PT101 - Lesson 9a

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Questions and Answers

Where in the signal flow does the processing by inserts occur for Audio/Aux/Instrument tracks?

Before the signal reaches the track

After the panning control

After the volume faders

Before they go to the volume faders (correct)

How are compressors or expanders used on a track or subgroup?

To beef up the sound (correct)

To control the track's color

To change the input signal

To adjust the panning

On Master Fader tracks, where do the inserts sit in relation to the fader?

Before the fader

At the beginning of the signal chain

After the fader (correct)

Alongside the panning control

What purpose does a limiter serve when used as a plug-in on a Master Fader track?

Prevent signal level from exceeding a preset amount Signup and view all the answers

How do compressors and expanders affect the signal flow on Audio/Aux/Instrument tracks?

Process before volume faders Signup and view all the answers

Which type of track is well-suited for plug-ins that manage levels?

Master Fader tracks Signup and view all the answers

What impact does using compressors or expanders on a track have on fader levels?

Does not change fader levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a limiter in audio production?

Preventing signal peaks from exceeding a set threshold Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when applying effects on Audio/Aux/Instrument tracks?

The order of effects applied matters significantly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of compressors and expanders in audio production?

Adding punch and power to a mix Signup and view all the answers

Where in the signal flow do inserts process the signal for Audio/Aux/Instrument tracks?

Before the faders Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a limiter when used on a Master Fader track?

Preventing signal level from exceeding a preset amount Signup and view all the answers

How do the inserts on Master Fader tracks differ from those on Audio/Aux/Instrument tracks?

They are post-fader on Master Fader tracks. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when compressors or expanders are used to beef up a track or subgroup?

The incoming signal goes through the effects first before changing the sound. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of track is particularly suited for plug-ins that manage levels?

Master Fader tracks Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Master Fader track faders in the signal flow?

To affect the level of signals fed into insert processing Signup and view all the answers

When using a limiter on a Master Fader track, what does its post-fader placement imply?

The limiter is applied after volume adjustments Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Insert Signal Flow Structure

In analog mixing desks, inserts allowed adding external processing devices into the signal chain
Inserts enabled introducing a process to the signal chain that wasn't already built-in
Inserts weren't required, and if not needed, they simply wouldn't be plugged in

Using Inserts in Pro Tools

Pro Tools has 10 inserts, always present in Audio, Aux, Instrument, or Master Fader tracks
To instantiate a plug-in on an insert:
1. Ensure the Inserts view is visible in the Edit or Mix window
2. Click the Insert Selector and choose the desired plug-in category
3. Move the cursor over the desired effect and click to open the plug-in window
Plug-in windows can be managed by clicking the Target Button to keep them visible

Managing Multiple Plug-in Windows

Pro Tools provides a visual cue to show which insert's window is open
When an insert's window is open, the Insert Assignment is colored light grey
When the window is not open, it is colored dark grey
To open an insert's plug-in window, click the desired Insert Assignment button
To open multiple windows simultaneously, hold the Shift key while clicking the insert assignment button

Moving and Copying Plug-ins

Inserts are processed in series, from insert A through insert J (top to bottom)
The order of plug-ins can have a profound effect on the result
Re-ordering plug-ins is easy by dragging and dropping
Plug-ins can be copied by holding the Option key (Mac) or Alt key (Windows) while dragging

Bypassing and Deactivating Plug-ins

A bypassed plug-in allows the signal to pass through unchanged
Plug-ins can be bypassed using the Bypass button in the plug-in window or by right-clicking the Insert Assignment
Deactivating a plug-in stops it from processing audio and drawing on computer resources
Deactivating a plug-in can be done by right-clicking the Insert Assignment and choosing Make Inactive

Removing Inserts

Removing an insert is possible, but it's recommended to make a plug-in inactive instead
To remove an insert, click the Insert selector and choose No Insert### Compressors and Expanders
On Audio/Aux/Instrument tracks, inserts are pre-fader, processing the input signal before it reaches the volume faders.
Compressors or expanders can be used to enhance a track or subgroup, changing the sound before adjusting the output level with the faders.

Master Fader Tracks

Master Fader tracks have post-fader inserts, making them suitable for plug-ins that manage levels.
The fader level on a Master Fader track affects the signal level fed into insert processing, which occurs after the fader.

Limiters

A limiter is a type of compressor that prevents a signal from exceeding a preset level.
Limiters are commonly used on Master Fader track inserts to prevent signal overload.

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Description

Learn about the importance of plug-in order in audio processing and how to move or copy plug-ins in your DAW. Understand the impact of reordering plug-ins on your audio output and how to easily rearrange them. Improve your audio mixing skills and optimize your workflow.