing paths and bus assignments
- Evaluate and integrate virtual instruments and specialized plug-ins suited to specific musical requirements
- Execute advanced recording procedures for capturing multiple consecutive takes in a single loop
- Analyze Elastic Audio processor options and select appropriate processing methods for different audio material
- Combine Elastic Audio techniques with MIDI Real-Time Properties to achieve tempo adjustments and create rhythmic effects
- Apply clip-based editing methodologies to both audio and MIDI content
- Integrate advanced automation strategies throughout the mixing process, including selective automation during post-production phases
- Meet all competency requirements and be well-prepared for the associated Avid certification examination
Course Syllabus and Topics
Getting Started with the Course
Course Overview and Setup
- Exercise and equipment requirements
- Software versions and hardware specifications
Configuring Input and Output Paths
- Creating and preserving I/O configurations for future projects
- Inspecting I/O paths and modifying existing settings as needed
- Resetting I/O paths to factory defaults
- Designating audition path routing
- Specifying primary output destination
Setting Up Pro Tools Hardware Parameters
- Selecting session sample rate and bit depth
- Configuring hardware clock source for synchronization
- Assigning footswitch pedal control functions
- Using dedicated hardware control surfaces for mixing
Enhancing Pro Tools System Performance
- Managing Playback Engine settings for smooth operation
- Configuring Hardware Buffer Size for latency optimization
- Enabling Host Engine Error Suppression to prevent dropouts
- Allocating Cache Size for HD systems to improve performance
Building Tracks in Your Session
- Adding new tracks based on existing track templates
- Creating custom tracks with specific types and configurations
Customizing Mix and Edit Window Displays
- Adjusting display layouts for Mix and Edit windows based on workflow preferences
- Accessing and viewing I/O assignments and routing
- Displaying and editing track comments and metadata
Managing Track List Organization
- Toggling track visibility for simplified workspace management
- Using the Track List contextual menu for advanced options
- Arranging tracks using sort functions for better organization
Session Data Organization and Media File Management
Pro Tools Software Capabilities and Specifications
- Understanding core specifications and limitations
- Exploring the plug-in ecosystem
- Comparing standard and HD versions
Incorporating Digital Video into Sessions
- Using Pro Tools HD video editing capabilities
- Setting up video track types and parameters
- Assembling video clips and segments on video tracks
- Configuring secondary monitor playback of video content
Using Workspace Browser Tools
- Understanding browser interface features and functionality
- Navigating Workspace Browser panels
- Accessing workspace browser operations and commands
- Viewing and analyzing waveforms in the browser
Importing Audio and Session Materials
- Evaluating and planning file import strategy
- Importing audio files using the Workspace Browser interface
- Using dedicated Import Commands for audio files
- Importing session data and structures from other projects
- Batch importing multiple files in one operation
Working with Clip Groups and Collections
- Combining audio clips into organized groups
- Separating grouped clips back to individual elements
- Restoring clip groupings that were previously dissolved
- Modifying existing clip group parameters and contents
- Understanding clip group behavior with tick-based timing
- Viewing and managing clip groups in the Clip List window
Recording MIDI and Audio Content
Preparing Sessions for Recording
- Adding conductor rulers to timeline view
- Creating meter and tempo events for session timing
- Building gradual tempo changes across a session
- Recording tracks synchronized to a click track
Defining Recording Regions and Parameters
- Establishing selection boundaries for recording
- Using pre-roll for preparation before recording starts
Loop Recording Mode for Multiple Takes
- Understanding loop recording behavior for audio versus MIDI
- Executing a loop recording session and capturing multiple takes
Auditioning and Selecting Loop Record Takes
- Setting matching criteria for take comparison
- Auditioning and selecting preferred takes from recorded loops
Recording MIDI with Loop Playback and Merge
Exploring MIDI Recording and Virtual Instrument Applications
Understanding Track Timing Modes
- Comparing sample-based and tick-based timing systems
- Selecting appropriate timebase for different track types
- Understanding tick-based timing relationship to note values
Implementing Virtual Instruments
- Loading and using plug-in based virtual instruments
- Integrating stand-alone virtual instrument applications
MIDI Track Types and Display Options
- Visualizing MIDI data in the Edit Window
- Managing MIDI tracks in the Mix Window interface
Auditioning and Playing MIDI Content
- Configuring MIDI Thru routing for live instrument control
- Setting default thru instrument for playback
- Triggering and auditioning MIDI clips in context
Editing MIDI Notes and Sequences
- Modifying MIDI clips and event content
- Drawing and creating MIDI notes with the Pencil tool
- Adjusting properties of existing MIDI notes
- Removing unwanted MIDI notes from clips
Advanced Audio Manipulation with Elastic Audio Technology
Elastic Audio Fundamentals
- Activating Elastic Audio processing on individual tracks
- Auto-enabling Elastic Audio for newly created tracks
- Understanding how Elastic Audio analyzes audio content
- Conforming audio clips to the overall session tempo map
- Identifying and interpreting warp indicators
- Reversing Elastic Audio processing on clips
Elastic Audio Track Display Modes
- Using Elastic Audio event markers for precision editing
Sound Manipulation Using Elastic Audio Warping
- Operating the Warp View mode for visual warping
- Executing different manual warping techniques
Using Elastic Audio for Performance Rhythmic Tightening
- Understanding quantization effects on Elastic Audio events
- Improving quantized results through manual correction
Tempo Experimentation and Manipulation
- Applying tick-based timing to Elastic Audio-enabled tracks
- Executing tempo variations and changes throughout the session
Optimizing Warped Audio Quality
- Fine-tuning event markers in Analysis View
- Modifying Event Sensitivity settings for better analysis
- Using X-Form processor for enhanced audio quality
Pitch Shifting and Transposition Techniques
- Shifting pitch using the Elastic Properties Window
- Transposing material using the dedicated Transpose Window
- Modifying and reversing pitch transposition changes
Performance Refinement and Editing Techniques
Smart Tool Capabilities
- Activating Smart Tool primary functions
- Creating fade transitions with the Smart Tool
- Understanding Smart Tool fade application rules
Creating Rhythmic Adjustments for Audio and MIDI
- Selecting between Grid Quantize and Groove Quantize modes
- Applying Input Quantize during recording
- Quantizing recorded material after the fact
- Configuring options for groove selection and feel
MIDI Real-Time Properties Adjustment
- Accessing the Real-Time Properties View panel
- Using the floating Real-Time Properties Window
- Enabling Real-Time Properties on MIDI tracks
- Applying quantization through Real-Time Properties
Fade Curve Creation and Application
- Using the Fades Dialog Box for fade configuration
- Creating and applying fade transitions
- Adjusting fade curve shapes and duration
- Managing fade behavior with Elastic Audio processed material
Advanced Media Organization and Additional Editing Operations
Track Color Organization System
Clip Looping and Repetition
- Working with clip loop features and settings
- Creating looped versions of audio clips
- Adjusting and customizing loop parameters
- Editing content within looped clips
- Understanding special considerations when working with loops
- Removing loop processing from clips
Grid-Based Editing Operations
- Operating in Grid Mode for aligned editing
- Separating clips at grid-aligned boundaries
AudioSuite Plug-In Processing
- Comparing AudioSuite processing versus real-time insert processing
- Understanding AudioSuite plugin features and applications
- Operating AudioSuite plug-ins on selected material
Clip List Management and Organization
- Locating specific clips in the Clip List window
- Removing unused clips and organizing lists
- Exporting clip definitions and clip databases
Mixing Fundamentals and Signal Flow Architecture
Track Type Identification System
Solo and Mute Control Indicators
Insert-Based Effects Processing
- Placing inserts on audio tracks and auxiliary input channels
- Inserting effects on Master Fader tracks
- Loading and configuring plug-in based inserts
- Using external hardware inserts for processing
Send and Return Effect Processing
- Creating new send paths from tracks
- Adjusting send level faders and routing
- Modifying send level default preferences
- Controlling send display options
- Creating and configuring return channels
Send Configuration and Management
- Accessing the Send Window interface
- Relocating and copying send assignments
- Modifying send routing and removing send paths
Native Plug-In Processing Techniques
- Using gain-based processors for level control
- Applying time-based processors for delay and reverb effects
- Configuring plug-in windows and parameters
Master Fader Track Operations
- Understanding Master Fader applications and purpose
- Creating master fader tracks for outputs
Automation Writing and Editing for Dynamic Mixing
Automation Fundamentals and Concepts
- Understanding track grouping and automation interaction
- Using automation playlists for alternative versions
- Configuring automation mode settings
Automation Execution Techniques
- Enabling and suspending automation playback
- Writing selective automation to specific parameters
- Playing back automation data during mix
- Viewing automation graphs and data
Graphical Automation Editing
- Selecting and displaying automation parameters
- Creating automation breakpoints and curves
- Drawing smooth automation curves
Automation Data Copying and Modification
- Comparing cut versus delete automation methods
- Using standard cut, copy, and paste for automation
- Using Paste Special mode for automation placement
Removing and Clearing Automation Data
- Removing individual automation breakpoints
- Clearing automation for a single parameter
- Clearing all automation data from a track
Advanced Mixing Strategies and Session Export
Working with Track Subsets and Groups
- Applying operations to selected track groups
- Creating and using submaster tracks
- Routing signals using bus paths and selector controls
Grouping Tracks for Unified Control
- Understanding Mix Groups and Edit Groups
- Creating new track groups
- Toggling group functionality on and off
Group Management and Operations
- Identifying group membership and assignments
- Selecting all members within a group
- Adjusting and customizing group settings
- Removing unwanted groups
- Using the All Group for session-wide operations
- Coordinating group automation operations
- Managing group behavior with Elastic Audio processing
- Preparing session for final export and mastering
- Creating CD specification bounce with appropriate dithering
- Creating archived project backups for storage
