Pro Tools Intro: Getting Started

If you're just starting out on the free version of Pro Tools Intro, there can be a pretty steep learning curve, which can be quite intimidating to those just getting started. This Pro Tools Intro video course with Groove3 instructor Thomas Cochran makes it easy, teaching you the most important must-know concepts with clear, easy-to-understand demonstrations and explanations. You'll learn how to get started with Pro Tools Intro and set up your hardware (audio interface, speakers, etc.), how to record audio and MIDI, how to edit your recordings, and much more. By the end of this near-three-hour course, you'll be well on your way to turning your musical ideas and compositions into full-fledged audio recordings that sound great, using the industry-standard DAW, Pro Tools. These videos are for new Pro Tools Intro users.

Introduction

• Creating & Saving Projects (12:10) - To start off, we take a look at the basic file structure of Pro Tools and its projects, and Thomas shows how to save our newly created project.

• Audio & MIDI Hardware Setup (14:22) - Learn how to properly configure Pro Tools for audio playback and recording. This video also shows how to configure default routings to make creating larger projects easier.

• Tour of the Software (13:31) - This video provides an overview of the various sections of the software and explains their functions.

• Basic Navigation Pt. 1 (11:37) - Learn how to navigate and play back sections in the software.

• Basic Navigation Pt. 2 (07:07) - Discover some additional navigation features, all of which make working in the software much quicker.

Creating, Editing, & Organizing Sounds

• Making MIDI Drums Pt. 1 (07:37) - This video shows off instrument tracks and demonstrates how to use the MIDI editor to create rhythmic sequences.

• Making MIDI Drums Pt. 2 (08:50) - Next, we take a look at recording a MIDI percussion part and learn how to quantize and edit our performance after the fact.

• Making MIDI Instruments (10:18) - Next Thomas shows how to record and edit some simple chords in the midi editor using the built-in instruments.

• Recording Audio (07:42) - Learn the basics of recording and comping audio in Pro Tools. This opens up all sorts of possibilities for your songs.

• Editing Audio (14:42) - Discover how to load audio loops from your computer and edit them. This video discusses all the basics you need to know when working with audio material.

Basic Mixing & Effects

• Audio Plug-ins (12:11) - Explore the different ways sounds can be modified and mixed using audio effects. Thomas showcases AAX Plugins and demonstrates how they can expand your effects and instruments library.

• Aux Tracks & Sends (11:06) - Learn how to easily create an aux send and a return track for adding effects to your audio. This video also covers how to group multiple drum tracks together using aux tracks to make mixing easier.

• Basic Automation (06:56) - Learn the basics of using automation in Pro Tools, including both drawing and recording the data in your songs.

• Exporting a Song (04:50) - This video wraps up the course and shows you how to export your song project as an audio file, so you can listen back and/or share your music.