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

1. Pro Tools Background
2. Getting Started with Pro Tools
3. Basic Controls
4. Creating First Session
5. Audio Recording
6. Importing Media
7. MIDI
8. Navigating
9. Editing Media
10. Mixing
11. 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.