How To Use Pro Tools

Pro Tools is one of the best available software that you can use when it comes to producing digital music. You can do everything with Pro Tools: record, edit, mix, master, and produce. It is so musically reliable that it can be summed up in one word: unprecedented. So if you’ve always wanted to dabble in music and you just don’t know how to begin, Pro Tools is here to make your musical dreams come true! It’s what you need to get your digital audio workstation up and ready to go!

Here’s how to use Pro Tools to its maximum and ultimate capacity.

* Get to know its benefits. Pro Tools is easy to use and will load whether you’re using a Mac or a trusty PC. It’s compatible with Digidesign or M-Audio hardware. Provide plug-in options, which are essential for using effects and instruments in creating your kind of music.
* Know your options. You can purchase Pro Tools systems depending on your musical requirements and capabilities.
o Pro Tools LE 8. It’s a 48-track project studio that produces refined and high-quality audio compositions. If you’re just starting to compose and produce your own brand of music, this is a perfect system to help you out.
o Pro Tools M Powered. This is perfect if you’re into musical collaborations and if you’re setup consists of the M-Audio interface and control.
o Pro Tools HD. This high-definition package is used by professionals and gives you practically limitless choices for plug-ins and instruments. If world-class music is what you want to produce, this Pro Tools system is the one to go for.

All of these Pro Tools systems have editing, recording, and mixing capabilities that will more than satisfy your current level of musicality.

* Start setting up your work station. Aside from the Pro Tools system of choice, you’ll also need the following:
o Soundcard
o Headphones
o Microphone
* Install the soundcard. The soundcard will make it possible for the microphone and the instruments to connect to the Pro Tools system. This soundcard comes separately from your purchase of Pro Tools.
* Start to operate the Pro Tools system. You simply need to go to the tab marked “File” and select “New Track.” You can now begin to record one instrument at a time, which will be mixed later on. At this point, you must put on your headphones to get a feel of how the recording sounds.
* Select the following. Go to the menu and click on these two commands: “Show Edit” and “Show Mix.” As soon as you begin recording, these commands will show you the progression of the track that you are recording.
* Start recording. The recording panel is the one marked “r”. Click on that one.
* Use the sliders to adjust sound, echo, synth, etc. Simply click on the sliders for any adjustments that you’ll need to come up with crystal clear music. This is very much like working with your standard CD player.
* Select your plug-ins. You’ll see your choices from the “Audiosuite” menu. The best plug-ins that makes the most out of your musical project are: Waves Restoration, Digidesign Smack Compressor, Antares Auto-Tune Pitch Correction, Waves SSL 4000 Channel Strip, and the Ampeg SVX. One thing though: you will not find all these plug-ins in one Pro Tools system. Work with what comes with your specific Pro Tools system and purchase other plug-ins for integration as needed. Ditto, these are pricey but well-worth your investment.
* Save your recording session. You can pick between MP3 or wav file to save your current recording.


Soon, you’ll find that you can no longer work without your Pro Tools system. Believe me, it will really make your compositions sound so good!