PT101- Lesson 1b

Introduction to DAWs and Pro Tools

• Digital audio workstations (DAWs) combine comprehensive audio and MIDI recording, editing, and mixing tools, putting the power of a full audio production facility in a computer.
• Pro Tools is a pioneering DAW that has become the industry standard.

Sessions and Projects

• In Pro Tools, a Session file is the master file for local projects, while a Project file is the master file for cloud-based projects.
• Session files and Project files are small files that enable users to interact with media and are important for organizing work.

Files and Clips

• When recording audio into Pro Tools, a separate audio file is created, which is not part of the Session file.
• Clips represent audio files on the hard drive and are visual objects in the software environment.
• Working with clips allows for non-linear, non-destructive editing, where audio can be manipulated independently on the timeline.

Real-time Processing

• In the past, effects had to be recorded or re-recorded with an effect, but now most effects run in real-time, allowing for non-destructive editing.

Pro Tools - The Industry Standard

• Pro Tools is the industry standard due to its high audio quality, MIDI functions, and ability to compose music, record live performances, and edit and mix MIDI and audio together.
• Pro Tools has many powerful MIDI functions, allowing users to view MIDI data as traditional notation and in a "piano roll" view.

Workflows

• Workflows refer to a series of steps or features used to get a job done, and Pro Tools' workflow features are top-of-the-line.
• Pro Tools covers all the bases for traditional post-production workflows and advanced production, like Dolby Atmos mixing.

Pro Tools Versions

• Pro Tools has three versions: Pro Tools Artist, Pro Tools Studio, and Pro Tools Ultimate, each with different levels of features and pricing.
• The versions differ in the number of inputs and outputs, number of tracks, and project limitations.

What Makes Up a Pro Tools System?

• A Pro Tools system consists of the software, computer, and other components like audio interfaces, monitors, and peripherals.
• The computer is the cornerstone of a Pro Tools system, and Pro Tools runs on both Mac and PC.

CPU and RAM

• The CPU (Central Processing Unit) handles all processing tasks in a native Pro Tools system.
• RAM serves as short-term memory for the CPU, and more is generally better.

Hard Drives

• Hard drives are essential for storing audio data, and two key factors are size and speed.
• Avid recommends drives with a minimum rotational speed of 7200 RPM or SSD drives.

Audio Interfaces

• Audio interfaces connect to the computer and provide high-quality audio in and out.
• Interfaces can connect via USB, Thunderbolt, or FireWire, and the number and type of inputs and outputs vary.

Monitor Speakers

• Monitor speakers are essential for hearing the real mix and are different from consumer-level speakers.
• Good monitor speakers provide an honest reproduction of recordings and mixes, allowing for accurate mixing and editing.### Monitor Speakers
• Frequency response should be even across the audible frequency range (20 Hz - 20 kHz) for an accurate representation of your mix and to reduce listener fatigue.
• Manufacturer-published frequency response charts can help identify optimal speakers.
• Speaker size should be matched to the size of the production room; small rooms require smaller speakers, while large rooms require more powerful speakers.

Speaker Designs

• Rear-ported speakers need at least 1 meter (3 feet) of space between the speaker and the wall to enhance low frequencies.
• Front-ported speakers are suitable for small production studios where rear-ported speakers can't be positioned far from the wall.

Speakers vs. Headphones

• Monitor speakers allow for interaction between sound from the left and right speakers, affecting the mix, whereas headphones isolate the left and right channels.
• Headphones are useful tools for audio production, especially for mixing, but should not replace monitor speakers.

Headphones

• Mixing headphones should have an even frequency response.
• Closed-back headphones are suitable for recording, as they prevent sound from escaping and don't allow external noise to bleed in.
• Open-back headphones, preferred by professionals, offer more accurate sound reproduction, but are not suitable for recording.

Resources

• Avid provides system requirements and compatibility documents for Pro Tools at https://avid.secure.force.com/pkb/articles/compatibility/Pro-Tools-System-Requirements.
• Avid's Knowledge Base (https://www.avid.com/search#t=KB&sort=relevancy) offers information on various technical topics.
• Pro Tools software provides in-application help, including searchable topics and online support.