Digidesign Pro Tools 8-Use the new compositing features in version 8 to create the perfect take
OBJECTIVE: Record multiple takes of an audio track, then assemble the best bits from each take into a final, composite track.
BACKGROUND: Pro Tools 8 (HD, LE, or M-Powered) includes a much simpler workflow for creating composite tracks than previous versions. After creating the perfect composite track, you can then delete the various takes. Note: This applies to audio tracks only, not MIDI tracks.
STEPS
1. Go Setup > Preferences, and under the Operation tab, select “Automatically Create New Playlists when Loop Recording.” Click on “OK.”
2. In the track where you want to record the various takes, choose “Playlists” from the Track View Selector.
3. Right-click on the Transport Record button, and select “Loop.”
4. Go Options > Link Timeline and Edit Selection.
5. Use the Selector to select the loop region (A), record-enable the track (B), click on the Transport Record button (C), then click on the Transport Play button (D).
6. You’re now recording. Record as many passes as you like. When you click Stop, you’ll see all the alternate Playlists arranged below the Main Playlist.
7. Use the Solo button to audition the individual alternate Playlists. When you find a section you like, right-click on it and choose “Copy Selection to Main Playlist.” The selected area will replace the equivalent area in the Main Playlist; keep copying sections from various takes until you’ve assembled the perfect part.
TIPS
-Before Step 5, you might want to set a Pre- and Post-Roll time.
-In Step 7, you can also copy to a New Playlist instead of the Main Playlist, or to a Duplicate Playlist.
-Also in Step 7, to loop the regions with the alternate takes while playing back, use the selector to specify the loop range. Then, right-click on the Transport Play button and choose “Loop.”
