Instructor Permission
Expands upon the principles taught in MUS-192: Pro Tools 101 and introduces the core concepts and skills you will need to operate a Pro Tools system running mid-sized sessions with dozens of tracks. Teaches more advanced skills, and workflows involved in recording, editing, and mixing on an Avid Pro Tools system. Prepares for part two of the Avid Pro Tools online exam for certification. Part one of the certification test is offered in MUS-192: Pro Tools 101. Successful completion of both parts of the exam constitutes Avid Pro Tools certification.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
Builds on the fundamental skills learned in MUS-192:Pro Tools 101 to create and work with digital audio projects within Pro Tools as well as more advanced recording, editing, and mixing techniques.
- Getting Started
Demonstrate how to open a session or project, and add tracks. Utilize Track List, Edit Window, and Mix Window display options.
- Managing Session Data and MediaFiles
Identify Pro Tools software capabilities, and digital video options. Determine the use of Workspace Browsers, and Soundbase to locate files. Demonstrate how to import files, import session data, and how to work with clips and clip groups.
- Recording MIDI and Audio
Demonstrate how to set up a session, record selections, use loop recording, and audition record takes.
- Working with MIDI and Virtual Instruments
Discuss sample-based versus tick-based tracks and explain MIDI-compatible tracks and track views. Demonstrate how to use virtual instruments, how to audition and playback MIDI, and how to edit MIDI data.
- Working with Elastic Audio
Explain and experiment with elastic audio, including elastic audio track views, warping sound with elastic audio, experimenting with tempo using elastic audio and improving the quality of warped audio. Perform the necessary edits to tighten a rhythmic performance, and to change pitch with elastic audio.
- Editing and Fine-Tuning a Performance
Demonstrate use of the Smart Tool, using fades, quantizing, and MIDI real-time properties.
- Additional Editing and Media Management
Utilize clip looping, layered editing, AudioSuite Plug-Ins, and working with the clip list to accomplish editing various editing tasks.
- Basic Mixing and Signal Flow
Employ features such as track colors, icons, and status indicators to organize mixes and signal flow. Demonstrate the use of inserts, sends and returns for effects processing. Differentiate between various common uses for gain-based, and time-based plug-ins. Discuss creation and use of Master Fader tracks.
- Writing and Editing Automation
Adapt the various automation modes to utilize automation in a session. Employ graphical editing of automation, cutting, copying and pasting automation data, and removing automation from a track.
- Using Advanced Mixing Techniques and Creating Final Media
Identify how to work with track subsets, how to route track signals, and how to group tracks in various ways. Demonstrate how to create a distribution-ready bounce. Explain and justify the need for creating an archive.
This 2-credit class along with the 2-credit class that precedes it (Course Proposal MUS-192: Pro Tools 101) 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 110 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-291 lists MUS-292 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 110: Pro Tools Fundamentals II