How to record with Pro Tools
There are so many great DAWS out there. When I started recording, I was fortunate enough to use try out many different programs and all had something unique. But it was Pro Tools that offered the best all round solution for recording music. I started with a Digi 001 in my parents’ basement and was able to bring those files to bigger studios and keep working. Pro Tools hands down, and still does, one of the editing set ups in the business.
So, if you are wondering how to record with Pro Tools I have you covered. I made a video, that I will link below, to give you a in depth demo of how to navigate and set up a track, edit, and understand the overall functionality of Pro Tools. Pro Tools is a very complicated program but even though a lot has changed, the core functionality remains the same as when I started with my Digi 001 back in 2002.
What is Avid Pro Tools
Avid Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation (DAW). It is software you can use to record, mix, edit, and master music. You can visit avid.com and sign up for a subscription to use Pro Tools or download Pro Tools First to learn the ins and outs of the software. There are limitations with Pro Tools first but if you are new to recording audio it is worth a try.
Setting up a Pro Tools session
The first window you will be facing is the session dashboard. This window lets you name your session, set your sample rate and bit rate, and type of audio file your session is going to use. If you don’t want to set up a session from scratch, you can use a template to quickly get the ball rolling.
Pro Tools windows
Once your session starts you are introduced to two windows that you will work in. Pro Tools uses a edit window that allows you to do most of the lifting. You can also work in the mix window; this window is arranged like a traditional mixer (and in my opinion the best-looking mix window from all the DAWS). I use this window a lot to handle routing when I record or bus to other effects.
For a better in depth look at how to record in Pro Tools please check out my YouTube video listed below. If you like it please let me know and I will continue to create more Pro Tools training content.