Final Flashcards
When creating a session in Pro Tools what is the file extension?
.ptx
What is the shortcut to switch between the Mix and Edit windows?
Command =
What is the shortcut to zoom in?
T (with keyboard focus enabled on the edit window)
What is the shortcut to zoom out?
R (with keyboard focus enabled on the edit window)
What is the shortcut to stop and play tracks?
Spacebar
What is the shortcut to record?
Command Spacebar
or
F12
What is the short cut to undo?
Command Z (or just Z if keyboard focus is enabled)
What is the shortcut to cut?
Command X (or just X if keyboard focus is enabled)
What is the shortcut to paste?
Command V (or just V if keyboard focus is enabled)
What is the shortcut to copy?
Command C (or just C if keyboard focus is enabled)
What does the shortcut B do?
Separates clip at selection.
What is a transient?
The attack of a note/waveform
What is “Tab to Transient?”
When enabled, the tab button will take you to the next transient in the clip or track selected.
What is a Clip?
A portion or selection of audio in a DAW (in this case - in Pro Tools)
What is the difference between an Audio track and Instrument track?
An Audio track is used for recording, importing, and editing audio.
An Instrument track is used for MIDI and virtual instruments. This track involves audio but what actually gets recorded is MIDI data.
What symbol is on the Instrument track?
A little keyboard.
What symbol is on an Audio track?
A waveform.
What symbol is on an Aux track?
A down arrow
What symbol is on a Master track?
The Greek letter Sigma.
List some virtual instruments that come with Pro Tools.
Xpand2!
Boom
Minigrand
DB33
Name an EQ plug-in that we’ve been using in class.
EQ 3 7 band
Why would you always create a Master fader track?
To monitor overall output of the session, to avoid clipping, and to set overall output.
What is Maxim?
Why do we put it on the Master fader track?
It is a peak limiter.
To raise output without clipping.
What does MIDI stand for?
Musical Instrument Digital Interface
What does the command “Bounce to Disk/Bounce Mix” do?
It exports the session mix as a stereo audio file.
What are the general professional specs for recording?
24 bit depth
48 kHz
What are the specs for CD quality?
16 bit depth
44.1 kHz
What is the difference between MP3/MFA and AIFF/WAV files?
MP3 and MFA files are compressed. AIFF and WAV files are not.
When do you set the bit depth and file type?
When you create a new session.
What are the 4 Edit Modes?
Shuffle
Grid
Spot
Slip
Define Shuffle Mode
When in Shuffle mode edits you do affect the timing of the other clips on that track. For example, if you delete a portion of a clip it shuffles everything that follows that selection to the left to close the gap that would have been left.
Define Grid Mode
In Grid mode, selections, clip movements, and trim operations are constrained by the grid. Edit operations do not affect the timing of other clips on the track.
Define Slip Mode
In Slip mode you can move, trim, cut, and paste clips freely within a track without affecting the placement of other clips on the track.
Define the Trim tool
This tool is used to trim excess audio, MIDI, or video content from the beginning or end of a continuous section of program material, or clip.
Define the Selector Tool
This tool is used to portion the playback cursor or select an area in a track for playback or editing.
Define the Grabber Tool
This tool is used for arranging clips, selecting entire clips with a single click, or just moving clips around within a track or separate tracks.
Define the Smart Tool
This tool is a combination of the Trim, Selector, and Grabber Tools. It enables you to create crossfades and fades.
When producing a professional song/album, what file should you export and what resolution?
WAV files.
48 kHz, 24 bit depth.
What is the shortcut for a New Track
Command Shift N
or
Shift Command N
Know where your inputs and outputs are located on the channel strip.
They are in the middle: below the sends, above the pan knob(s).
Know where the inserts and sends are located on the channel strip.
They’re at the top above the inputs and outputs. The inserts are above the sends.
Define Inserts
An insert is an audio patch point that allows a signal processor to be placed directly into the signal path of the audio channel. Basically it places a plugin that will affect all the audio on that channel strip.
Define Sends
A send refers to a signal carrying a mix output of one or more channels routed for parallel processing. Basically instead of placing a plugin on the channel strip to affect all the audio, you are sending it to another track for processing.
Know where to find pan knobs and faders in each window.
:)
How do you adjust the record level of the track you are about to record?
The gain knob on the interface.
Where are your audio files stored when you record in Pro Tools?
Audio files folder
How do you make a click track?
By going to the Track drop down menu and selecting Click track.
What type of track is the click track?
An Aux track
When miking an amp what are some things to remember?
When you mic the center you will have more high end, ie. a thinner, brighter sound.
When you mic the outer part you will have more low end and less high end, ie. a darker, warmer sound.
Explain how to EQ a vocal track
Cut out the ultra low end
Cut mid-range out so it sounds more scooped
Boost low mids
Boost the top end
