Pro Tools 101 Fundamentals Course

OVERVIEW

The Pro Tools Fundamentals I (PT101) course introduces fundamental Pro Tools concepts and principles, covering everything an individual needs to know to complete a basic Pro Tools project, from initial setup to a final mixdown.

Get Certified in Avid Pro Tools – Upgrade your Skills

You will learn to build sessions that include multi-track recordings of live audio, MIDI sequences and virtual instruments. Hands-on exercises and projects introduce essential techniques for creating sessions, recording and importing audio and MIDI, editing session media, navigating sessions and arranging media on tracks, and using basic processing and mixing techniques to finalize a production. Included with the course material is a download of media files and Pro Tools sessions to accompany the exercises and projects in the text.

Together with the second course in the series, Pro Tools Fundamentals II (PT110), this course provides the foundation training required to prepare for the Avid Certified User: Pro Tools certification exam.

Audience

This course is designed for both new and experienced Pro Tools users seeking to build a solid foundational understanding of the software.

Prerequisites

  • No experience with Avid Pro Tools software is required
  • A working knowledge of Windows or Macintosh or operating systems
  • Basic audio recording and DAW knowledge, such as a familiarity with microphones, understanding of basic audio and MIDI recording techniques, knowledge of basic multi-track mixing concepts (such as setting levels and panning), and familiarity with digital audio equipment such as MIDI controllers and audio interfaces
  • Please review the Pro Tools system requirements before inquiring about this course.

Course Pricing

Ultimate Pro Tools Self Study (with 4 hours LIVE personal training)
54 Hours of Self Study + 4 hour of Live One-on-One Training

$600 – ALL Courses Included . *Six Bi-Weekly Payments of only $50! This course Package Includes: (3 months access to the below core courses)

Live Intensive One-one-One Remote Training

  • Pro Tools 101 (Fundamentals 1)  $1750 USD – 30 hrs
  • (16 of these hours is LIVE One-One-One personal with a real certified instructor)
  • Pro Tools 110 (Fundamentals 2)  $2250 USD – 38 hrs
  • 24 of these hours is LIVE One-One-One personal with a real certified instructor)

    For the PT 101 course, we have financing using ‘After Pay’, where you can finance the course plus 6% You pay the first installment up-front, and then it’s 6 bi-weekly interest free payments.   Or, if you are approved you can finance the course over 1 year with interest.

Course Guidlines

Please review these course guidelines of topics that will be covered in the PT 101, and/or the Optional PT 110 course if you choose to become a Certified Pro Tools User.

Pro Tools Miami Studio

Learning Objectives

  • 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

Currently, we offer this course in a remote ‘one-on-one’ hands-on environment which allows GeniusDV to customize this course.  For advanced users/courses you can also inquire about training in our studio.

Common careers for ProTools  users include:

  • Music Production
  • Film / Video Production
  • Podcast / Radio Production

You  will  learn to build sessions that include multi-track recordings of live audio, MIDI sequences and virtual instruments. Hands-on exercises and projects introduce essential techniques for creating sessions, recording and importing audio and MIDI, editing session media, navigating sessions and arranging media on tracks, and using basic processing and mixing techniques to finalize a production. Included with the course material is a download of media files and Pro Tools sessions to accompany the exercises and projects in the text.

Music Studio Board

Course Schedule

  • Our schedule is flexible.
  • We currently limit course enrollment to only one individual.
  • You must call and/or email us to schedule  an interview with our certified Pro Tools instructor prior to enrolling for the course. (866-566-1881)
  • Ongoing Support Does not expire.

Pro Tools Course Outline (101)

Pro Tools System Requirements
– Compatible Operating Systems PC/MAC
– Disk Space Requirements for Project Sessions

The Pro Tools Digital Audio Workstation
– Audio Processing
– MIDI Production
– Notation and Scores
– Mixing and Automation
– Audio for Video Post-Production

Pro Tools History and Evolution
– Roots in Digidrums
– Digidrums Becomes Digidesign
– Digidesign Merges with Avid Technology
– Pro Tools in This Decade
– Updates to Pro Tools

Audio Basics: Waveform, Frequency, and Amplitude
– Waveform
– Frequency
– Amplitude
– Recording and Playing Back Analog Audio

Converting Audio to Digital Format
– The Importance of Sample Rate
– The Importance of Bit Depth
– Sample Rate, Bit Depth, and File Size
– Recording in Digital Format

Pro Tools System Configurations
– Software Options
– Host-Based Systems Versus DSP-Accelerated Systems
– Audio Interface Options

Cross-Platform Issues
– Keyboard Commands
– File-Naming Conventions

Software Installation and Operation
– Included Plug-Ins and Extras
– Pro Tools Software Features

Pro Tools File Structure
– File Organization
– Session Components

Starting Pro Tools
– Powering Up Your Hardware
– Using the PACE ilok System
– Launching Pro Tools
– Accessing Connected Audio Devices
– Optimizing Host-Based Pro Tools Performance

The Pro Tools Menu Structure
– File Menu
– Edit Menu
– View Menu
– Track Menu
– Clip Menu
– Event Menu
– AudioSuite Menu
– Options Menu
– Setup Menu
– Window Menu
– Marketplace Menu
– Help Menu

Main Pro Tools Windows
– Edit Window
– Mix Window
– Transport Window
– Additional Editor Windows

Edit Tool Functions
– Zoomer T001
– Trim Tool
– Selector Tool
– Grabber Tool
– Scrubber Tool
– Pencil Tool
– Smart Tool

Edit Modes
– Shuffle Mode
– Slip Mode
– Spot Mode
– Grid Mode

Time Scales and Rulers
– Main Time Scale
– Sub Time Scale
– Ruler Display Options

MIDI Control Features
– Wait for Note
– Metronome
– Count off Controls
– MIDI Merge Mode
– Tempo Ruler Enable
– Meter Display
– Tempo Field
– Tool Tips

Creating a New Session
– The Dashboard
– Creating and Using Session Documents
– Creating and Using Project Documents
– Using Templates
– Choosing Parameter Settings
– File Size Considerations

Working with Tracks
– Adding Tracks
– Naming Tracks
– Deleting Tracks
– Adding Audio to Tracks

Controlling Playback
– Timeline Selections
– Edit Selections
– Working with Linked Timeline and Edit Selections
– Starting and Stopping Playback
– Locating the Playback Cursor
– Selecting the Scrolling Behavior

Saving, Locating and Opening Pro Tools Files
– Saving a Session or Project
– Locating and Opening a Session File

Options Before Recording
– Audio Storage Requirements
– Disk Usage Window

Preparing to Record
– Creating a Click Track (Optional)
– Checking Hardware Connections
– Record-Enabling Tracks
– Setting Input Path, Level, and Pan

Recording and Managing Audio
– Organizing after Recording
– Return to Playback Mode
– Organize Audio Files and Clips
– Removing Audio Clips and Deleting Audio Files

Importing and Working with Media
– File Characteristics
– Split Stereo versus Interleaved Files

Importing Audio
– Import Audio Dialog Box
– Importing Audio with the Import Command
– Importing Audio with Workspace Browsers
– Batch Importing Audio

Importing Video
– Video Track Display
– Working with Video Tracks

MIDI Recording
-MIDI Basics
– MIDI in Pro Tools
– Creating MIDI-Compatible Tracks
– Sample-Based Operation versus Tick-Based Operation
– Time Scale and Rulers for Working with MIDI
– Setting the Base Meter and Tempo
– Setting the Base Meter
– Setting the Base Tempo
– Preparing to Record MIDl
– Connecting a MIDI Device
– Checking MIDI Inputs/Outputs
– Record-Enabling MIDI-Compatible Tracks
– Setting Record Options

Using Virtual Instruments
– Placing a Virtual Instrument on an Instrument Track
– Using Xpand
– Using Boom
– Using Structure Free

Viewing MIDI Data on MIDI-Compatible Tracks
– MIDI Clips View
– MIDI Notes View
– Velocity View
– MIDI Editor Window Views

Selecting and Navigating
– Using the Universe View
– Resizing the Universe
– The Current View Indicator
– Moving and Scrolling from the Universe View
– Types of Selection
– Creating Timeline Selections
– Creating Edit Selections
– Working with Selections
– Creating Separate Timeline Selections and Edit Selections
– Making Selections on Multiple Tracks
– Selecting Material Based on Selected Tracks
– Using the Tab Key
– Tabbing to Transient Points

Adjusting the Session View
– Adjusting Track Height
– Changing the Track Order
– Using the Tool
– Using Zoom Toggle
– Changing the Horizontal and Vertical Zoom
– Storing and Recalling Zoom Presets

Adding Markers to Your Session
– About Memory Locations
– Creating a Marker
– The Memory Locations Window
– Recalling a Marker Location
– Deleting a Marker Location
– Creating a Selection Using Markers
– Editing Your Media

Editing Your Media
– Selecting Playback Options
– Scrolling Modes
– Loop Playback

Using the Edit Modes
– Editing in Shuffle Mode
– Editing in Slip Mode
– Editing in Spot Mode
– Editing in Grid Mode
– Using the Snap To Grid Function
– Configuring the Grid

Editing Clips
– Basic Editing Commands
– Special-Purpose Editing Commands

Moving and Trimming Clips
– Using the Grabber Tool
– Using the Trim Functions
– Using the Nudge Function

Creating Fade Effects
– Applying Fade-Ins and Fade-Outs
– Applying Crossfades
– Fade Settings

Undoing Your Work
– Using Multi-Level Undo
– Using Restore Last Selection
– Using Revert to Saved
– Restoring from Session Backups

Mixing and Creating a Bounce
– Basic Mixer Terminology
– Inputs
– Outputs
– Inserts
– Sends and Returns

Working in the Mix Window
– Configuring the Mix Window
– Using Basic Automation
– Recording Automation (Write Mode)
– Playing Back Automation (Read Mode)
– Turning Automation Off (Off Mode)
– Viewing Automation Playlists
– Editing Breakpoint Automation

Using Plug-In Processors
– Real-Time Plug-In Formats
– Plug-Ins Provided with Pro Tools

Backing Up Your Session
– Considerations for Backup and Archive Copies
– Saving a Session Copy

Creating a Stereo Mixdown
– Mixdown Options
– Considerations for Bouncing Audio
– Bouncing to Disk
– Adding a Bounce File to Your iTunes Library
– Automating Shared Effects and Creating a Stereo Bounce

Video Editing and Audio Production