Avid Pro Tools 310P: Advanced Post Production Techniques

Course Description

This course focuses on the advanced operation of Pro Tools in a professional post production environment. It includes technical insights into both Pro Tools hardware and software.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for end-users with intermediate Pro Tools post-production skills who want to gain the highest level if technical and operational Pro Tools knowledge.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Configure Pro Tools|HD systems for Post Audio
• Troubleshoot Pro Tools|HD systems in the Post environment
• Synchronize Pro Tools|HD with Linear Video
• Efficiently control Pro Tools via a surface and through key commands
• Execute Post production recording techniques
• Execute Editing workflows
• Design sound effects using plug-ins
• Implement advanced routing and mixing techniques
• Use fundamental mixing architectures & techniques in post production
• Mix with Satellite Link
• Use advanced layback techniques

Prerequisites:

• Practical working knowledge of Mac OS X
• Avid Pro Tools 101: Introduction to Pro Tools class or equivalent experience
• Avid Pro Tools 110: Essentials of Pro Tools class or equivalent experience
• Avid Pro Tools 201: Pro Tools Production Essentials class or equivalent experience
• Avid Pro Tools 210P: Post Production Techniques class or equivalent experience
• Prior to taking the Pro Tools Music Expert certification exam, students must have successfully completed the above 200-series courses and acquired Avid Pro Tools Music Operator certification.

Course Outline:

Note: The curricula below comprise activities typically covered in a class at this skill level. The instructor may, at his/her discretion, adjust the lesson plan to meet the needs of the class.

Lesson 1: Pro Tools HD Hardware Configuration

• Setting Up a Pro Tools HD System
• Configuring Avid Peripherals
• Audio Interface Calibration
• Verifying Installation of Additional Pro Tools Software Options
• Operating System Optimization
• Non-Administrator (Standard) Accounts
• Pro Tools Session File Interchange

Lesson 2: Troubleshooting a Pro Tools System

• Using DigiTest to Identify Hardware Problems
• Updating Avid Firmware
• Deleting Pro Tools Setting Files
• Deleting Database Files
• Understanding Voice Allocations
• Playback Engine Advanced Options
• Advanced Pro Tools I/O Setup
• Audio and Video Pull Options

Lesson 3: Synchronizing Pro Tools with Linear Video

• Configuring the Hardware and Software for Linear Video Sync
• Clock Versus Positional Reference
• Setting Frame Rates
• Setting the Session Start Time
• Preparing for Online Recording
• 9-Pin Control of Pro Tools
• Using Pro Tools 9-Pin Serial Machine Control
• Machine Control Shortcuts
• Machine Control Error Messages
• Recording Slaved to and External Timecode Source
• Spot Mode in Post Production
• Working with Time Stamps
• Generating a Timecode Window Burn

Lesson 4: Tactile Control of Pro Tools

• Parts of the Keyboard
• Modifier Keys

Lesson 5: Post Production Recording Techniques

• Third Part Support for Avid PRE Communications Protocol
• Controlling PRE from Pro Tools
• Recording Foley
• Recording Foley Using MIDI

Lesson 6: Editing Workflows

• Examples of Post Production Editing Workflows
• Sound Library Searching and Management
• Sound Effects Creation and Design Using Plug-ins
• Sound Effects Creation and Design Using Elastic Audio
• Pro Tools Advanced Editing Shortcuts
• Grouped Playlist Synchronization

Lesson 7: Pro Tools HD/HDX Mixing Concepts

• Bit Depth, Dynamic Range, and Dither
• Comparing Different Pro Tools Mix Engines
• Fixed-Point Versus Floating-Point Processing Overview
• Comparing Pro Tools|HD Versus HDX Versus Native Mixers
• Common Mixing Errors When Moving from Pro Tools Host-Based to Pro Tools|HD
• DSP-Based Mixers and DSP Usage
• Dither
• The Pro Tools HD Mixer
• Looking in More Detail: An Audio Signal's Tale
• Appropriate Use of Native Plug-Ins

Lesson 8: Advanced Mixing Techniques

• Common Mixing Preferences
• Advanced Delay Compensation
• Mix Bus Techniques
• Master Faders Versus VCA Masters
• VCA Master Automation
• Latch Prime
• Writing Static Automation Mixer Settings
• Capture Mode and Punch Capture
• AutoJoin Mode
• Miscellaneous Automation Techniques
• Automation Workflows

Lesson 9: Mixing Using Satellite Link

• Large-Scale Mixing Techniques Using Satellite Link
• Pro Tools HD Satellite Link Mixing Scenario
• Configuring the Satellite Link Network
• Satellite Linking Preferences

Lesson 10: Advanced Layback

• Project Offset Options
• Linear Layback Workflow
• Speed Corrections
• Creating Printmaster Stems Using Pro Tools 9-Pin Remote Deck Emulation
• Creating a Machine Track Arming Profile
• Using Satellite Link with Machine Control