Difference between revisions of "Recording with Pro Tools - Sound Effects Studio"

Revision as of 15:47, 27 March 2023

Creating a Session in Pro Tools

Open the Pro Tools application and select the “Create” tab.

Select the “Create from Template” option and name your Session

Select the template that matches the name of the room or interface you’re using. Ex: Audio Lab 828. Note: The name of the templates will sometimes change if a new template is created in order to better support the needs of your class.

The template should automatically generate the sample-rate and bit-depth, but ensure it is set to sample rate: 48 and bit-depth: 24.

At the bottom of the Pro Tools dashboard, you will see a “Location...” option. Select this and ensure you are saving the Session to either your Desktop or Documents. Sometimes the Session will automatically save your project to an obscure and difficult to find location if you do not do this.

Finally, click “Create” and begin your session!

Creating a Session in Audition

Open the Audition application and sign in with your Evergreen ID.

Select File > New > Multitrack Session from the toolbar.

There should be a template for the SFX Lab when the dialogue box pops up, but if not, continue to the next step.

Select Multitrack > Tracks > Add Video Track from the toolbar.

Note: In the upper right corner of the screen are several window view options; Edit Audio to Video and Video on Second Display are the two you will be working with the most. Pick the view that best suits your needs.

Note: You can mirror your display but clicking the small computer monitor icon in the top right of the screen (above where the view options are). This is best to do if you and your performer both need to see the video at the same time.

Note: Right-click the “Levels” window at the bottom and select “metering.” When you record arm a channel, you will be able to see the overall levels from this window.

Recording in the Space

Take some time to plan out what kinds of sounds you are trying to capture and lay out the materials you might need to use.

Set up any microphones you will be using during your session on stands.

Power on the equipment.

Flip the switch on the power strip located to the left edge of the desk. This should boot up the entire system.

Power on the computer. Note: The power for the computer is located on the back of the device. It is a small button flush with the body of the computer, so it is difficult to feel for some people. You can tell when you have successfully powered on the computer when the small white LED on the front of the computer comes on.

Plug your microphone(s) into the front of the MOTU M4 and set the preamp levels.

Pay close attention to the meters on the face of the MOTU M4. This is your first indication as to whether your signal is healthy.

In digital audio, a healthy gain level is around –6 dB

Engage the “MON” button on your input channels and check the headphone level.

Note: If the meters look good but it’s still hard to hear, try turning up the headphone level on the splitter rather than adjusting the preamp.

Create your Session in your desired DAW and import the video you will be working with.

Record arm the tracks you will be recording sound to and press the main record button in the DAW.

LATENCY-FREE MONITORING: If your performer is listening to the sounds they create as it is recorded into Pro Tools or Audition, there will be a delay that will make it difficult to complete their performance. You must set your headphones to listen from where the sound enters the MOTU M4 in order to have latency-free monitoring.

If you have no other sounds in the project that your performer needs to listen to, then turn the input/playback knob to input. They will not hear any of the sounds besides the microphone channels that have the “MON” button engaged.

If your talent is overdubbing and needs to hear other material in the project, first MUTE the track you are recording to in your DAW by pressing the “M” button.

Turn the “input/playback” knob to the center so they will be hearing a mix of their voice and the other pre-recorded materials.

Ensure their microphone channel has the “MON” button engaged.

The most important part to remember when doing this is muting the channel you are recording to in your DAW.

Listen back to your recording.

Turn off the “MON” button, disarm any tracks in the DAW, and adjust the big knob to hear your recording from the main speakers.

Turn the “Input/Playback” knob fully to the playback side and disarm any tracks in the DAW to hear your recording from the headphones.

Remember to save your Session before closing the file, and preferably saving an additional copy of your session to a personal drive.

Once everything is saved, shut everything down in reverse order from the power on procedure.  

Clean up the space: 

Ensure all cables are coiled.

Ensure all microphone stands are put away by loosening the joints and adjusting the pieces rather than forcing the pieces while the joints are still tightened.

Place all microphones and clips back into their respective containers and note any missing or damaged gear.

Tidy up any toys, noise makers, etc.

Notate any issues in the logbook.