70A ProTools 101

Class Description

Introduction to Pro Tools with Avid Certification training material. Basic audio editing tools and techniques, plug-ins and mixing in the Pro Tools environment. Build sessions that include multitrack recordings of live instruments, MIDI sequences, virtual instruments, audio loops and beats. Practical experience with examples from major label recording artists and feature films. Understanding menus, windows, preferences and system configurations for Pro Tools in home studios and professional facilities. Intro to automation, dialog editing and audio post production for film and video. Required for Avid Pro Tools Certification.

Overview

Get on track to become a Pro Tools Operator from home with the help of Foothill Music Technology Avid Certified Expert Level Instructors. Foothill College offers the highest levels of the Pro Tools 101 curriculum by Avid, and this Pro Tools 101 course constitutes the first stage of their Pro Tools certification program. Learn the basic principles you'll need to complete a Pro Tools project using Pro Tools, from initial setup to mix down. Whether your project involves multi-track recordings of live instruments, MIDI sequencing of software synthesizers, or audio looping, Pro Tools 101 will provide you with real-world examples and frequent hands-on assignments designed to teach you how to record, edit, and mix on a basic level.

At the end of the course, you will have an opportunity to take the Avid Pro Tools 101 Exam online. We also provide coaching, tutoring and practice quizzes to help you prepare. And, if you miss some questions on your first attempt, we will go over what you missed to help you throughly master the Pro Tools 101 course curriculum. You can re-take the exams as many times as you want.

Our goal is to help you master this material and add Avid Pro Tools Certification to your resume.

Start up and configure a Pro Tools session
Use the main Pro Tools windows and customize displays
Record audio into a Pro Tools session
Import audio files and clips
Use basic Pro Tools MIDI features
Work with selections and navigate a Pro Tools session
Create audio clips and edit tracks
Create stereo mixes within Pro ToolsProcess audio using native AAX plug-ins
Bounce to tracks and disk
Work with music and post-production projects

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course you will be able to:

Create a Pro Tools session document or cloud-enabled project with appropriate parameter settings
Accomplish common audio production tasks
Employ navigation and editing skills in a multi-track Pro Tools document
Incorporate proper recording and mixing techniques for audio and MIDI files in the Pro Tools environment
Analyze and interpret session file structures
Recognize and navigate the user interface and tool set

Course Outline

Pro Tools Background
Getting Started with Pro Tools
Basic Controls
Creating First Session
Audio Recording
Importing Media
MIDI
Navigating
Editing Media
Mixing
Hands-On Projects

Foothill Legacy Foothill Legacy

Ch01 Pro Tools Background

The Pro Tools Digital Audio Workstation
Pro Tools History and Evolution
Audio Characteristics: Waveform, Frequency, and Amplitude
Converting Audio to Digital Format
Cross-Platform Issues
Ex1 Audio Interface Options

Ch02 Getting Started with Pro Tools

Target Systems
Software Installation and Operation
Pro Tools File Structure
Starting Pro Tools
The Pro Tools Menu Structure
Main Pro Tools Windows
Ex 2 Pro Tools Main Windows

Ch03 Pro Tools Basic Controls

Edit Tool Functions
Edit Modes
Time Scales and Rulers
MIDI Control Features
Tool Tips
Ex3 Primary Tools and Controls

Ch04 Creating Your First Session

The Dashboard
Creating and Configuring a Pro Tools Document
Working with Tracks
Controlling Playback
Saving, Locating, and Opening Pro Tools Files
Ex4 Creating a Session

Ch05 Making Your First Audio Recording

Before Recording
Preparing to Record
Recording and Managing Audio
Organizing after Recording
Ex5 Recording Audio

Ch06 Importing and Working with Media

Considerations Prior to Import
Importing Audio
Importing Video
Ex6 Importing Audio

Ch07 Making Your First MIDI Recording

MIDI Basics
MIDI in Pro Tools
Setting the Base Meter and Tempo
Preparing to Record MIDI
Using Virtual Instruments
Recording MIDI
Ex7 Working with MIDI

Ch08 Selecting and Navigating

Using the Universe View
Types of Selections
Working with Selections
Adjusting the Session View
Adding Markers to Your Session
Ch08_06 - Undoing Your Work (V)
Ex8 Configuring the Session and Adding Memory Locations

Ch09 Editing Your Media

Selecting Playback Options
Using the Edit Modes
Editing Clips
Moving and Trimming Clips
Creating Fade Effects
Undoing Your Work
Ex9 Editing Audio

Ch10 Mixing and Creating a Bounce

Basic Mixer Terminology
Working in the Mix Window
Using Plug-In Processors
Using Basic Automation
Backing Up Your Session
Creating a Stereo Mixdown
Ex10 Automating Shared Effects and Creating a Stereo Bounce

Project 1. Hands-On Music Session

Powering Up
Opening the Music Session
Creating New Tracks
Working with MIDI Data
Working with Audio Data
Mixing in Pro Tools
Finishing Your Work

Project 2. Hands-On Post Session

Powering Up
Opening the Post Session
Creating New Tracks
Importing Media
Editing in Pro Tools
Mixing in Pro Tools
Finishing Your Work

Required Textbook

Pro Tools 101: Pro Tools Fundamental I
Author: Avid
Publisher: Avid
Only available at the Foothill Bookstore.

This book is only available at the Foothill Bookstore. Versions on Amazon.com might NOT be up-to-date. Electronic versions of the first few chapters will be provided to give students adequate time to purchase the textbook. Purchase of textbook also entitles students to take the Avid Pro Tools 101 Certification Exam

Additional Requirements

Pro Tools software.
- Available in Foothill College computer labs.
No other equipment or software required.