DigiDesign Pro Tools User Manual

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Pro Tools

®

Reference Guide

Version 7.3

Table of Contents

Default Chapter3
- Table of Contents3
Part I Introduction15
Chapter 1. Welcome to Pro Tools17
- The Pro Tools Guides17
- Compatibility Information18
- About Www.digidesign.com18
Chapter 2. Pro Tools Concepts19
- Hard Disk Audio Recording19
- The Digidesign Audio Engine19
- Pro Tools Sessions20
- Signal Routing23
- System Resources24
- MIDI26
- Digibase28
Chapter 3. Keyboard and Right-Click Mouse Shortcuts29
- Right-Click Mouse Shortcuts29
- Global Key Commands29
- Keyboard Focus30
- Numeric Keypad Modes31
Part II System Configuration33
Chapter 4. Pro Tools Systems35
- Pro Tools|Hd Systems35
- Pro Tools LE Systems39
- Pro Tools M-Powered41
- Pro Tools Academic41
- DV Toolkit 2 and Music Production Toolkit41
Chapter 5. System Setup45
- Starting up or Shutting down Your System45
- Configuring Pro Tools System Settings (in the Playback Engine)46
- Configuring Pro Tools Hardware Settings52
- System Usage56
Chapter 6. I/O Setup57
- The I/O Setup Dialog60
- Routing Hardware I/O to Pro Tools I/O62
- Creating and Editing Paths63
- Creating New Paths64
- I/O Settings Files71
- I/O Setup Options73
- H/W Insert Delay Compensation76
Chapter 7. Preferences77
- Display Preferences77
- Operation Preferences80
- Editing Preferences85
- Mixing Preferences87
- Processing Preferences90
- MIDI Preferences91
- Synchronization Preferences92
Part III Sessions & Tracks95
Chapter 8. Sessions97
- Creating a New Session97
- Session Files and Folders98
- Opening a Session99
- Opening Recent Sessions101
- Saving a Session101
- Creating Custom Session Templates105
- Closing a Session107
- Exiting or Quitting Pro Tools107
Chapter 9. Pro Tools Main Windows109
- MIX Window109
- Edit Window109
- Transport Window113
- Digibase Browsers118
- Window Configurations121
- Menus127
- Tool Tips129
Chapter 10. Tracks131
- Track Types131
- Track Channel Strips133
- Track Controls and Indicators136
- Adjusting Track Width138
- Creating Tracks139
- The Track List143
- Track Name Right-Click Pop-Up Menus146
- Assigning Inputs and Outputs to Tracks147
- Track Priority and Voice Assignment150
- Setting MIDI Input and Output153
- Soloing and Muting Tracks155
- Making Tracks Inactive159
- Color Coding for Tracks, Regions, Markers and Groups160
- Color Palette161
- Grouping Tracks163
- Group Controls164
- Working with Groups168
- Setting Group Attributes173
- Enabling Groups175
- Grouped Control Offsets176
Chapter 11. Digibase177
- Digibase Elements177
- Performance and Transfer Volumes181
- Digidesign Databases181
- Browser Windows and Tools182
- Indexing Digibase Databases186
- The Browser Menu188
- Browser Panes and Display189
- Column Data191
- Waveforms and Auditioning194
- Selecting Items196
- Moving, Copying, Duplicating, and Deleting Items196
- Searching Items197
- Linking and Relinking Files201
- Relink Window205
- Workspace Browser209
- Project Browser212
- Digibase Pro Catalogs213
- Task Window218
- Workflow Example222
Chapter 12. Importing and Exporting Session Data225
- Importing Audio225
- Sample Rate Conversion Quality227
- Importing Audio Files and Regions228
- Importing Tracks and Track Attributes232
- Importing Items with Drag and Drop239
- Exporting Audio242
- Exporting Pro Tools Tracks as AAF or OMFI Sequences244
- Exporting Sessions as Text244
- Send Via Digidelivery247
- Importing MIDI Files248
- Exporting MIDI Files250
- Send to Sibelius251
- Importing and Exporting Region Group Files252
Chapter 13. File and Session Management and Compatibility255
- Audio File Management255
- WAV File Compatibility258
- Sharing Sessions Created on Different Computer Platforms258
- Sharing Sessions Created on Different Pro Tools Systems262
- Sharing Sessions Created on Different Pro Tools Software Versions264
- Multilingual Application Support for Pro Tools Systems268
Part IV Recording269
Chapter 14. Record Setup271
- Input Connections and Audio Levels271
- Record Enabling Tracks272
- Record Monitoring Modes275
- Monitor Levels for Record and Playback276
- Monitoring Latency277
- Low Latency Monitoring with Delay Compensation278
- Default Track Names278
- Disk Allocation279
- Allocating Hard Drive Space for Recording282
- Monitoring Drive Space282
- Record Modes282
- Recording with a Click285
- Setting the Default Meter and Tempo288
Chapter 15. Audio Recording291
- Recording an Audio Track291
- Record Shortcuts294
- Record Pause Mode295
- Recording Additional Takes295
- Punch Recording Audio297
- Loop Recording Audio298
- Auditioning Different Record Takes in the Timeline300
- Setting Punch/Loop Points302
- Recording from a Digital Source307
- Half-Speed Recording and Playback309
Chapter 16. MIDI Recording311
- Recording from MIDI Devices311
- Enabling Input Devices312
- MIDI Thru313
- MIDI Input Filter313
- Input Quantize314
- Wait for Note314
- MIDI Merge/Replace315
- Configuring MIDI or Instrument Tracks for Recording315
- Recording MIDI and Instrument Tracks317
- Punch Recording MIDI319
- Loop Recording MIDI321
- MIDI Step Input324
- Recording System Exclusive Data324
- Recording Audio from a MIDI Instrument325
Chapter 17. Advanced Punch Recording327
- Quickpunch Audio Recording327
- Trackpunch Audio Recording330
- Destructivepunch Audio Recording339
Part V Editing345
Chapter 18. Editing Basics347
- Pro Tools Editing347
- Track Material348
- Displaying Region Names, Region Times, and Other Data in Playlists354
- Audio Regions and Waveforms355
- MIDI Regions and MIDI Data357
- Timebase Rulers and Conductor Rulers360
- Main Time Scale362
- Tick-Based Timing364
- Playlists366
- Multiple Undo369
- The Region List371
- Selecting Regions in the Region List375
- Region Name Right-Click Pop-Up Menus377
- Edit Modes377
- Edit Tools380
- Using the Zoomer Tools381
- Using the Trim Tools388
- Using the Selector Tool394
- Using the Grabber Tools394
- Using the Smart Tool395
- Using the Scrubber Tool397
- Numeric Keypad Set to Shuttle399
- Using the Pencil Tool400
- The Universe Window400
Chapter 19. Playing and Selecting Track Material403
- Playing Tracks403
- Auto-Scrolling Tracks in the MIX and Edit Windows408
- Scrolling Options409
- Linking or Unlinking Timeline and Edit Selections410
- Linking or Unlinking Track and Edit Selections412
- Selecting Track Material412
- Playing Selections422
- Timeline Selections424
- TCE (Time Compression and Expansion) Edit to Timeline Selection425
- Playing Timeline and Edit Selections with the Playhead426
- Dynamic Transport Mode427
Chapter 20. Working with Regions and Selections431
- Creating New Regions431
- Trimming Regions435
- Healing Separated Regions437
- Placing Regions in Tracks437
- Sync Points448
- Nudging449
- Shift Command451
- Quantizing Regions to Grid452
- Locking Regions452
- Muting/Unmuting Regions453
- Replacing Audio Regions453
- Audio Regions from Field Recorders455
- Edit Commands457
- Duplicate Command463
- Repeat Command463
- Editing Stereo and Multichannel Tracks464
- Processing Audio with Audiosuite Plug-Ins465
- Waveform Repair with the Pencil Tool465
- Region Groups466
- Region Looping475
Chapter 21. Fades and Crossfades479
- Using Fades479
- Fades Dialog481
- Creating Fades at the Beginnings and Ends of Regions486
- Creating a Crossfade488
- Using Autofades489
- Creating Fades and Crossfades in Batches490
- Moving and Nudging Fades and Crossfades491
- Separating Regions that Include Fades or Crossfades494
- Trimming Regions that Include Fades or Crossfades495
- Fade Boundaries and Shapes in Displayed Automation View495
Chapter 22. Managing Regions497
- Stripping Silence from Regions497
- Inserting Silence500
- Consolidate Command501
- Compacting an Audio File502
- Naming and Displaying Regions502
Chapter 23. Conductor Tracks and Memory Locations505
- Song Start Marker505
- Tempo506
- Graphic Tempo Editor510
- Changing the Linearity Display Mode516
- Tempo Operations Window517
- Identify Beat Command523
- Meter Events526
- Time Operations529
- Renumbering Bars535
- Key Signatures535
- Memory Locations and Markers538
- Memory Locations Window545
Chapter 24. Beat Detective549
- Beat Detective Requirements550
- The Beat Detective Window551
- Beat Detective Modes551
- Defining a Beat Detective Selection552
- Calculating Tempo with Beat Detective553
- Generating Beat Triggers554
- Generating Bar|Beat Markers with Beat Detective559
- Digigroove Templates560
- Separating Regions with Beat Detective562
- Conforming Regions with Beat Detective564
- Edit Smoothing566
- Detection (Normal) and Collection Mode568
Chapter 25. MIDI Editing573
- Mirrored MIDI Editing573
- The Pencil Tool574
- Custom Note Duration575
- Setting the Grid Value576
- Inserting MIDI Notes576
- Manually Editing MIDI Notes578
- Time Compression/Expansion Trim Tool Functionality on MIDI Regions584
- Continuous Controller Events585
- Patch Select (Program and Bank Changes)588
- System Exclusive Events592
- Note and Controller Chasing592
- Offsetting MIDI Tracks594
- Stuck Notes595
- Remove Duplicate Notes595
Chapter 26. MIDI Operations597
- MIDI Operations Window597
- Grid/Groove Quantize598
- Restore Performance608
- Flatten Performance609
- Change Velocity610
- Change Duration612
- Transpose614
- Select/Split Notes615
- Input Quantize618
- Step Input618
- MIDI Real-Time Properties621
Chapter 27. MIDI Event List629
- The MIDI Event List629
- Inserting Events in the MIDI Event List632
- Editing Events in the MIDI Event List634
- MIDI Event List Options636
Part VII Mixing637
Chapter 28. Basic Mixing639
- Mixing Concepts639
- Metering and Calibration639
- Track Types640
- Inserts647
- Views in the MIX and Edit Windows648
- Audio Input and Output Paths651
- Sends653
- Output Windows for Tracks and Sends659
- Signal Routing for Monitoring and Submixing664
- Delay Compensation670
- Dither674
- Using a Control Surface with Pro Tools676
Chapter 29. Plug-In and Hardware Inserts677
- Inserting Plug-Ins on Tracks682
- Plug-In Menu Organization683
- Moving and Duplicating Plug-In and Hardware Inserts686
- The Plug-In Window686
- Using the Librarian689
- Editing Plug-In Controls695
- Instrument Plug-Ins698
- Using Hardware Inserts698
- Connecting and Integrating External Devices699
Chapter 30. Automation703
- Automation Quickstart703
- Automation Playlists704
- Automation Modes706
- Automation Preferences710
- Viewing Automation712
- Writing Automation714
- Enabling and Suspending Automation722
- Deleting Automation725
- Thinning Automation725
- Drawing Automation726
- Editing Automation727
- Trimming Automation736
- Writing Automation to the Start, End, or All of a Track or Selection738
- Writing Automation to the Next Breakpoint or to the Punch Point740
- Guidelines for "Write To" Commands743
- Overwriting or Extending Mute Automation744
- Creating Snapshot Automation746
- Previewing Automation749
- Capturing Automation751
- VCA Master Track Automation754
Chapter 31. Mixdown757
- Recording to Tracks759
- Bounce to Disk760
- Bounce Options761
- Recording a Submix (with Bounce to Disk)767
- Final Mixdown768
- Mastering769
Part VIII Video, Sync, Surround771
Chapter 32. Pro Tools Setup for Surround (Pro Tools HD Only)773
- Pro Tools Audio Connections for 5.1 Mixing773
- Configuring Pro Tools for Multichannel Sessions774
- Default I/O Selectors in I/O Setup777
- 5.1 Track Layouts, Routing, and Metering778
Chapter 33. Multichannel Tracks and Signal Routing (Pro Tools HD Only)779
- Multichannel Quickstart779
- Multichannel Audio Tracks780
- Multichannel Signal Routing783
- Paths in Surround Mixes786
- Example Paths and Signal Routing for a Surround MIX788
Chapter 34. Surround Panning and Mixing (Pro Tools HD Only)793
- Introduction to Pro Tools Surround Panning793
- Output Windows794
- Standard Controls795
- Surround Panner Controls796
- Panning Modes798
- Divergence and Center Percentage802
- LFE Faders in Multichannel Panners804
- Pan Playlists804
- Surround Scope Plug-In805
Chapter 35. Working with Synchronization807
- Pro Tools Synchronization Options807
- Session Setup Window809
- Preparing to Work with SMPTE813
- Configuring Pro Tools for SMPTE813
- Pull up and Pull down816
- Putting Pro Tools Online819
- Generating Time Code820
- Using MIDI Machine Control821
- Setting Minimum Sync Delay824
- Setting Pro Tools LTC Source825
- Remote Track Arming825
- MIDI Beat Clock825
- Spotting Regions to SMPTE Frame Locations826
- Time Stamping828
- Identifying a Synchronization Point830
- Troubleshooting Synchronization831
Chapter 36. Working with Video in Pro Tools833
- Introduction833
- About Quicktime834
- Before Starting Your Project834
- Video Tracks835
- Video Track Controls and Indicators836
- Locking Video Tracks838
- Setting the Video Engine Rate839
- Importing Video into Pro Tools840
- Extracting Audio from Quicktime-Compatible Video843
- Video Regions844
- General Video Editing845
- Renaming Video Disk Files847
- Video Region Groups847
- Using the Video Window848
- Browsing Video in the Video Universe Window849
- Playback of HD Quicktime Movies851
- Firewire Playback of Quicktime DV Movies852
- Bouncing the Video Track to a Quicktime Movie854
- Using Pro Tools LE to Import Video from Other Versions of Pro Tools855
Index857

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Brand	DigiDesign
Model	Pro Tools
Category	Software
Language	English

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