Recording with a microphone to Pro Tools - Mixing Bench
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Contents
Overview
This article describes recording a microphone with the Apollo x8 interface into Pro Tools.
- You will need to get a microphone with an XLR connector from Media Loan.
- You will also need an XLR mic cable
Audio Interface
The Mixing Benches have a Apollo audio interface. The Audio Interface - Mixing Bench article has additional information about the Apollo x8.
- On the front there are two HI-Z inputs inputs (labelled HI-Z 1 and HI-Z 2)
- Theses are for low level signal like electric guitars. Only use mono 1/4 cables.
- There are 4 XLR mic inputs on the back of the interface.
- There is a panel with 4 XLR jacks below the interface.
- These are connected to the 4 mic inputs.
- Microphones can be connected to these inputs using XLR cables (not included in the room).
- Each input has:
- Trim control knob for setting input levels
- Pad for reducing input levels
- 48V Phantom Power for powering condenser microphones
- Low cut filter.
Recording
Setting Mic Levels
- Connect the microphone to Mic In1 on the XLR panel
- Set the Input for channel 1 of the Apollo x8
- Press the Preamp knob to toggle until the 1 appears on the LCD panel
- Press the Input the button until Mic appears on the LCD panel
- If it is a condenser mic turn on the phantom power
- Press the +48V button to turn on or off the phantom power
- Talk into to the mic
- Adjust the Preamp knob while looking at Input 1 meter on the Apollo x8
- Set the levels so that the signal is a little bit into the yellow.
Monitoring
- Turn down the silver knob on the Mackie Big Knob volume box
- Connect the headphones to the headphone jack on the MOTU 828
Pro Tools
Creating a Session in Pro Tools
- Open the Pro Tools application.
- Select the Create tab.
- Select the Create from Template option.
- Select a template - Mix Bench
- Name the session
- The template should automatically generate the sample-rate and bit-depth, but ensure it is set to Sample Rate: 48kHz and Bit Depth: 24.
- Click Create
- In the Save dialog click Desktop button on the left.
- Name the session.
- Click Save
Recording the First Track
- Set the input of track 1 to Mic Instrument 1 (Mono)
- Click the Track Record Enable button on track 1.
- Check record levels and headphone levels.
- Click the Record Enable button.
- Click the Play button to start recording.
- Click the Stop button when done
- Click the Track Record Enable button on track 1 to unarm the track.
- Click Play to playback the recording.
- Turn up the silver knob on the Mackie Big Knob volume box listen on the speakers.
Recording a Second Track While Monitoring Track 1
- Turn down the silver knob on the Mackie Big Knob volume box
- Set the input of track 2 to Mic Instrument 1 (Mono)
- Click the Track Record Enable button on track 2.
- Check record levels and headphone levels.
- Cue Pro Tools to where you want it to start.
- Click the Record Enable button.
- Click the Play button to start recording.
- Click the Stop button when done
- Click the Track Record Enable button on track 2 to unarm the track.
- Click Play to playback the recording.
- Turn up the silver knob on the Mackie Big Knob volume box listen on the speakers.