Pro Tools Signal Flow Explained®
Chapter 1 : Introduction
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2:03 Introduction
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.
Chapter 2 : The I/O Set Up Window
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5:57 Inputs
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.
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1:37 Outputs
In this video Kenny checks out the Outputs of the I/O window and how they can also be routed anywhere and properly labeled.
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3:28 Bus
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.
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1:22 Inserts
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.
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4:48 Misc
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.
Chapter 3 : Track Types
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4:35 Mono Audio
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.
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1:34 Stereo Audio
Then we run through the Stereo Audio Tracks and go through the signal flow of the entire track.
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1:44 Mono Aux Input
Next we run through the Mono Aux Tracks and go through the signal flow of that entire track.
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0:57 Stereo Aux Input
Then we run through the Stereo Aux Tracks and go through the signal flow of the entire track.
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2:37 Master Faders
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.
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1:39 VCA Tracks
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.
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3:00 MIDI Tracks
Next we run through Midi Tracks and how their signal is routed from our midi interfaces into our tracks.
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2:30 Instrument Tracks
Instrument tracks combine the best of a Midi Track and an Aux track and we go through how they can be utilized.
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1:02 Video Tracks
Finally we run through briefly how video tracks can be used in Pro Tools and how we can line up audio with video.
Chapter 4 : Record Setup
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3:18 Name Tracks
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.
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1:55 Inputs
Now we move on to checking out the inputs and preparing them to record.
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1:37 Record Enabled
Next we go thru how to record enable our tracks and adjusting our preferences for speeding up the process.
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5:38 Recording Levels
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.
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5:51 Recording Modes
There are a bunch of different modes that we can use to record in Pro Tools including Destructive, Looping and Quickpunch.
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2:19 Monitoring Modes
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.
Chapter 5 : MIDI Recording
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7:19 MIDI Setup
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.
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3:18 Input Devices and MIDI Thru
In this video, we set up each device and whether or not input is active and how to use the Midi Thru function.
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1:14 Default MIDI Thru
The Default Midi Thru preference allows us to keep a Midi Input and an Output device active at all times to make production easier.
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1:11 MIDI Input Filter
The midi input filter allows us to decide what does and doesn't get routed thru our tracks and recorded.
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1:10 Wait for Note
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.
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1:43 Click
In this tutorial we go thru the process of setting up a Click Track.
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1:53 MIDI Merge
Next we run through the feature Midi Merge which enables us to overdub our midi tracks right back into the same track.
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3:27 Real Time Properties
The Real Time Properties feature allows us to tweak our midi information without committing to changing our performance.
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1:36 Input Quantize
Now we check out the Input Quantize function which allows us to record into Pro Tools while simultaneously quantizing the information.
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2:20 Multiple Tracks
Next we go thru recording Midi information to multiple tracks at the same time. Both using the same and different controllers.
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1:55 Punching
Then we go thru the process of punching in our MIDI recordings.
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3:53 Loop Recording
Using the Looping function in Pro Tools allows us to record Midi in a looping fashion and overdub as we go.
Chapter 6 : Basic Mixing
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3:32 Uses for Audio Tracks
Next we go into Basic Mixing in Pro Tools. We start off by going through Audio Tracks and their many uses.
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1:29 Hardware Inputs
Then we go thru the Aux tracks and what we can use them for. We start with our Hardware Inputs.
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5:17 FX Returns - Software
Another common use for Aux tracks is as FX Returns. Kenny goes thru how to create effects using this technique with Software.
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1:36 FX Returns - Hardware
Another common use for Aux tracks is as FX Returns. Kenny goes thru how to create effects using this technique with Hardware.
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7:16 Sub-mixing - FX Sharing
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.
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4:05 Parallel Compression
Another great use for Aux Tracks is for creating Parallel Compression effects and combining wet and dry signals.
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7:22 Uses for Master track - Master Fader
Next we go thru the many uses for the Master Fader tracks. Starting with using them as a Master control for our mixes.
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2:29 Uses for Master Track - Submixing
Master Fader tracks can also be used for creating master controls for our Submixes.
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3:05 Uses for Master Track - FX Sends
We can also control the master level of each of our FX sends using Master Faders. Along with automating our sends for creative purposes.
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3:06 Uses for Master Track - Headphone Mixes
Master Faders can also become master level controls for each of our Headphone mixes.
Chapter 7 : Inserts and Sends
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12:37 Inserts Expanded
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.
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13:13 Sends Expanded
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.
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13:39 Setting Up Headphone Mixes (Pre & Post) FMP
Next we go into detail on how to create Headphone Mixes in Pro Tools including using both pre and post faders sends.
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11:04 Printing Stems
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.
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7:52 Sidechaining Compression
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.
Product Overview
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.
Kenny starts with the basics of signal flow using diagrams and pictures so you can easily understand the concepts. Next, Kenny reveals the sometimes puzzling I/O Set Up Window and explains each section in detail as well as how to route, name and organize your inputs, outputs, busses, inserts and more.
Track Types is next on the menu and Kenny serves up complete understanding of all the different track types and their uses. Setting up to record is then looked at so you'll know exactly how to name tracks, prepare inputs, enable tracks to record, setting the right level to avoid clipping and overloads, all the different record modes and how / when to use them, as well as the different monitoring modes.
Kenny now goes deeper showing you all things MIDI, such as MIDI Setup, Input Devices and MIDI Thru, MIDI input Filters, Wait For Note Recording, Click Tracks, MIDI Merge, Real-Time Properties for non-destructive editing, Input Quantize, using Multiple MIDI Tracks, Punching MIDI, and Loop Recording MIDI.
If that wasn't enough, Kenny goes even further with awesome videos on Mixing techniques utilizing Hardware Inputs, FX Sends & Returns (both Hardware & Software), FX Sharing, Parallel Compression, Master Faders, Submixing, Headphone Mixes and much, much more. Kenny wraps up this detailed series with advanced Insert & Sends videos, Pre and Post Headphone Mixes, Printing Stems and Sidechain Compression techniques.
If you really want to master the ins and outs of Pro Tools, there is no better way than to watch this series... Get "Pro Tools Signal Flow Explained" today.
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Reviews
Submitted 1 month ago
Just what I was looking for!!!!
I was having trouble recording like I was on a analog system. Thinking 0 db was my go to . Boy was I wrong!!! This was great
I am a: Beginner, Musician, Producer, Pro Tools
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 4 months ago
Very Helpful!!
Currently learning PT in my Music Biz & Tech program. Each topic is explained very well and I have a better understanding now. Looking forward to class tomorrow so I can practice routing and signal flow. Great Videos, with quality instruction and video production. Thanks.
I am a: Student, Hobbyist, Musician, Producer, Beat Maker, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Sound for Film/TV, Bitwig Studio, Pro Tools
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 4 months ago
great video
learned so much
I am a: Student, Producer, Ableton Live
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 4 months ago
Excellent
Kenny is amazing. This video is perfect for all protools users. Makes you workflow better.
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Pro Tools
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
EXCELLENT!!
I learned a lot from this tutorial. Easy to understand.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Great !!
Amazing it helped me a lot. The sound is so much better now that i understand how it works... i would love to see more routing details, like after you got your mix almost done where to route it or how many aux do i need to make the sound more pro. Or how to put together your intrument with vocals and fx properly. But overall its super dope.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Very Solid Protools Info
Kenny's Pro tools tutorials simply rock, even though I do not produce his typical genres, the information is really solid and taught well.
I am a: Producer, Professional, Audio Engineer, Musician, Sound Designer
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
YES everything I was looking for
If like me you just intalled PT for the first time , watch that video you will save a lot of time. I'm a big Cubase user and I Was trying to rap my head around PT signal flow and there it was Big Thanks Groove3
I am a: Mastering Facility, Producer, Professional, Audio Engineer, Musician
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 1 month ago
Just what I was looking for!!!!
I was having trouble recording like I was on a analog system. Thinking 0 db was my go to . Boy was I wrong!!! This was great
I am a: Beginner, Musician, Producer, Pro Tools
Submitted 4 months ago
Very Helpful!!
Currently learning PT in my Music Biz & Tech program. Each topic is explained very well and I have a better understanding now. Looking forward to class tomorrow so I can practice routing and signal flow. Great Videos, with quality instruction and video production. Thanks.
I am a: Student, Hobbyist, Musician, Producer, Beat Maker, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Sound for Film/TV, Bitwig Studio, Pro Tools
Submitted 4 months ago
great video
learned so much
I am a: Student, Producer, Ableton Live
Submitted 4 months ago
Excellent
Kenny is amazing. This video is perfect for all protools users. Makes you workflow better.
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Pro Tools
Submitted 2 years ago
EXCELLENT!!
I learned a lot from this tutorial. Easy to understand.
Submitted 2 years ago
Great !!
Amazing it helped me a lot. The sound is so much better now that i understand how it works... i would love to see more routing details, like after you got your mix almost done where to route it or how many aux do i need to make the sound more pro. Or how to put together your intrument with vocals and fx properly. But overall its super dope.
Submitted 2 years ago
Very Solid Protools Info
Kenny's Pro tools tutorials simply rock, even though I do not produce his typical genres, the information is really solid and taught well.
I am a: Producer, Professional, Audio Engineer, Musician, Sound Designer
Submitted 2 years ago
YES everything I was looking for
If like me you just intalled PT for the first time , watch that video you will save a lot of time. I'm a big Cubase user and I Was trying to rap my head around PT signal flow and there it was Big Thanks Groove3
I am a: Mastering Facility, Producer, Professional, Audio Engineer, Musician
1. When did you start dabbling in music?
I've played an instrument since I was 10. Drums and Trumpet. I'm 40 now. I can play a little bit of any instrument. Master of none. Rock bands most of my life.
2. What training have you had?
I was taught trumpet classically from grade school up until I graduated high school. I went to Five Towns College for engineering and learned that you can't just learn this stuff from school. I did graduate though.
3. When did you get into recording?
I've been recording since I was 15. Two cassette players wired to a Radio Shack mixer. Eventually I got an 8 track reel to reel by Fostex. I've used just about every DAW and I started using them before they even recorded audio. Vision and Performer were just MIDI sequencers at the time. Before they became Studio Vision and Digital Performer. I got studio jobs because I knew computer MIDI and most studios didn't. I eventually moved up to Sound Tools which was two track. Then Pro Tools made a Audio Media III card which let you have 4 inputs. Gradually I moved up from there with Pro Tools D24, Pro Tools Mix to HD.
4. People you have worked with/for?
Marcy Playground
Mandy Moore
LFO
Willa Ford
Lee Ann Womack
Paulina Rubio
Hall & Oates
Bayside
Head Automatica
Cute is What We Aim For
FTSK
and many more...
5. Why are you so good at training people?
Hmmm. My Mom always said "Self Praise Stinks". I think it's because I have no ability to talk like a professional announcer, or plan out my teachings. So I teach as if you were sitting next to me. Pretty much off the cuff. I think that engages people more. We're so used to hearing everything done so properly and planned out with unnecessary explanations and proper wording that the brain will actually ignore most of it. Your brain tunes it out like you're back at your desk at school. But if the teacher grabbed you aside and just explained it to you, I believe you'd get more out of it. That is what I try to do.
Products by Kenny
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tutorial videoCompressors Explained
Kenny Gioia is back, this time giving you the history and application of all the famous Compressors ever made, as well as their modern day plug-in equivalents! Now you’ll know exactly what Compressor to pick for your tracks and how to use them. This series is long overdue!
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tutorial videoDelay Explained
The Delay effect is one of the oldest effects to be used on recordings, and there are many different types and ways to apply it. Multi-Platinum mixer / producer extraordinaire Kenny Gioia returns with a must have series for anyone recording, mixing, engineering or producing music. See how delay can be used to make tracks bigger, wider and just cooler! Learn the important fundamentals and advanced techniques of delay, and you'll find yourself using delay smarter and more creatively.
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tutorial videoEventide UltraChannel Explained
Multi-Platinum Engineer / Mixer Kenny Gioia brings you the definitive series on Eventide's amazing UltraChannel Strip plug-in. Follow along with Kenny as he breaks down all the Features and Functions while showing you What the Plug-In Can Do on Different Sources. He also reveals all the Effects, so you'll know just what to do with them on Your Songs and Productions.
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tutorial videoFirst Song with REAPER
Platinum producer / engineer Kenny Gioia takes you step by step on how to make your first song in Cockos REAPER. From nothing to something awesome, Kenny gets you going with REAPER easily and quickly. You also get the Reaper session and audio files that Kenny uses, so you can follow along.
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tutorial videoMixing 101 - Mix Session from Hell
Platinum producer / engineer Kenny Gioia now reveals a day in the life of a mix engineer, mixing a song from beginning to end, and how to handle all the common problems you'll encounter on your way to that perfect mix. You even get the session files so you can mix along in your DAW and see and hear the results in real-time!
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