Instructor permission
Introduces the fundamental uses of the nationally recognized Avid Pro Tools software, and teaches core skills, workflows, and basic concepts of recording, editing, and mixing on an Avid Pro Tools system. Provides an outline for the audio enthusiast with relatively little Pro Tools experience. Prepares for part one of the Avid Pro Tools online exam for certification. Part two of the online exam for certification is offered in MUS-292: Pro Tools 110. Successful completion of both parts of the exam constitutes Avid Pro Tools certification.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
Introduces the fundamental skills necessary to use Avid Pro Tools software to create and work with digital audio projects, including basic recording, editing, and mixing.
- Pro Tools Background
Define the Pro Tools Digital Audio Workstation, and explain the history and evolution of Pro Tools. Summarize the basic audio characteristics, audio to digital conversion, Pro Tools system configurations, and cross-platform issues.
- Getting started with Pro Tools
Develop an understanding of Pro Tools software installation, Pro Tools file structure, Pro Tools menu structure, and the main Pro Tools windows, including how to start up Pro Tools.
- Pro Tools Basic Controls
Identify the basic functions of the edit tools, edit modes, time scales and rulers, and MIDI control features.
- Creating Your First Session
Demonstrate how to create and configure a Pro Tools document, add and work with tracks, control playback, and saving, locating, and opening Pro Tools files.
- Making Your First Audio Recording
Describe how to plan and prepare for recording. Demonstrate how to record, manage and organize audio.
- Importing and Working with Media
Identify important considerations prior to importing audio and demonstrate the process of importing both.
- Making Your First MIDI Recording
Describe the basics of MIDI in Pro Tools. Determine how to set the base meter and tempo, how to prepare to Record MIDI, and how to use virtual instruments. Create a basic MIDI recording and demonstrate how to view MIDI data in various ways.
- Selecting and Navigating
Describe the universe view, and the different types of selections available in Pro Tools. Demonstrate how to work with selections, adjust the session view, and add markers to your session.
- Editing Your Media
Differentiate between various playback options and the edit modes. Demonstrate basic editing techniques including: moving, trimming, creating fades, and undoing your work.
- Mixing and Creating a Bounce
Utilize basic mixer terminology when working in the Mix Window, including the use of Plug-ins, and basic automation. Create a successful bounce (stereo mixdown) to be played back on multiple devices. Explain and justify ways and reasons to back up a Pro Tools session.
This 2-credit class along with the 2-credit class that succeeds it (Course Proposal MUS-292: Pro Tools 110) give the students the chance to become Avid Pro Tools certified: a nationally recognized certification within the recording arts industry. To become certified students must take and pass two proctored online exams that are administered at the end of the two Pro Tools classes: MUS-192 (Pro Tools 101) and MUS-292 (Pro Tools 110). The name Pro Tools 101 is the proprietary name of the class from AVID which we are licensed to teach. The names match exactly the textbooks and content of the course. It is on purpose that MUS-191 lists MUS-192 as co-req but not the other way around. Both classes are part of the certificate of achievement in recording arts (CARA), however, it is probable that students from other programs or even other colleges in the area may be interested in seeking Pro Tools certification but not in pursuing the CARA program.
Assessment and Requirements
Pro Tools 101: Pro Tools Fundamentals I