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

Revision as of 15:45, 30 March 2023

Creating a Session in Pro Tools

1. Open the Pro Tools application
2. Select the Create tab.
3. Select the Create from Template option and name your Session
4. Select a template - SFX - Lab
5. Name the session
6. The template should automatically generate the sample-rate and bit-depth, but ensure it is set to Sample Rate: 48kHz and Bit Depth: 24.
7. Click Create
8. In the Save dialog click Desktop button on the left.
9. Name the session.
10. Click Save

Recording

Setting Up the MOTU M4

1. Turn down the Monitor knob on the MOTU M4.
2. Set up a microphone.
3. Plug your microphone) into the front of the MOTU M4 Input 1
4. Set the preamp levels with the Gain knob.
5. Pay close attention to the meters on the face of the MOTU M4.
6. Set the Gain knob so the meter is just turning yellow
7. Press the MON button on your input channel.
8. Set the Input Monitor Mix knob to 12:00.
9. Set the MOTU M4 headphone knob to 2:00.

2. Adjust the volumes knob on the headphone amp for each headphone that you are using.
   • If the input meters look good but it’s still hard to hear, try turning up the headphone level on the headphone amp.
3. Record arm the tracks you will be recording sound to and press the main record button in the DAW.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Turn the “input/playback” knob to the center so they will be hearing a mix of their voice and the other pre-recorded materials.
8. Ensure their microphone channel has the “MON” button engaged.
9. The most important part to remember when doing this is muting the channel you are recording to in your DAW.
10. Listen back to your recording.
11. Turn off the “MON” button, disarm any tracks in the DAW, and adjust the big knob to hear your recording from the main speakers.
12. Turn the “Input/Playback” knob fully to the playback side and disarm any tracks in the DAW to hear your recording from the headphones.
13. Remember to save your Session before closing the file, and preferably saving an additional copy of your session to a personal drive.
14. Once everything is saved, shut everything down in reverse order from the power on procedure.
15. Clean up the space:
16. Ensure all cables are coiled.
17. 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.
18. Place all microphones and clips back into their respective containers and note any missing or damaged gear.
19. Tidy up any toys, noise makers, etc. Notate any issues in the logbook.