Pro Tools 101 Chapter 6

Question 1

What does the term MIDI stand for? How is MIDI data different from the data stored in an audio file?

Answer 1

Musical Instrument Digital Interface

MIDI data is different from data is stored in an audio file in that MIDI Data does not represent to sound waves; instead, it represents information about performance, Such as the pitch, duration, volume and order of notes to be played

Question 2

How many channels of MIDI information can be sent over a single MIDI cable?

Answer 2

16

Question 3

What two types of tracks does Pro Tools provide for working with MIDI data? What is the difference between the two track types?

Answer 3

MIDI Track:
A MIDI track stores MIDI note and controller data only; no audio can pass through a MIDI track. MIDI tracks are often used in conjunction with Aux Input tracks for monitoring and playback of a synthesizer or virtual instrument= that is triggered by the MIDI data.

Instrument Track:
An Instrument Track provides MIDI and audio capability in a single channel strip. Like MIDI tracks, Instrument tracks store note and controller data. Instrument tracks can also route audio signals for monitoring and playback of an instrument associated with the MIDI data on the track. This capability simplifies the process of recording, editing, and monitoring MIDI data.

Question 4

How many ticks are in a quarter note in Pro Tools?

Answer 4

960 ticks

Question 5

Describe three ways to set the Main Time Scale to Bars|Beats.

Answer 5

• Click on BARS | BEATS in the Ruler View area of the Edit Window
• Select VIEW > MAIN COUNTER > BARS:BEATS
• Click on the MAIN COUNTER SELECTOR in either the Edit window or the Transport window and select BARS | BEATS from the pop up menu

Question 6

What is the default meter in Pro Tools? How would you go about changing the meter?

Answer 6

4/4

In the Edit window, click on the ADD METRE RULER button or double click on the CURRENT METRE display in the Transport window. The meter change dialogue box will open

Question 7

What is the default tempo in Pro Tools? What is the default key signature?

Answer 7

• 120BPM

- C Major

Question 8

What physical connections can you use to connect a MIDI controller to your system for recording on a MIDI or Instrument track?

Answer 8

Through an input on your MIDI interface
USB port on your computer

5-pin din cable

Question 9

Give some examples of virtual instrument plug-ins that are installed as standard components of Pro Tools. On which track types are virtual instrument plug-ins placed?

Answer 9

• Xpand!2
• Boom
• Structure Free
• Vacuum
• DB-33

Auxiliary Input Tracks or Instrument Tracks

Question 10

How many parts can be included in Xpand!2? How can each part be turned on/off?

Answer 10

4

Clicking the On/Off power indicator above the part letter

Question 11

What kind of virtual instrument is Boom? What does the Boom Matrix Display show?

Answer 11

Boom is a virtual drum machine

The Matrix presents a visual display of the current pattern in Boom’s sequencer
There’s 16 steps

Question 12

What track views are available for MIDI data in the Edit window? Which view allows you to scroll up or down to see notes at different pitches?

Answer 12

• Notes
• Clips
• Velocity

Notes View

Question 13

What track types can display data in MIDI Editor windows?

Answer 13

• Auxiliary Input Tracks
• Instrument Tracks
• MIDI Tracks

Question 14

What is the Notation Display Enable button used for in the MIDI Editor window?

Answer 14

To display the notes/notation