The three-day Pro Tools Fundamentals II (PT110) program builds directly upon the foundational knowledge and principles introduced in the Pro Tools Fundamentals I (PT101) course. This intermediate-level program introduces students to the essential concepts and specialized skills required to effectively and competently operate a comprehensive Pro Tools system when working with medium to large-scale recording sessions.
Throughout this course, you will explore Pro Tools concepts and methodologies that range from fundamental beginner-level techniques through intermediate professional-level applications. Students gain hands-on experience in constructing sessions that are suitable for professional commercial work and learn techniques to significantly enhance and improve the overall quality of their recording, editing, and mixing processes. The practical, project-based exercises integrated throughout the course provide valuable experience in multiple critical areas: establishing and configuring sessions for professional use, working effectively with digital video content and integration, implementing loop recording techniques and understanding MIDI merge functionality, operating virtual instruments and synthesizers effectively, warping audio using the Elastic Audio feature to adjust timing and pitch, applying real-time properties for dynamic processing, creating repeating clip loops for efficient editing, incorporating signal processing plug-ins, utilizing automation to control mixing parameters, and using submix tracks and channel grouping to streamline and simplify your final mix.
When combined with the first course in this sequence, Pro Tools Fundamentals (PT101), students successfully complete the comprehensive training required to prepare for the Avid Certified User: Pro Tools professional certification examination.
Who Should Enroll in This Program?
This course is specifically designed for Musicians, Professional Audio Engineers, and Sound Editors who work in Film, Television, and other media production fields.
Course Prerequisites:
- Successful completion of the Pro Tools Fundamentals I (PT101) course, or demonstration of equivalent professional experience
- Demonstrated ability to create new sessions, select appropriate session parameters, use the Edit modes and tools effectively, configure Grid and Nudge values for efficient editing, create and recall memory locations for easy navigation, navigate through tracks and access media files, create Edit selections using multiple standard techniques, operate plug-ins for signal processing applications and for running virtual instruments, create a basic mix with proper gain staging, and apply basic automation techniques to tracks
Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to:
- Manage large numbers of tracks and multiple channels of simultaneous audio inputs and outputs
- Create and configure appropriate Pro Tools software settings and hardware parameters
- Set up, configure, and modify input and output (I/O) settings for various recording scenarios
- Evaluate and integrate virtual instruments and specialized plug-ins to meet specific musical and creative requirements
- Apply and master advanced recording techniques to capture multiple record takes in rapid succession and organize them efficiently
- Analyze and understand the various Elastic Audio processor options and determine when to use each processor type
- Apply Elastic Audio techniques in combination with MIDI Real-Time Properties to accomplish desired tempo changes, rhythmic effects, and creative outcomes
- Use clip-based editing techniques on both audio and MIDI tracks for precise control
- Integrate automated mixing techniques into your Pro Tools workflow to achieve selective and dynamic control during the mixing and post-production phase
- Be fully prepared to sit for and pass the associated Avid professional certification examination
Detailed Course Syllabus and Topics:
Getting Started with Pro Tools
Foundational Course Information and Resources
- Software and Hardware System Requirements for Exercises
- Software Version and Specifications
- Required Hardware Components
Setting Up and Managing I/O Settings
- Saving I/O Settings for Future Reuse and Consistency
- Viewing Your Current I/O Settings and Parameters
- Modifying and Customizing I/O Settings to Match Your Setup
- Restoring I/O Settings to Default Values
- Configuring the Audition Path for Preview Playback
- Setting the Default Output Bus for Master Fader Routing
Configuring and Optimizing Pro Tools Hardware
- Setting the Default Sample Rate for Your Sessions
- Selecting and Changing the Clock Source
- Setting Up and Configuring Footswitch Control
- Using a Dedicated Control Panel for Hardware Management
Maximizing and Optimizing Pro Tools System Performance
- Configuring the Playback Engine
- Adjusting Hardware Buffer Size Settings
- Enabling Host Engine Error Suppression
- Managing Cache Size for Optimal Performance (Pro Tools HD Only)
Adding and Organizing Tracks in Your Session
- Adding a New Track that Duplicates the Previous Track Configuration
- Adding a New Track with Specific Type and Characteristics
Managing Display Options in Edit and Mix Windows
- Changing How the Mix and Edit Windows Display Information
- Working with I/O View for Track Routing
- Using Comments View for Track Notes
Managing Track List Display and Organization
- Showing and Hiding Individual Tracks
- Using the Track List Drop-Down Menu Options
- Organizing and Sorting Tracks by Various Criteria
Managing Session Data and Working with Media Files
Understanding Pro Tools Software Capabilities and Limitations
- Pro Tools Basic Specifications and Capacity
- Available Plug-In Ecosystem and Options
- Advanced Features of Pro Tools HD Software
Incorporating and Working with Digital Video Content
- Video Editing and Integration Features Included in Pro Tools HD
- Creating and Configuring Video Tracks
- Assembling and Arranging Video Clips on Video Tracks
- Setting Up Video Playback on a Secondary Monitor Display
Workspace Browsers and Navigation Tools
- Understanding Browser Features and Functionality
- Getting an Overview of Workspace Browser Capabilities
- Learning Workspace Browser Navigation and Organization Features
- Using Waveform Display for Visual Feedback
Bringing Files into Your Session Through Import
- Important Considerations When Importing Files
- Using a Workspace Browser to Import Files
- Accessing Import Commands for File Integration
- Importing Data from Other Pro Tools Sessions
- Batch Importing Multiple Files at Once
Creating and Managing Clip Groups
- Organizing Clips into Clip Groups
- Separating Grouped Clips
- Re-establishing Clip Group Relationships
- Making Changes to Clip Group Members
- Using Clip Groups with Tick-Based Timing Tracks
- Viewing and Managing Clip Groups in the Clip List
Recording MIDI and Audio Tracks
Preparing and Setting Up Your Session for Recording
- Displaying Conductor and Reference Rulers
- Adding Meter and Tempo Events to Your Session
- Creating and Implementing Linear Tempo Changes
- Recording Audio with a Click Track for Timing Reference
Making Recording Selections and Planning Takes
- Setting Up a Selection for Recording
- Using Pre-Roll and Post-Roll for Seamless Recording
Loop Recording for Audio and MIDI Tracks
- Understanding the Differences Between Audio and MIDI Loop Recording Workflows
- Capturing Multiple Loop Record Takes
Reviewing and Auditioning Multiple Loop Record Takes
- Establishing Match Criteria for Take Comparison
- Choosing and Selecting Your Best Alternate Takes
Recording MIDI with Loop Recording and Using MIDI Merge Techniques
Exploring MIDI and Virtual Instrument Capabilities
Understanding Track Timebases and How They Function
- Comparing Sample-Based Operation with Tick-Based Operation
- Understanding Different Track Timebase Options
- Working with Tick-Based Timing and Understanding Note Values
Working with Virtual Instruments and Synthesizers
- Using Plug-In Based Virtual Instruments
- Integrating Stand-Alone Virtual Instrument Software
Understanding MIDI-Compatible Tracks and Track Views
- Viewing and Editing MIDI Data in the Edit Window
- Working with MIDI-Compatible Tracks in the Pro Tools Mix Window
Previewing and Playing Back MIDI Content
- Understanding MIDI Thru Versus Using the Default Thru Instrument
- Previewing and Auditioning MIDI Clips
Editing Your MIDI Data and Notes
- Editing MIDI Clips and Sequences
- Using the Pencil Tool to Edit MIDI Notes Manually
- Modifying and Adjusting Existing MIDI Notes
- Removing Unwanted MIDI Notes
Working with Elastic Audio and Time Manipulation
Understanding Elastic Audio Fundamentals
- Activating and Enabling Elastic Audio on Tracks
- Setting Up Auto-Enabling Elastic Audio for All New Tracks
- Understanding How Elastic Audio Analysis Works
- Conforming Audio Clips to Match the Session Tempo Map
- Recognizing and Using Warp Indicators
- Removing Clip Warping and Returning to Original Timing
Elastic Audio Track Views and Tools
- Using Elastic Audio Markers for Precise Control
Manipulating Sound Using Elastic Audio Warping
- Using Warp View for Visual Warping
- Exploring Different Types of Manual Warping Techniques
Using Elastic Audio to Tighten Rhythmic Performance
- Understanding How Quantizing Interacts with Elastic Audio Events
- Refining and Improving Quantization Results
Using Elastic Audio to Experiment with Tempo Changes
- Applying Tick-Based Timing to Elastic Audio-Enabled Tracks
- Implementing and Applying Tempo Changes
Enhancing the Quality of Warped and Manipulated Audio
- Editing Event Markers in the Analysis View
- Adjusting and Fine-Tuning Event Sensitivity Settings
- Using the X-Form Processing Tool
Using Elastic Audio for Pitch Manipulation and Transposition
- Performing Pitch Shifting Using the Elastic Properties Window
- Performing Pitch Shifting Using the Transpose Window
- Changing and Undoing Pitch Transposition
Detailed Editing and Fine-Tuning Your Performance
Using the Smart Tool for Efficient Editing
- Activating the Primary Smart Tool Functions and Modes
- Creating Fades Using the Smart Tool
- Understanding Smart Tool Fade Rules and Behavior
Creating Rhythmic and Timing Changes for All Track Types
- Comparing Grid Quantize and Groove Quantize Methods
- Using Input Quantize During Recording
- Quantizing Audio and MIDI After Recording
- Configuring Options for Groove and Feel Parameters
MIDI Real-Time Properties and Dynamic Control
- Using the Real-Time Properties View
- Opening and Using the Real-Time Properties Floating Window
- Activating and Configuring Real-Time Properties
- Performing Quantizing Using Real-Time Properties
Creating and Editing Audio Fades
- Using the Fades Dialog Box for Advanced Fade Control
- Applying Fades to Audio Clips
- Editing and Modifying Existing Fades
- Understanding Fades and Their Interaction with Elastic Audio Processing
Additional Media Management and Editing Techniques
Color-Coding Your Tracks for Visual Organization
Creating and Using Clip Loops for Efficient Editing
- Understanding and Working with Clip Loops
- Creating Looped Clips for Repeated Sections
- Modifying and Adjusting Clip Loop Settings
- Editing Looped Clips While Maintaining Loop Integrity
- Important Considerations When Using Clip Loops
- Removing Looping from Clips
Using Grid Mode for Precise Editing
- Enabling and Using Grid Mode
- Separating Clips and Sections Using the Grid
AudioSuite Plug-In Processing Overview
- Understanding AudioSuite Processing Versus Insert Processing Approaches
- Exploring AudioSuite Plugin Features and Capabilities
- Applying AudioSuite Plug-Ins to Audio Selections
Managing Your Clip List for Organization
- Finding and Locating Clips in the Clip List
- Cleaning Up and Organizing the Clip List
- Exporting Clips and Clip Definitions for Archive or Transfer
Mastering Basic Mixing and Signal Flow
Understanding Track Type Icons and Their Meaning
Working with Solo and Mute Status Indicators
Using Insert Processing for Effects and Dynamics
- Placing Inserts on Audio Tracks and Auxiliary Input Channels
- Adding Processing to Master Faders
- Using Plug-In Insert Processing
- Routing to Hardware Insert Points
Using Sends and Return Channels for Effects Processing
- Creating a Send on a Track
- Adjusting and Setting the Send Level
- Changing Default Send Level Preferences
- Understanding Send Display and Organization Options
- Creating a Return Channel for Effects
Working with Sends for Parallel Processing
- Opening and Using the Send Window
- Moving and Copying Sends Between Tracks
- Changing and Removing Sends
Using Native Pro Tools Plug-Ins
- Using Gain-Based Processing Plug-Ins
- Using Time-Based Processing Plug-Ins
- Accessing and Using the Plug-In Window
Working with Master Fader Tracks
- Understanding the Purposes of a Master Fader
- Creating Master Faders for Your Session
Writing and Editing Automation Data
Understanding Automation Principles and Concepts
- Working with Groups and Automation Interaction
- Understanding Automation Playlists and Organization
- Understanding Different Automation Modes
Working with Automation on Your Tracks
- Enabling and Suspending Automation
- Selectively Writing Automation Data
- Playing Back Automation During Playback
- Viewing Automation Data on Your Tracks
Graphically Editing Your Automation Data
- Understanding Different Automation Displays
- Creating and Adjusting Breakpoint Automation Data
- Drawing Automation Curves Freehand
Managing Automation Data Through Cut, Copy, and Paste
- Cutting Automation Versus Deleting Automation
- Using Cut, Copy, and Paste Commands on Automation
- Using Paste Special Mode for Automation
Removing Automation from Tracks
- Deleting Individual Breakpoints on the Automation Graph
- Clearing Automation for the Displayed Automation Graph
- Clearing All Automation Graphs on a Track
Using Sophisticated Mixing Techniques and Finalizing Your Audio
Working with Track Subsets and Organization
- Using the Do-To-Selected Function for Efficient Workflow
- Using Submaster Tracks for Parallel Control
- Routing Signals Using Paths and Selector Tools
Grouping Tracks for Coordinated Control
- Understanding Mix and Edit Groups
- Creating a Group with Specific Functions
- Activating and Deactivating Groups
Working with Groups and Advanced Functions
- Identifying and Viewing Group Membership
- Selecting all Members of a Group
- Modifying a Group and Its Characteristics
- Deleting a Group from Your Session
- Using the All Group for Global Control
- Understanding Groups and Automation Interaction
- Understanding Groups and Elastic Audio
- Creating Final Media for Delivery
- Creating a CD-Compatible Bounce for Distribution
- Creating an Archive of Your Session
