Recording with a microphone to Pro Tools - Mixing Bench

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

1. Connect the microphone to Mic/Instrument 1 on the MOTU 828
2. If it is a condenser mic turn on the phantom power.
   • Press and hold the Trim knob to turn on or off the phantom power
3. Talk into to the mic
4. Adjust the trim knob while looking at MIC 1 meter on the right of the MOTU 828
5. Set the levels so that the signal is a little bit into the orange.

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

1. Open the Pro Tools application.
2. Select the Create tab.
3. Select the Create from Template option.
4. Select a template - Mix Bench
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 the First Track

1. Set the input of track 1 to Mic Instrument 1 (Mono)
2. Click the Track Record Enable button on track 1.
3. Check record levels and headphone levels.
4. Click the Record Enable button.
5. Click the Play button to start recording.
6. Click the Stop button when done
7. Click the Track Record Enable button on track 1 to unarm the track.
8. 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

1. Turn down the silver knob on the Mackie Big Knob volume box
2. Set the input of track 2 to Mic Instrument 1 (Mono)
3. Click the Track Record Enable button on track 2.
4. Check record levels and headphone levels.
5. Cue Pro Tools to where you want it to start.
6. Click the Record Enable button.
7. Click the Play button to start recording.
8. Click the Stop button when done
9. Click the Track Record Enable button on track 2 to unarm the track.
10. Click Play to playback the recording.
    • Turn up the silver knob on the Mackie Big Knob volume box listen on the speakers.