Pro Tools is a popular digital audio workstation ( audio workstation ) for recording and producing music in. It is also known as Adobe Audition, FinalCut Pro, and other major software makers make the same interface available as Pro Tools.
Many famous musicians such as Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, and Bob Dylan used Pro Tools for their recordings.
Howester can use Pro Tools to record his microphone in situ, using an iPad as a recording device. He can then export this as a Windows or Mac computer file so he can print it and give it to the musician or recordist to use.
This article will talk about some ways Howester can use Pro Tools to record himself into project.
Contents:
Buy a good microphone
The microphone is the next piece of equipment you will buy for your rig. The two main microphones you can use in Pro Tools are the hand-held cellphone microphone and the large studio shotgun mic. Neither works on stage, so be aware of that.
The small cellphone microphone works in very low volume areas, such as a dance studio or exercise room. The larger phone-shaped microphone works better in a quieter environment, such as a convention or large event.
When renting a studio, look for a good safety record-use policy. You want to be able to invite friends and family to use the studio, but you do not want people “shooing” or “jerking off” of the system because it is powerful and trusted.
Finally, price is important when looking at loan companies like Blocker Studios and Surreal Sound LLC.
Invest in a good amplifier
When you are recording in Pro Tools, your device is actually augmented with an external audio amplifier. The external audio amplifier allows you to connect your device to a larger sound system or microphone, thereby adding additional dimension to your recordings.
Many people use a desktop computer as an external audio amplifier. You can connect a microphone, transmitter, and headphones to the computer and pull out some serious dough!
You can also use the computer as a second recorder by connecting it to the same device via USB or wireless internet connection. This way, you do not have to purchase another device just to gain additional features!
Some people use a gaming headset as an external audio amp. The receiver has the capability of connecting to two devices via bluetooth, allowing for simultaneous recording.
Learn how to play your instrument(s)
If you are learning to play an instrument, it is important to learn how to work with the piano, guitar, and drum kit. These devices have different buttons and commands that you must understand and use for your recording.
When using a computer-based recording program, first find the track you want to record. Then, right-click the track and select Show Effect Controls. You will see all of the controls used for recording, such as the beginning of the Track Line Marker and the Record Level control.
This includes tips such as how to change the level by moving the Record Level button on top of the screen, or changing its color. A common mistake people make is trying to use a digital recorder that does not have analog circuitry.
Learn how to record using software
Recording in Pro Tools comes down to learning how to create a new recording or editing track. Both the Record and Edit tracks can be mixed and matched, making it easy to create unique recordings every time.
When creating a new recording track, make sure to choose the right type of instrument. Some instruments such as keyboard or drums can be loud, leaving little room for other sounds to blend in.
To add additional sounds to a recording, use some type of software such as Audacity or AudioGoldfish. With Audacity, you can add effects such as adding an echo or using different pitch changes to change the look of the record.
To edit the sound of a record, use Audacity or another software that allows you to change the level of compression or increase the margin for error.
Set up a studio space
You’ve got a computer set up in your home or studio space, you’re ready to go! But first, we need to talk about space.
Home studios can get small. A fully functional studio can have only one workstation on at a time, with other tools joining it as needed.
This is not the case in a home studio setup. In a home studio, there has to be enough room for an elevated platform for placing the equipment, and enough floor space for additional seating and storage.
In a home studio, practicality is your only factor for choosing hardwares and spaces. On the other hand, music production facilities have to have sufficient room to house both computer stations, storage units, and equipment.
Plan out your recording project
When you have your microphone, set a place to put your mouth next to the microphone. This creates space in which to record your voice.
Now, decide what area of the studio you want to record in. If you want to record in the A/V room, then look for an open area where you can position your head and body. If you want to record in the recording studio, then look for a quiet space where you can lie down or relax.
Consider where your hands and feet should be when recording and whether those areas should be clothed or not. Many people choose not to record at times when they are very hot or if they are just too nervous to lay still.
Prepare your instruments for recording
Before you can start recording in Pro Tools, you must create a new tracks location. This can be done by clicking the New Track button at the top of any instrument or sound effect section of the software.
By creating a new track location, you will add it to your computer as a separate music library with its own place for notes and tracks. You can then go back and recorder at that location should you need to.
You can have as many tracks as you want in one location, all just by editing one file. This is very helpful if you have members of your group working on different tracks at the same time!
When recording, there are some basic rules to keep in mind for how to record in Pro Tools covertly.
Prepare your vocals for recording
Choosing the right microphone for the music you want to record can make or break your recordings. A common mistake is to buy a fancy microphone that is more sensitive to sound.
This is called a pressure equalization device and it changes the volume of your voice according to the sound levels in the studio. With this type of microphones, you will need to use special equipment to equalize the voice so it sounds smooth and perfect in the end.
Another thing that you need when recording on Pro Tools is choosing a good mic placement. When using a handheld mic, try using one or two fingers to hold the mic so it doesn’t lose pressure when singing. Also, put a bookshelf or something heavy in front of where you are aiming your microphone to prevent it from being affected by noise or people talking nearby.
Lastly, try practicing your vocals until they feel comfortable so next time you record yourself, people will know what they are doing is wrong.