Recording with Pro Tools in the Podcast Studio

Overview

This article describes recording with 1-4 microphones to Pro Tools.

Audio Interface

The Podcast studio has a Tascam Mixcast 4

• The Mixcast is used to set recording and headphone levels.

Mixer Channels

• 1-4: Mic inputs
• 5: USB feed from the computer
• 6: Stereo line input
• 7: Bluetooth
• 8: Sound Pads

Setting Mic Levels

The faders on the Mixcast set the levels for the recording. We also need to set the mic preamp levels.

1. On the touchscreen touch the 3 horizontal lines in the top left.
2. Touch the square on the left.
3. Touch Mic 1
4. Talk into Mic 1 and adjust the slider on the screen.
   • Have it peak around -12
5. Click the triangle to the right of the Mic 1 to go to next mic.
6. Repeat for all the microphones being used.

Setting Headphone Levels

• Use the fader on the Mixcast to set initial levels
• The is a separate headphone levels for each headphone.
  • All 4 pairs will have the same mix
• Adjust the level for each participant as needed.

Recording

Creating a Session in Pro Tools

1. Open the Pro Tools application.
2. If the is a warning about Pro Tools needing to access the microphone click OK on the first warning and Allow on the second warning.
3. Select the New tab.
4. Select the Create from Template option.
5. Select a template - Mixcast
6. Name the session
7. The template should automatically generate the sample-rate and bit-depth, but ensure it is set to Sample Rate: 48kHz and Bit Depth: 24.
8. Click Create
9. In the Save dialog click Desktop button on the left.
10. Name the session.
11. Click Save

Track and Input Set Up

• The default template should have 9 tracks and a Stereo Mix fader
• Track 1 is the stereo mix from the faders on the Mixcast.
  • This provides a rough mix of the recording.
• Tracks 2-5: Mics 1-4
• Track 6: USB feed from the computer
  • This can cause feedback if the Pro Tools MIx fader is turned up.
  • This would be used for using audio from another app like a participant via Zoom or Teams or media playback from QuickTime.
• Track 7: Line input
• Track 8 Bluetooth
• Track 9: Sound Pads
• Main Mix: Pro Tools Mix
  • Leave this down while recording.
  • Turn up when playing back after recording.

Recording

1. Turn down the large knob on the Mackie Big Knob monitor controller.
2. Arm the tracks you will be using by clicking Track Record Enable button for each track as needed.
3. Always record the Tascam Mix on track 1.
4. Arm any mic inputs and other inputs as needed.
   • If you are not using the USB feed from the computer do not arm this track.
   • It will help prevent accidental feedback.
5. Check record levels and headphone levels.
6. Cue Pro Tools to where you want it to start.
7. Click the Record Enable button.
8. Click the Play button to start recording.
9. Click the Stop button when done
10. Click the Track Record Enable button on tall armed tracks
11. Click Play to playback the recording.
12. Turn up the large black knob on the Mackie Big Knob  monitor controller listen on the speakers.

Playback

1. Set the Pro Tools Mix fader to 0.
2. On the Mixcast turn up the USB fader.
3. Click Play to playback the recording.
4. Turn up the large black knob on the Mackie Big Knob monitor controller listen on the speakers.