Audio
Pro Tools
MIDI
i818-Voiceover Workflow
Q: What are the differences between the three Audio Suites?
A:
• i807-Audio01 (audio edit & record): ProTools TDM 9
and Avid Digi003-Studio interface with studio monitors for editing and
playback. Interface also includes 4 mic preamp inputs for simple
recording.
• i812-Audio02 (audio edit & record): ProTools TDM 9
and Avid Command8 interface with studio monitors for editing and
playback. Suite also includes 2 channels of mic input via API A2D
preamp.
• i820-Audio03 (audio recording with live spaces):
ProTools TDM 9 with an Avid C|24 console interface with onboard mic
preamps, a full complement of outboard effects gear and preamps, and an
analog patchbay. Recording from 20' x 25' live recording space or
adjacent voiceover booth.
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Q: Why isn't my audio suite functioning?
A: Make sure everything is powered on. In i812-Audio02, you should be
able to power on every item in the Audio Suite with the main orange
power switch at the top of the rack (In i807-Audio 1 and i820-Audio03,
console power remains on at all times). Check to make sure that no
device is turned off via its own local power switch. Once you are sure
all items are powered up, boot the computer.
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Q:How do you enable phantom power on the Avid Digi003 in i807-Audio01?
A: The phantom power switches are on the back panel. The switch located
between mic inputs 1 & 2 applies power to both channels. Enable
this switch for microphones that require phantom power to operate.
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Q:Why can't I hear sound coming from the speakers in i807-Audio01?
A: Ensure that the Monitor Mute Switch is not on mute. This switch mutes
the main and alt monitor outputs, but be advised that it has no effect
on the headphone outputs. If you are using a microphone, ensure that
your gain is at an appropriate level. If you are using
headphones, please make sure that the phone level is at an audible level.
Lastly, if you are not using headphones, then adjust the monitor level
until the appropriate volume is achieved.
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Q. What do I do if I try launching Pro Tools
and I get this error message: "Make sure Pro Tools hardware is connected
and turned on. Click 'OK' when the hardware is ready"?
A. Quit Pro Tools. Turn on the Pro Tools interface (the 96 I/O hardware)
before you relaunch Pro Tools. The Pro Tools hardware was not on before
you opened Pro Tools.
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Q: Should I use Pro Tools for MIDI and audio tracks at the same time?
A: Sure. Pro Tools has full MIDI sequencing capabilities, allowing you
to record, edit, and mix up to 256 MIDI tracks alongside your audio.
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Q: Why can't I get my signal to the DAT in the Audio Suites?
A: Check the "input" switch on the DAT. It should be set to "analog"
if you are routing via the Kramer in Audio02 and Audio04. If your
source is Pro Tools, you can always feed the DAT from Outputs 1-2 of Pro
Tools by switching the DAT input to "digital" since AES cables are
hard-patched between the DAT and Pro Tools in each audio suite where DAT
is available. Also, by pressing "input monitor" on the DAT, you should
be able to see and adjust the gain of your signal without going into
record.
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Q: How do I route my audio in i812-Audio02 using the switcher on the rack?
A: Always select the destination before you hit the source. For example,
if you want the sound coming from ProTools to be routed to the
speakers, press the speaker as your destination and then select Pro
Tools as your source.
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Q: How can I get help utilizing the special
hardwares, such as Avid Digi003-Studio, Avid Command 8 and Avid C|24, in
the Audio Suites?
A: Device and application manuals in PDF format can be found under the dock Apple menu > Manuals & Resources.
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Q: Is there an acoustic calibration system for recording audio in the suites?
A: Yes, there is an acoustic calibration system installed in all three
audio suites to compensate for the acoustic imperfections of the rooms.
It is available as a regular plug-in on the main output from audio
software Pro Tools or GarageBand. There is a
Pro Tools template for the acoustic correction called New School Default.
To use the template in Pro Tools:
1. Create a stereo master fader track.
2. Insert a plug-in called ARC into this track.
3. Pick a preset corresponding to the name of the station (ie I807-Audio01)
4. Activate the plug-in by clicking the "ON" button.
To use the template in GarageBand:
1. Go to Track menu and click on Show Master Track
2. Insert a plug-in called ARC into this track.
3. Pick a preset corresponding to the name of the station (ie I807-Audio01)
4. Activate the plug-in by clicking the "ON" button.
Q: What steps do need to take to start using an audio station and Pro Tools in the open lab?
A: Follow these steps:
1. Boot the computer and check the MBox. (The MBox is the digital
audio interface connected to the Mac.) If the green USB light is on, you
have a physical connection to the computer. No additional power switch
exists.
2. Launch Pro Tools. Make sure the "Headphones Level" knob is turned up so that you can hear playback.
3. For basic instructions on getting started with Pro Tools, such as
creating tracks, please view the on-line help, or review the manual
(.pdf format can be found on under Manuals and Resources, listed under
the Apple menu.)
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Q: Why is my project playing back at a slower/faster speed?
A: Make sure that the sample rate of your session matches the sample
rate of your audio files. Also, if you are not importing/exporting to
DAT or CD (or slaving to video), make sure the Pro Tools clock is set to
"internal".
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Q: Why can't I get Pro Tools to record?
A: Check the Setups > Hardware menu to make sure that you have the
correct input selected, analog or digital. Record-enable the particular
track by pressing the record ("R") button for that track. When you are
ready, select the record and then play button on the transport window.
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Q: What kind of audio files does Pro Tools accept?
A: Pro Tools accepts .wav, .sdII, and .aiff files.
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Q: Do I save my work long-term in "Works In Progress"?
A: No. Other students use the same computer, and may erase your work
if they need the space for themselves. Pro Tools stations have
DVD-burners and FireWire ports connected to them (for mounting external
hard drives). Always back up your work after each session. You can
temporarily save your work in "Works In Progress".
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Q: How do I make an audio CD from my Pro Tools session?
A: Go to File > "Bounce to Disk". Select AIFF or SDII as the file
type; "Stereo Interleaved" for format; 16 bits of resolution and 44.1
kHz sample rate. Choose "Convert After Bounce". Give the file a name and
a destination where you want to save it. You will obtain a file that
can be imported in any CD burning software. For instructions on how to
burn an audio CD, go to Create an Audio CD.
Please note that Pro Tools bounces are done in real time so you can
hear audio playback of your mix during the bounce process (you cannot
adjust any Pro Tool controls during a bounce).
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Q: How do I export only the audio files from my Pro Tools session ?
A: In the Audio Regions List, select the regions you want to export.
From the Audio Regions List pop-up menu, choose "Export Region as File".
In the Output Options dialog, set the files' format, sample rate, and
bit depth. Specify the Conversion Quality and destination parameters.
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Q: How can I work with video in Pro Tools?
A: Create a QuickTime movie of your project. In Pro Tools go to Movie
> Import Movie. Choose your movie file. To import the sound from your
QuickTime movie go to Movie > Import Audio From Current Movie. An
audio file will appear in the Audio folder. Drag that file into a new
audio track. You will be able to work in synch with your QuickTime
movie.
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Q: What's the difference between setting INTERNAL or S/PDIF (digital) as the sync mode in the hardware settings of Pro Tools?
A: You should only set it to S/PDIF (digital) when you are importing
from a digital source (e.g.: DAT). This way Pro Tools will lock to the
exact digital signal. For all other instances leave it on Internal.
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Q: Can I work between the Audio Suites, Open Lab Pro Tools, and i806 stations?
A: Yes, all stations will handle 16-bit or 24-bit audio with a sample rate of up to 96 kHz.
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Q: What sample rate and bit rate should I use?
A: That depends on your project. Be sure to keep everything
consistent. For CD, use a 44.1 kHz sample rate at 16-bit. For sound for
DV (digital video) or HD video, use a sample rate of 48 kHz at 16-bit.
For sound for analog video (Betacam or VHS), use 44.1 kHz, 16-bit.
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Q: Can you help me with Pro Tools commands?
A: All shortcuts are in the Help window.
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Q: What are the recommended settings for Pro Tools Sessions that experience Buffer Over-Run?
A: Pro Tools - Setup - Playback Engine
HW Buffer: 1024 Samples
CPU: 90%
DAE Buffer: 3000ms / Level 4
Cache Size: Large
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Q. How can I initialize, or reset, the M-AUDIO Keystation 61es keyboard?
A.
1. Press the Advanced Functions button.
2. Press C#3 on the keyboard (this is the black key directly above C3). Edit mode will disengage and the controller is reset.
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Q: How do I use Reason as a MIDI sound source for recording in Pro Tools?
A: Please see http://www.propellerheads.se/rewirehelp/ for application specific help on using Reason as a software sampler or software synthesizer.
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Q: What is the i818-Voiceover recording booth?
A. The i818-Voiceover booth is a recording space designed for vocal audio recording such as voiceovers or dialogue replacement. This space must be used in conjunction with either i820-Audio03 or i817-Audio04, both of which can function as a "control room" for your recording session. In addition to audio recording, the configuration allows you to send an extended desktop view from the "control room" Mac station to a monitor in the booth. There is also headphone monitoring (using a headphone breakout box available at the Equipment Center) and talkback communication. This recording space is not connected to and cannot be used with any other audio or video suite.
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Q: How can I reserve the i818-Voiceover recording booth for use with i820-Audio03 or i817-Audio04?
A. Station and suite reservations are available to faculty and degree- or credit-seeking students registered for the current term via MyNewSchool > Student or Faculty tab > Academic Technology channel > "Reserve Stations & Suites @ 55 W 13th, 8th flr." After carefully reviewing and agreeing to the policies and guidelines, login and select the "AT Arnhold Hall 8th fl." checkout center, then follow the steps outlined on this tip sheet to create a new reservation. You will need to select i818-Voiceover from the "Voiceover Booths" resource category, as well as your desired control room from the "Suites > Audio Suites > Audio Recording Suites" category.
Note: Reservations for i818-Voiceover with audio or video suites other than i820-Audio03 or i817-Audio04 will be deleted.
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Last updated 02/08/2012