Course Description

Audio Production Basics with Pro Tools | First

Course Overview

This digital media course teaches the basics of recording, editing, mixing, and processing audio using Pro Tools | First software. Designed for beginners, the course offers an introduction to digital audio for students aspiring to work in video production, audio engineering, broadcast, or new media. It is also suitable for anyone seeking better results for their personal or professional audio endeavors.

This course is targeted at high school and entry-level college learners. It covers basic computer technology; digital audio concepts; audio and MIDI recording techniques; the Pro Tools | First user interface; techniques for navigating a multitrack recording; fundamentals of editing, mixing, and signal processing; and options for creating a stereo bounce. The course also provides plenty of power tips, allowing users to go beyond the basics and harness the power that has made Pro Tools ubiquitous in the audio industry.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to do the following:

• Recognize the role of computer components in digital audio production, including RAM, CPU, storage options, and peripherals

• Complete basic computer operations to manage files, launch applications, use menu commands, and apply keyboard shortcuts 

• Describe the functions of a digital audio workstation (DAW)

• Recognize common plug-in formats and the DAWs that support them

• Understand basic microphone types, characteristics, and polar patterns

• Use proper microphone setup and connection techniques for recording

• Recognize available Pro Tools software and hardware options

• Describe the difference between local storage and cloud-based storage and identify how each applies when working with Pro Tools

• Explain audio characteristics of frequency and amplitude and how they affect sound

• Recognize the characteristics of MIDI data and explain how it differs from audio

• Select appropriate equipment for audio and MIDI production

• Explain the role of virtual instruments in MIDI production

• Create a multitrack project in Pro Tools | First for common audio production tasks

• Perform basic recording and editing tasks for audio and MIDI

• Employ mixing techniques to create a balanced blend for a stereo production

• Utilize plug-ins for EQ, dynamics, and time-based processing to shape a mix and add interest

• Apply basic automation to create real-time dynamic changes in a mix

• Export a mix as a bounced stereo file