Introduction

We’ve been using Pro Tools since it arrived on the scene, and before that, Sound Tools II, Sound Tools, and the original Sound Designer program. Digidesign has consistently set the standard for reliable, logical systems that respond to real-world needs for audio production. Hats off to ’em!

Pro Tools has basically been an industry standard since it was introduced, and it is used in a variety of industries and applications: multimedia, post and music production, journalism, and broadcast, among others. There are many excellent learning resources for Pro Tools users, including books, support and educational material on the Digidesign Web site, Digidesign/Avid certified training centers, and university and recording-school programs.

In this book, we’ve tried to pull together a comprehensive overview of Pro Tools operation, the currently available configurations, the major areas where Pro Tools is commonly used, and the essential technical background necessary to get your Pro Tools rig interacting with the world around it. Our intention is to

• Jump-start new Pro Tools users, both those with a solid audio background and people who are more or less new to hands-on audio production.

• Get more-experienced users much deeper into the program, and into areas that may be more unfamiliar.

• Drop some interesting or thought-provoking tips on the experienced Pro Tools user.

For this reason, we make an effort to communicate on several levels simultaneously: general concepts, step-by-step instructions, technical detail where it helps to clarify concepts, plus suggestions for peripherals and techniques that will save you time. First, we review the currently available Pro Tools configurations (which we revisit in more detail in Chapter 3, “Your System Configuration”), then walk through basic concepts, reviewing the essential functions in the main Pro Tools windows and menus (but not all of them—that’s what the PDF documentation is for!). Our objective is help you become productive in Pro Tools in as little time as possible. For that reason, we will always try to ground any theoretical aside or description of a Pro Tools function with real-world examples.

How to Use This Book

You can read this book from start to finish, jump directly to certain chapters if you prefer, or graze throughout. We try to use the plainest language possible, but in some of the technical asides, the single simplest way to accurately describe a concept may still be a little dense. (It’s the nature of the subject matter!) In these cases, don’t sweat technical details upon your first reading. Get the big picture first; you can always review later for further depth.

All users should take a moment to review the basic information in Chapter 2, “Pro Tools Terms and Concepts.” These establish bedrock concepts and vocabulary and are essential for understanding how Pro Tools works. If you’re new to all of this, including audio and MIDI in general, begin with Chapter 1, “About Pro Tools”—we’ll give you a jump start.

Who Can Benefit

Aside from covering LE, M-Powered, and HD versions on Mac and Windows, we’ve challenged ourselves to ensure that this book provides useful information for the following:

• New Pro Tools users

• Experienced users seeking to broaden their knowledge, get up-to-date on recent versions, or branch into other areas of production

• Veteran users (we’ve been using Pro Tools since it came out, and still found out some interesting tips while researching and writing this book!)

Quick Start for You Impatient Types

You just cranked up Pro Tools, and you’re not even sure where to start. Well, the Pro Tools Reference Guide (a PDF document included with the program) is definitely worth your time. You might print out some major sections (also a good idea with the Keyboard Shortcuts guide) and lug them around with you for the next few weeks; take them to lunch, for instance. Respect where it’s due: Digidesign does a good job on its manuals!

If you’re a first-timer and anxious to get started with Pro Tools (and have already successfully installed the software and configured the hardware), you might go straight to Chapter 4, “Creating Your First Pro Tools Session.” We walk you through creating a session, creating audio tracks and Auxiliary Inputs, recording and editing some audio, inserting effects plug-ins, and performing simple mix automation.

Once you’ve gotten that out of your system, you can push ahead through the chapters about the Transport, Edit, and Mix windows. Even better, check out Chapter 2 first. We lay down the basic elements and lingo you absolutely must understand to work sensibly with Pro Tools.

Conventions Used in This Book

Besides covering LE, M-Powered, and HD versions of Pro Tools for music, post, and multimedia users at all levels, everything in this book is equally applicable to Windows and Macintosh versions unless noted otherwise.

Keyboard Shortcuts (Macintosh/Windows)

Rather than focusing exclusively on Macintosh or Windows keyboard shortcuts (and making you consult a legend somewhere in the back of the book to find the equivalent for your computer), we’ve opted to always include both: first the Macintosh keyboard shortcut (since the majority of Pro Tools systems are Mac-based, although not to an overwhelming degree), followed by the Windows equivalent in parentheses.

With several exceptions, for the most part the following Mac/Win key equivalents apply in Pro Tools:

• The Mac Command key is usually the Ctrl key in Windows.

• The Mac Option key is usually the Alt key in Windows.

• The Mac Control key is often the Start key in Windows. (For Mac users who don’t have a two-button mouse—highly recommended—Control-click is also sometimes an alternative for right-clicking the mouse.)

Be aware, though, that these Mac/Windows key equivalents don’t necessarily apply to other programs!

Pro Tools Versions

This first edition of Pro Tools 8 Power! is directed toward all users of Pro Tools 8 in its LE, M-Powered, and HD versions. The previous edition of the Power! series for Pro Tools covered version 7.xx (ISBN 1-59863-473-9). Another predecessor to this book, Pro Tools 6 Power! (ISBN 1-59200-505-5), covered 6.xx versions of Pro Tools (and is still available as an appropriate choice for 24 MIX and Digi 001 users, for example, since those hardware configurations don’t support Pro Tools 7 or 8).

Digidesign is doing a great job of steadily evolving the Pro Tools platform. It was introduced in 1991 as a four-in, four-out system with a handful of built-in effects—no plug-ins or TDM yet, but with a killer sound and an interface that blew everybody else away! Pro Tools was (and remains) the product in the hard-disk recording category that literally revolutionized the recording industry. Since then, top-end configurations have progressed to literally scores of potential I/O channels, a potential depth of signal routing and plug-in processing that’s downright scary, and 24-bit audio at sample rates up to 192kHz. Pro Tools systems are used around the world for every conceivable audio application: music, film, television, spoken-word, research, forensics, restoration, sound design, and so on.

There are currently three versions of the Pro Tools 8 software (as detailed in Chapter 3, “Your System Configuration,” and elsewhere). Each supports specific audio hardware: Pro Tools LE (Mbox 2 family, Digi 003), Pro Tools M-Powered (purchased separately for use with one of various supported M-Audio interfaces), and Pro Tools HD (Pro Tools|HD hardware).

The now-discontinued Pro Tools|24 MIX, Pro Tools|24, and Pro Tools III systems were based on an earlier TDM plug-in architecture similar to that of the current-generation Pro Tools|HD hardware. Likewise, Digi 001 and ToolBox systems used previous LE versions of Pro Tools. None of these systems are compatible with Pro Tools version 8. Accordingly, in this edition of Pro Tools 8 Power! we have deleted various references to this legacy hardware (especially since those configurations are adequately covered in Pro Tools 6 Power! and Pro Tools 7 Power!).

Where appropriate, we will point out features that are available only in HD systems—or are not available in M-Powered, for example. For the most part, the HD version of Pro Tools includes all software features of the LE and M-Powered versions. Where there are restrictions or changes (for example, recommendations about how to order RTAS and TDM plug-ins in your tracks, or the more full-featured version of Beat Detective that is available in the HD version of Pro Tools), we will let you know.

In addition to the aforementioned configurations, Pro Tools Free 5.01—a limited-feature “legacy” version for Mac OS 9 and Windows 98 operating systems only—is available as a free download from Digidesign’s Web site.

What’s Not in This Book

Every effort has been made to make this edition of Pro Tools 8 Power! the most comprehensive and multilevel book possible. That said, it should be noted that the Pro Tools program is so powerful, so ubiquitous, that one could go on forever exploring its applications in one specialized field after another. At the same time, we have to assume that the reader has a certain basic level of preparation, and that it’s understood that the basic concepts explained here will continue to be valid even as Digidesign continues to release new versions.

Computer Fundamentals

We obviously can’t dedicate space here to cover basic computer concepts. If you don’t know how to empty your Trash or Recycle Bin, open a menu, or open a Control Panel, or don’t know the difference between a folder and a file, you should go to one of the many excellent resources out there to learn about this. Nonetheless, you really do need to understand how your computer works as well as how to maintain your operating system, disks and files, and so on to get the most out of your Pro Tools system—there’s just no getting around it. Your computer, as the platform for Pro Tools, is one of the tools of your craft. Just as you have to change the strings on your instrument, replace the batteries in stompboxes, clean the heads on your tape recorders (until you’ve finally gotten rid of them all!), and pick up coffee mugs when clients leave for the day, you have to be able to navigate your computer system; it goes with the territory.

In Chapter 3, “Your System Configuration,” we review computer and hard-drive requirements for Pro Tools specifically and the basic peripherals most users need (like MIDI and SMPTE interfaces, mixers and microphone preamps, and a good system for monitoring audio playback).

Older “Legacy” Versions of Pro Tools

Hey, we have a hard enough time keeping up with the new versions! Many discontinued Pro Tools systems are just as functional today as when they were new—very functional. For example, even though Digi 001 and 24 MIX models were discontinued back in 2004, they deliver excellent performance on an adequate computer system of the same vintage, and will probably continue in production at many facilities for quite some time. (Digi 001 and 24 MIX only support 6.4/6.4.1 versions of the Pro Tools software; they don’t work with Pro Tools 6.7 or higher, let alone Pro Tools 8.)

As mentioned previously, the predecessors to this book, Pro Tools 6 Power! (ISBN 1-59200-505-5) and Pro Tools 7 Power! (ISBN 1-59863-473-9), cover respectively 6.xx and 7.xx versions of Pro Tools, and will be ideal for users of these systems. In addition to discussing previous version enhancements, those books also distinguish features that are different in the 6.4.x and earlier software versions for 24 MIX, Digi 001, and ToolBox systems.

Older-generation Pro Tools III hardware configurations were also TDM systems (with Pro Tools software 5.01 in Mac OS 9 only—this hardware does not support any higher versions). However, if you are using any of these older systems, be very cautious about upgrading your computer hardware or operating system. By no means should you assume that a newer operating system, even if it is compatible with your older computer, is best for your version of Pro Tools. For example, no 5.xx version of Pro Tools works under Macintosh OS X, even in Classic mode, and no version prior to 6.9.2 works under the 10.4.x versions of the Macintosh operating system. Go to the Support section of Digidesign’s Web site for compatibility information on these legacy systems!

Lastly, if your system is limited to one of the 5.xx versions of the Pro Tools software (including Pro Tools Free 5.01), consider taking a look at the original Pro Tools Power! (ISBN 1-929685-57-2), which specifically covers that generation of the Pro Tools software and hardware.

Future Versions of Pro Tools, TBA Next Week/Month/Year …

We’ve made an effort to create content that will continue to be meaningful even as new releases of Pro Tools appear. As of this writing, our descriptions are based on currently shipping versions of Pro Tools 8. Minor upgrades are always coming out, usually for bug fixes or to support new hardware options; and farther down the road, more significant upgrades are certain to introduce additional features. Most likely, the actual operational changes will be minor; but compared to these hypothetical future versions, you may note discrepancies in a few of our screenshots. Again, you can expect the basic concepts explained in this book to remain valid well into future versions of Pro Tools.

Computer and digital audio technologies move forward very quickly. As a general rule, if you’re using current Pro Tools hardware, you will want the fastest computer out there (although not necessarily the very latest operating system), as long as you see that model in the Compatibility listings on Digidesign’s Web site. We’re always bemused when people berate Digidesign and other digital audio workstation manufacturers for not supporting the latest all-important new operating system from Apple or Microsoft within a matter of weeks. (It’s as if you suddenly become a square overnight, just because you don’t rush out to get this season’s clever haircut, or dumb-looking shoes!) Understand that Pro Tools is a demanding, real-time application. It pushes the capabilities of a computer and its operating system, and it takes time to make this program as (relatively) bulletproof as it is!

Again, this book aims to be useful for Pro Tools versions LE (Mbox 2 family, Digi 003 and the now-discontinued Digi 002 family and original Mbox) M-Powered (various M-Audio interfaces) and Pro Tools HD (for Pro Tools|HD hardware configurations). So, if you’ve got an LE or M-Powered system, for example, please bear with us if we devote time to a number of HD-specific features; at least it will give you an idea what you have to look forward to when all those royalty checks come in!

Other Programs

We do discuss some stereo editing programs for checking, tweaking, or converting bounced files, plus common CD-burning software. But we can’t dedicate pages to walking you through step-by-step operations in these audio programs, nor in standard system utilities. There’s just not space! However, we will tell you that we find Norton SystemWorks (Norton Utilities) extremely useful for maintaining a Pro Tools rig (especially Disk Doctor and Speed Disk, which we use often—although we don’t recommend enabling the File Saver feature on Pro Tools systems). Some Macintosh users prefer the Tech Tool or DiskWarrior programs, which also do a great job of keeping your hard disks free of errors that can interfere with Pro Tools’ performance.

Also, feature comparisons with other multitrack audio/MIDI programs don’t fit our space constraints. Current versions of Logic Pro, Cubase, Nuendo, Digital Performer, SONAR, Reason, ACID, Ableton Live, and others are all fine programs—each, like Pro Tools, with its strengths and weaknesses. Several of them cohabitate with Pro Tools on our own computers! Obviously, many of their features overlap with those of Pro Tools—recording and editing audio and MIDI, applying effects, automation, and bouncing mixes. A few of them can even operate concurrently with Pro Tools, linked together via ReWire. But we can’t tell you which is right for your needs; it really depends on your working style and personal preference. Furthermore, sometimes one program is more suited to certain projects than others. But Pro Tools is a powerful production environment; you can do just about anything with it, and the fact that you’re holding this book in your hands says a lot already. So, we promise not to go off onto any of those tangents, you know, where we say “one of the things we really like about Pro Audio Munch XXL that we wish Pro Tools had is ….” Let’s leave that to the online forums!

Thank You!

If you’re a new Pro Tools user, you’re in for a treat. We can tell you from personal experience that the hands-on, nonlinear audio experience you are undertaking will completely transform your creative process, and for that matter, change your perception of audio in general. If you already know your way around the program, we promise to take you much deeper into this powerful production environment. Even if you are already a veteran user, we’ve made an effort to provide tips and applications that will get you thinking in new directions.

But before all that, let us take the opportunity to say thank you for purchasing this book! We sincerely appreciate your confidence in it, and hope its content serves to energize your learning experience and enrich your creative process.