File Organization

Pro ToolsSession

WaveCache

AudioFiles

FadeFiles

RegionGroups

Session FileBackups

VideoFiles

Pro Tools Session

File Types

Pro Tools Session File:Created when you start a new projectMap of all audio tracks, audio & video

files, settings, edits, and I/O assignments.

.ptf

WaveCache File

Stores waveform display dataThis can be deleted without

hurting the session.Pro Tools will recalculate the

waveform data.

Audio Files

All audio recorded into Pro Tools is stored.

Compatible audio files: WAV, AIFF, SD II (macs only)

WAV is the default format

Fade Files

Every fade you create in the session is stored.

Pro Tools can recreate the fades automatically.

MIDI Files

MIDI files folder is only created if you export MIDI file using the send to sibelius command.

MIDI files are either named after the session or after the track.

If you don’t use the send to sibelius command, no MIDI files folder will be created.

Region Groups

Created when you export region groups.

Don’t export? Folder remains empty, and will be removed when the session is closed.

Rendered Files

Temporary files for rendered processing

Auto-created Rendered Files Folder

Once rendered, a new file is written to disk and placed in the audio files folder.

Session File Backups

With the AutoSave function enabled, autosaved session files are stored in this folder.

Video Files

Created only when you digitize a movie into Pro Tools (AVoption V10, Avid Mojo).

This does not apply to movies that are already in the digital domain (Quicktime, Avid video file)

Starting Pro Tools

1. Everything off

2. Turn on external hard drives

3. Turn on MIDI interfaces/devices, & synchronization peripherals

4. Turn on audio interfaces

5. Start the computer

6. Turn on monitoring system

iLok

Use for plug-ins and software options

USB smart key that stores licensesStores 100+ licensesBring your ilok with all your licenses

for use on another system.

Host-Based Performance

Computer’s processing powerRecording, playback, mixing, and real-

time effects processing.HD systems uses DSP hardware but

they can also use host-based processing.

You can adjust the performance of a system if necessary.

Hardware Buffer Size

Controls the size of the hardware cache used to handle host-based tasks.

Lower - reduce monitoring latency, useful for recording live input.

Higher - allows for more audio processing & effects, useful for mixing and using a lot of RTAS plug-ins.

CPU Usage Limit

Controls the percentage of the computer’s processing power allocated to P.T. host processing tasks.

Lower - useful when experiencing slow system response or when you’re running other applications.

Higher - allocates more processing power to P.T., useful for playback and RTAS plug-ins.

The Menu Structure

FileEditViewTrackRegionEvent

AudioSuite OptionsSetupWindowHelp

Windows

3 main windows in Pro Tools:

1. Edit Window

2. Mix Window

3. Transport Window

Edit Tools

Zoomer ToolZoom Toggle

ButtonTrim ToolSelector Tool

Grabber ToolScrubber ToolPencil ToolSmart Tool

Ruler Display Options

Bars:BeatsMin:SecSamplesTimecodeFeet+Frames

Time codeTempoMeterMarkersKey Signatures

Edit Modes

Shuffle - use to make regions line up next to each other neatly

Slip - use to work without any restrictions to placement in time.

Spot - use to control the placement or duration of a region using numerical values.

Grid - use to make precise edits and align regions using time intervals.

Trasport Window MIDI Controls

Wait for Note: recording doesn’t begin until a MIDI event is received. (F11)

Metronome Click: click will sound during playback and record. (7)

Countoff: counts off # of measures before playback or recording begins. (8)

Transport Window MIDI Controls

MIDI Merge Mode: overdub, merges recorded MIDI data with existing material on the track. (9)

Tempo Ruler Enable: uses tempo to control during playback and recording.

Transport Window MIDI Controls

Tempo Resolution Selector: set the note value that gets the beat.

Meter Display: current meter based on play location.

Tempo Field: current tempo based on play location.