Pro Tools Signal Flow Explained

If you're new to Pro Tools, or want to further your knowledge on the art of routing and signal flow, this title is a must see. Kenny Gioia breaks down everything you need to know about both basic and advanced signal flow and routing in Pro Tools, making your workflow faster and more creative.

Introduction

• Introduction (02:03) - In this title, we go thru the basics of Signal Flow. Using pictures and diagrams we describe how signal flows and is routed throughout Pro Tools.

The I/O Set Up Window

• Inputs (05:57) - Next we dive into the I/O Window and how all signal flows through this virtual patch bay. We break each section down, starting with Inputs and how we can label each one for clearer organization.

• Outputs (01:37) - In this video Kenny checks out the Outputs of the I/O window and how they can also be routed anywhere and properly labeled.

• Bus (03:28) - The buses in Pro Tools are one of the most flexible sections and signal can be routed in and out thru and type of track and back with great simplicity.

• Inserts (01:22) - Next we check out the Inserts in the I/O window and how they can be routed directly to real hardware equipment for processing of our Pro Tools tracks.

• Misc (04:48) - Finally we go through the Misc section of the I/O window and how we can save and restore our I/O settings and whether our setup is global or based on each session. We also go thru output and audition defaults to make set up quicker.

Track Types

• Mono Audio (04:35) - Next we run through all the different types of tracks available in Pro Tools. We start with Mono Audio Tracks and go through the signal flow of the entire track.

• Stereo Audio (01:34) - Then we run through the Stereo Audio Tracks and go through the signal flow of the entire track.

• Mono Aux Input (01:44) - Next we run through the Mono Aux Tracks and go through the signal flow of that entire track.

• Stereo Aux Input (00:57) - Then we run through the Stereo Aux Tracks and go through the signal flow of the entire track.

• Master Faders (02:37) - Next we run through the Master Fader and go through the signal flow of that entire track and how it differs from audio and aux tracks.

• VCA Tracks (01:39) - Then we run through the VCA Master Fader Tracks and how it could be used to control the signal of other tracks in our groups.

• MIDI Tracks (03:00) - Next we run through Midi Tracks and how their signal is routed from our midi interfaces into our tracks.

• Instrument Tracks (02:30) - Instrument tracks combine the best of a Midi Track and an Aux track and we go through how they can be utilized.

• Video Tracks (01:02) - Finally we run through briefly how video tracks can be used in Pro Tools and how we can line up audio with video.

Record Setup

• Name Tracks (03:18) - Next we go through the process of setting up to record in Pro Tools. We begin with naming tracks and how that effects our clip names.

• Inputs (01:55) - Now we move on to checking out the inputs and preparing them to record.

• Record Enabled (01:37) - Next we go thru how to record enable our tracks and adjusting our preferences for speeding up the process.

• Recording Levels (05:38) - Setting up Recording Levels is one of the most important things we do in the process and Kenny shows you how to get the right level to avoid overloading your front end.

• Recording Modes (05:51) - There are a bunch of different modes that we can use to record in Pro Tools including Destructive, Looping and Quickpunch.

• Monitoring Modes (02:19) - There are a few Monitoring modes in Pro Tools and understanding these choices can really help us take advantage of when can be done in Pro Tools.

MIDI Recording

• MIDI Setup (07:19) - In this video, we set up our Midi devices and route them in and out, to and from each other to make them available in Pro Tools.

• Input Devices and MIDI Thru (03:18) - In this video, we set up each device and whether or not input is active and how to use the Midi Thru function.

• Default MIDI Thru (01:14) - The Default Midi Thru preference allows us to keep a Midi Input and an Output device active at all times to make production easier.

• MIDI Input Filter (01:11) - The midi input filter allows us to decide what does and doesn't get routed thru our tracks and recorded.

• Wait for Note (01:10) - The Wait for Note feature allows us to record in Pro Tools hands - free and only record midi once we start playing our MIDI controllers.

• Click (01:43) - In this tutorial we go thru the process of setting up a Click Track.

• MIDI Merge (01:53) - Next we run through the feature Midi Merge which enables us to overdub our midi tracks right back into the same track.

• Real Time Properties (03:27) - The Real Time Properties feature allows us to tweak our midi information without committing to changing our performance.

• Input Quantize (01:36) - Now we check out the Input Quantize function which allows us to record into Pro Tools while simultaneously quantizing the information.

• Multiple Tracks (02:20) - Next we go thru recording Midi information to multiple tracks at the same time. Both using the same and different controllers.

• Punching (01:55) - Then we go thru the process of punching in our MIDI recordings.

• Loop Recording (03:53) - Using the Looping function in Pro Tools allows us to record Midi in a looping fashion and overdub as we go.

Basic Mixing

• Uses for Audio Tracks (03:32) - Next we go into Basic Mixing in Pro Tools. We start off by going through Audio Tracks and their many uses.

• Hardware Inputs (01:29) - Then we go thru the Aux tracks and what we can use them for. We start with our Hardware Inputs.

• FX Returns - Software (05:17) - Another common use for Aux tracks is as FX Returns. Kenny goes thru how to create effects using this technique with Software.

• FX Returns - Hardware (01:36) - Another common use for Aux tracks is as FX Returns. Kenny goes thru how to create effects using this technique with Hardware.

• Sub-mixing - FX Sharing (07:16) - We can also use Aux Tracks for creating Sub-mixes to make mixing easier when dealing with large sessions. We also go thru sharing effects in a similar way using Aux tracks.

• Parallel Compression (04:05) - Another great use for Aux Tracks is for creating Parallel Compression effects and combining wet and dry signals.

• Uses for Master track - Master Fader (07:22) - Next we go thru the many uses for the Master Fader tracks. Starting with using them as a Master control for our mixes.

• Uses for Master Track - Submixing (02:29) - Master Fader tracks can also be used for creating master controls for our Submixes.

• Uses for Master Track - FX Sends (03:05) - We can also control the master level of each of our FX sends using Master Faders. Along with automating our sends for creative purposes.

• Uses for Master Track - Headphone Mixes (03:06) - Master Faders can also become master level controls for each of our Headphone mixes.

Inserts and Sends

• Inserts Expanded (12:37) - Next we go into great detail on how to use Inserts in Pro Tools. We cover adding plugins, plugin organization, default EQ and Comp, favorites, gain staging and the various ways of bypassing each of them using modifiers and key commands.

• Sends Expanded (13:13) - Then we go into great detail on how to use Sends in Pro Tools. We cover adding sends, buses or outputs, creating reverb, pre and post fader, gain staging, meters in sends and the various ways we can bypass our sends using modifiers and key commands.

• Setting Up Headphone Mixes (Pre & Post) FMP (13:39) - Next we go into detail on how to create Headphone Mixes in Pro Tools including using both pre and post faders sends.

• Printing Stems (11:04) - Then Kenny goes through the process of creating Stems to send to editors and video producers for greater control of our mixes without requiring all of the individual tracks in our productions.

• Sidechaining Compression (07:52) - And finally, we go thru the process of Side-Chaining our tracks and triggering the compression from external sources to create interesting rhythms to be added to our legato tracks.