I have access to pro-tools but have never used it before. can someone give me a general idea of what it can do for me (i'm editing a commercial with a bunch of sounds in FCP). For someoe proficient in movie editing software, would I, having never used pro-tools before, be able to navigate through it? In other words, would it even be worth my time to try and use it on this project?
pro tools general question
- Thread starter c.g._eads
- Start date
jefferoo
New member
pro tools is easy.
Its like microsoft word for sound.
All you need are tracks and sound files and the rest comes naturally.
You can edit and manipulate the sound in just about any way you want and it has a very accessible visual user interface.
If you are recording sound into pro-tools, you need a little more of an Idea of how it works (ie: ins / outs, hardware, etc), but it is still easy.
If you are good with avid or filnal cut, you can pick up pro-tools in no time.
Its like microsoft word for sound.
All you need are tracks and sound files and the rest comes naturally.
You can edit and manipulate the sound in just about any way you want and it has a very accessible visual user interface.
If you are recording sound into pro-tools, you need a little more of an Idea of how it works (ie: ins / outs, hardware, etc), but it is still easy.
If you are good with avid or filnal cut, you can pick up pro-tools in no time.
ullanta
Veteran
c.g._eads said:
Definitely! Though it depends what you're doing. For me, sample-accurate editing is essential; FCP only lets you easily deal with frame boundaries (and has a kludgy way of letting you do extremely limited sub-frame syncing down to 1/100th of a frame).
ProTools mixing is better quality, more convenient, and more powerful, handling of stereo is better, has aux busses and inputs, inserts, etc., has better plugins and handles many more, much easier and more powerful automation, etc.
There's lots more! For editing audio, nothing tops ProTools.
The downside: The biggest "problem" with ProTools that keeps me doing some editing chores in FCP is that ProTools can only do a mixdown in real-time. There are some tricks for sometimes being able to do things faster, in general your main "export" will be realtime.
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JPatnaude
Well-known member
I've done a few sessions where I've output the audio tracks seperately from FCP and imported them into Protools for a better mixdown. One of the great functions I've come to use is the "DUCKING" feature with the compressor.
You may be aware- so bare with my explanation- in the mixer section you can route a Speaker's channle of audio through a bus-send. Then, load a compressor into the music track. set the bus as a key input. Then set the amount of compression, etc. As the speaker or voice-over, or charactor talks, the bus feed will "push down" the music slightly. Radio stations use this a bit more dramatically to "pump" music inbetween the dj talking. Same idea sort of.
That's one area where Protools is better-equipped for audio clean up and mixing.
email if I can help.
Jeff Patnaude:thumbup:
You may be aware- so bare with my explanation- in the mixer section you can route a Speaker's channle of audio through a bus-send. Then, load a compressor into the music track. set the bus as a key input. Then set the amount of compression, etc. As the speaker or voice-over, or charactor talks, the bus feed will "push down" the music slightly. Radio stations use this a bit more dramatically to "pump" music inbetween the dj talking. Same idea sort of.
That's one area where Protools is better-equipped for audio clean up and mixing.
email if I can help.
Jeff Patnaude:thumbup:
ullanta
Veteran
tigeba said:
I don't think so! We're just answering two facets of the question... basic operations are pretty simple; and but there's a wealth of more powerful features.
If noone comes up with a good reference for bussing etc. soon, I'll write one up and post it. Remind me if I forget?
cheezweezl
Veteran
c.g._eads said:
tons of protools tutorials out there. i am an audio guy and i use pro tools every day. it is by far the best multitrack audio software available. however, tigeba was right. if you know nothing about multitrack audio programs, it's not as easy as some here make it sound. you really kind of need to know about audio and routing to use it especially if you plan to get anything better than what FCP will give you. don't get me wrong, it's not rocket science but it aint iMovie either. no helpful hints, no startup with a template, no quick tour, no dancing paper clip. if you have final cut studio, then you also have soundtrack pro. for me, soundtrack pro is my editor of choice when working on sound for video. the seamless integration between FCP and STP can't be beat. plus it's a snap to figure out.
the other snag pro tools presents is you have to buy their hardware to run it. it won't run with just any old soundcard. there are a few m-audio cards you can use but you still have to buy the software which is not cheap.
The manual that comes with PT is very extensive and it really shows you everything you need to know. I suggest you check out http://duc.digidesign.com/
CineAlta: It is no more closed than Apple + OSX, but I see that didn't stop you from recommending Apple software
CineAlta: It is no more closed than Apple + OSX, but I see that didn't stop you from recommending Apple software
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cheezweezl
Veteran
ullanta said:
this is true. cheaper than logic by a long shot..... plus logic is more for midi. you can do audio with it but pro tools smokes it....