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«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 360 of 360Hi Gina,
Like so many others, I'm loving your book. Just on Chapter 2, exercise 4. Your clear, well written artiles on O'Reilly led me to give your book a shot and I'm really glad I did. I play guitar, not keyboard, and so am wondering about a Midi controller (since you insist I will want one!). I had a Yamaha midi guitar (G10?) many years ago and it was frustrating and didn't work very well, so I'm leary about a midi guitar. Do you know whether the current version of Roland's midi pick up works well enough to be usable? Alternatively, how about pitch to midi software? I believe the full version of Melodyne has this function. Or would you suggest sucking it up and getting a little (25 key) keyboard controller? If the latter, any suggestions? Not much space here.
Thanks again for your wonderful combination of substantive knowledge and clear writing.
Hi Gina,
Like so many others, I'm loving your book. Just on Chapter 2, exercise 4. Your clear, well written artiles on O'Reilly led me to give your book a shot and I'm really glad I did. I play guitar, not keyboard, and so am wondering about a Midi controller. I had a Yamaha midi guitar (G10?) many years ago and it was frustrating and didn't work very well, so I'm leary about a midi guitar. Do you know whether the current version of Roland's midi pick up works well enough to be usable? Alternatively, how about pitch to midi software? I believe the full version of Melodyne has this function. Or would you suggest sucking it up and getting a little (25 key) keyboard controller? If the latter, any suggestions? Not much space here.
Thanks again for your wonderful combination of substantive knowledge and clear writing.
Hi Gina. I have worked right through the book and have found it incredibly helpful. I've just given it a rave review on Amazon.co.uk (Amazon UK). Not only have you taught me how to use PT, but also explained a lot of studio engineering concepts I've always been hazy about. Many thanks for broadening my horizons!
I have Pro Tools M-Powered 7.1 for Windows (XP), and when I registered Digidesign sent me an email offering a free upgrade to 7.3. Should I upgrade? Does it do anything useful, or just change things around confusingly? The marketing blurb they sent with the email doesn't mean much to me.
If I could make a small suggestion about this blog, it would be easier to follow if it displayed the dates of posts rather than just the time.
Hi Gina -
Quick clarification question. You (and many other authors) recommend using a Firewire drive as the external HD. But no one ever seems to specify whether that means Firewire 400 or 800. The "paper" specs on the 400 look very similar to USB -- are they really?
I ask this because I'm thinking about buying a Mac laptop, and I've noticed that only the more expensive MacBook Pro has a Firewire 800 connection; the smaller MacBook has only the 400.
Thanks!
Frank Laurence,
I am so sorry this took me so long to respond. I started a new business called eSession.com and I have 13 employees and we just launched and I have been so busy and I have not meant to ignore this blog. My book and my readers are so very important to me - so my apologies...
My answer is that you should buy what you will use. If you don't think you will ever use a MIDI controller, then you shouldn't buy one. BUT - I still think you will use one once you have it and can use it to trigger loops, add stuff like Cymbal crashes with Xpand or other Virtual Instruments and sincerely, for me, it's WAY worth the $99 expense.
Also - I am a HUGE fan of Melodyne. I have had some success with Pitch to MIDI software but in all honesty, I haven't done that in years. You may want to post this question to Craig Anderton at Harmony-Central.
Hope this helps and thank you for your very kind words.
All the best,
Gina
Don in Chicago,
Regarding Firewire 400 or 800 - most everyone I know uses 400 - With that said, 800 works fine as well but I would definitely use 400...
Hope this helps,
Gina
Anonymous regarding Drum Recording...
This is a head scratcher. Have you tried changing the Hardware Buffer to the lowest setting? Does that affect anything?
I would try a few tests and just record one snare with the click and see if it is a computer latency issue and try changing the Low Latency and the Hardware Buffer and see what is introducing this problem. Do you get latency when you record other instruments? Is it multiple track related?
You can email me at gfs@eSession.com if you need to.
Hope this helps a bit...
Gina
Jon Storm,
Thank you for the amazing review. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I am spread a bit too thin these days....
So - I do think 7.3 upgrade is worth it. There are a few cool features like under the Track menu, it creates a Click Track for you. I believe this version also added Low Latency monitoring.
There are some videos on the Digidesign site about the difference and additions from 7.1 to 7.3.
I always like to use the latest version of software and I think it's a good idea in general.
Again, thanks for your kind words. You can reach me at gfs@eSession.com if I don't respond in time to this blog.
All the very best,
Gina
James/Anonymous
About taking Pro Tools classes... Well, Pro Tools classes really depend on the teacher. So many classes don't teach you how to work with a click track and hence don't teach you how most people work creating music.
You might look into the online classes at Berklee. Those are pretty great.
Me personally, I might go through the book and then try and find someone in your local area, maybe another songwriter who has and knows Pro Tools - So much of what I have learned is that way - by working with other people who were more experienced...
But - you may also want to research the classes you are considering. You can forward me info and I will give you my opnion to gfs@eSession.com
I'm a really tough critic when it comes to Pro Tools classes - so you'll get the lo-down from me...
All the best,
Gina
Tom,
About your microphone issue... Here are the questions?
1. Which mic are you using?
2. Does it require 48V aka Phantom power?
3. Which input is the Mic in?
4. Are you sure it's set to Mic not Line?
5. Are you sure the input in the software matches the hardware input?
Let me know these and we will get this resolved.
Gina
Hi can some one let me know how can I trasfer wave files from cubase sx to proo tools I chage to pro tools but i start recording the first song's on cubase sx and I want to copy these files into proo tool Thank you HELP
vburga@comcast.net
Hi can some one let me know how I can transfer wave files from cubase sx to pro tools thanck you vburga@comcast.net
Gina, I am just getting my new system going (new iMac 20" 2.4GHz, 4GB ram, 003 Factory) and I'm going through you book and actually doing the exercises. I read the book twice before I had any equipment. Anyhow, when I import the files (Chapter3Tutorial) they show up on a folder on my desktop already unzipped. The proceedure in your book does not work for me when I try to import. Can you help? Thanks Robert Dupree
Robert Dupree,
Mac browsers will now automatically unzip your files for you - so no worries.
Import has changed a bit from my book which was written in Pro Tools 7.1 and I would guess that you are using Pro Tools 7.3 - Don't worry - just go to the File Menu and choose Import Audio and you will get a new pop-up and choose to imort to a new track...
this should all be cool - yell if you are still confused and please try and be as detailed as possible to what is not working so i can help you figure this out....
warmest regards,
gina
Gina,
Fantastic book that ties the learning with the doing very well. I am on Mac OSX 10.4.10. The Sample Tank software and sounds are in my Sample Tank folder in Applications. I get to step 2 on pg. 195 "Insert Sample Tank Free." and the Multi-channel plug-in does not have "Instrument" as a choice. I have tried to fix this several different ways but am stumped. Thanks for any help you can provide.
Mitch
Hi Gina
I bought your book and I must congratulate you on a job well done. I'm about halfway through now, and I'm very impressed so far.
My question is regarding loop recording. On p321 it says that I can CRTL+click on the highlighted region and be able to select my loops from a list. However, when I try to do that nothing happens. I can see my takes in the regions list, so I'm sure I have more than 1 take. Maybe you can solve my problem?
BTW: I'm using PT7.1 on Windows XP.
Cheers,
Jeppe
Hello Gina, I want to know your personal apretiation about de new structure for protools.... I have a digi 003 and I want to buy a structure Le version buy I don't know if it don't have a lot of thinks i would like to have, like nice loops and sounds...
Paul
Jeppe,
Email me personally and I will give you my cell phone number so I can talk you through this.
gfs@eSession.com
Gina
Paul - regarding Structure
I LOVE the new Digidesign Plug-ins. You should definitely buy Structure. It's amazing!!!
Gina
Gina,
I wanted to try out the Melodyne plug in on the vocals I've created using your book, specifically up to chapter 7. As you may recall, when I downloaded the zip files, the process didn't work exactly as your book indicated. However, I was able to work with the tracks. In Melodyne, it asks to look in the regions list pop-up for the "Time Stamp". For some reason, I don't have a regions list. I do have a Tracks, and Edit Groups section to the left of the Edit window. Could you help me re-establish the regions list, or give me advice onn what I did wrong? Thanks Robert Dupree
Hi Gina,
I truly admire your dedication to your customers!
I'm located in Denmark, which is a totally different time zone from where you're at, so I don't know if it'll work out. Besides, it may be a little expensive :-)
Maybe you can start off by pointing me in the right dorection. Is there a specific menu I need to access or something like that?
I just got totally different and incredibly annoying problem on my hands. When I play back anything in Pro Tools, it sounds fine. However, in the transport window, the counter (the green digits) is running choppy/jerky. It's not running smoothly like a stop watch, but looks like there are lots and lots of tiny interrupts during playback. Have you ever experienced this behavior?
Cheers,
Jeppe
I lameik wilson have a digi002its stuck on mute and unmute at all will not
Jeppe,
My guess is that it's your hard drive. Are you using an external hard drive? Are you sure it's a 7200 RPM hard drive?
What is your hard drive and how is it connected to your computer?
Hope i can help.
Gina
Hi Gina,
I've been trying to troubleshoot my problem. It seems that if I import audio, e.g. an mp3 song and play it back in Pro Tools, it plays fine. However, during playback the counter is not running smoothly - it's jerky/choppy.
If I mute all tracks except my click track and play only this track, it sounds "uneven" or choppy/jerky. Also, the vertical line running across all tracks indicating current position in the song is jerky/choppy/uneven (i.e. not running smoothly).
It seems like the computer is extremely busy and doesn't how enough power to playback smoothly. My computer is an AMD X2 3800+ so it should have enough power. Looking at performance i task manager, I can see that the processor is about 10-15 % and there's a lot of RAM available also.
I don'r think this is a hardware problem, my guts tell me it's a configuration problem. Something about timing, sync etc.
Any ideas?
Jeppe
Hi Gina,
I just purchased an 003 system and purchased your book as well to get up and running. The book is great by the way. Very clear. But, the PT software is version 7.3. When I tried exercise 5 in Ch 1, the transport did not look anything like the transport shown in the book, and your instructions consequently could not be followed to change tempo, disable the conductor etc.
Question: Is there a different view of the transport that can be enabled that looks like the book example, or has PT upgraded the transport and changed its layout?
Thanks for the help.
Vinnie
Gina,
I have just purchased your book and have not had a chance to read it yet, so i will not ask any technical questions regarding it.
I have had the 001 and currently have the Mbox with 6.4. No issues, it works just fine for what i need to do at home (vocals and acoustic guitars).
I read your portable studio article and am planning on an upgrade. The article you wrote is a couple of years old and many things have changed.
If you were going to get everything you needed for your home/portable studio today, what computer would you buy, what external hard drive would you buy and what are the top 5 plug ins you could not live without?
I have the Sony headphones and if i were to splurge on nice monitors, i think it would be the JBL LSR's that are out now. I am stuck on what interface to buy to replace the Mbox (or should i just keep it because it does work for me - possibly just purchase the 7.3 LE upgrade)?
Thanks for all that you do. There are a lot of us out there that have the dream of recording our own bands and maybe other bands at as professional level as we can with the knowledge and equipment that we can and have gathered. You make it easier on us with your sharing.
I want to be sure that I have everything I need to put your book to use. I am getting ready to produce my bands first EP. My bass player has a studio and is buying the 003 Rack. I will want to copy the sessions, bring them home and mix a full rock band in my home.
Thanks again for your time!
One more question...
You mentioned that some of your contributing musicians use Logic Pro. I know this is a Pro Tools site, but would you consider using Logic Pro with a Digidesign interface rather than HD or LE? It would seem that Logic Pro would be more stable because it was made by Apple for the Mac and it comes with plug ins and virtual instruments.
So many choices to make...
Thanks
Kevin Lingg,
Thanks for your question. I am working in Nashville and heading back home tomorrow. I will sit with your question on the plane home and post it on Saturday.
Thank you so much!!!
Gina
Hey Gina,
I'm new to the recording game, and I would like to record some live drums. I know mic placement and everything, but I'm an currently using a fire wire 410(only two ins)and am curious how to get separate drum tracks(separate snare, kick, room...)in Pro Tools. Is it possible to do this using an external mixer, or would I just need more ins on an interface?
Thanks for your help,
Brandon
Gina,
What are your thoughts on using the new Logic Pro 8 with a pro tools hardware interface?
Thanks!
Jeppe,
I stil l think it's a hard drive issue. You never gave me the answer to my question - what external drive are you using? and are you sure it is a 7200 RPM firewire drive.
USB drives are not supported by Digi.
I would get an external firewire drive - reformat it the moment you get it - ALWAYS reformat drives when you buy them
and I would bet this fixes the problem. If you're not using an external drive, then I can pretty much guarantee this is the problem...
All the best,
Gina
Lameik Wilson,
This is a hardware issue - not a Pro Tools software issue. You'll have to contact Digidesign.
Sorry,
Gina
Brandon,
To record drums, you will need an interface with more inputs and you'll need to make sure the interface has the potential for more Mic Pre's.
I am a big fan of teh M-Audio 1814 - the most cost effective solution that gives you 18 inputs and 14 outputs and then you would need something like the Octo-Pre or an 8 channel Mic Pre that you connect digitally to the interface.
You could also get a 003 and do the same thing.
Hope this help.
Gina
Kevin Linng,
I am HUGE fan of anything Apple. I have been a Logic user since it was part of Emagic which was then purchased by Logic. I just received my Logic 8 3 days ago and so far I love it, - But then again, I loved Logic 7...
Logic ROCKS!! Especially for songwriting when you like to sequence alot of MIDI and have more MIDI than audio. I always tell people if they have more Audio than MIDI, use Pro Tools - but if the have more MIDI than Audio - go Logic or even Digital Performer is pretty cool.
All the best,
Gina
Thanks for the response to my Logic comment. It seems that keeping it all Apple would make everything so smooth and there would be no incompatibilities.
When you get the time to answer my previous question, i would be interested to know what you think about my situation.
Thanks for your time (i was considering getting a new iMac, Logic Pro 8 and using my Mbox or an Apogee interface). I can upgrade my Mbox to an 003 Rack for the same cost as i could buy the new Mbox Pro. This puts me in a pickle because I really don't need 8 inputs. I would use more audio tracks than MIDI but thought Logic might have all the plugins and everything in one box and that might make it worth it all.
Again, thanks for your time!
Kevin
Kevin,
Sorry - I got so excited about Logic 8 that I forgot to answer your question.
If you're going to use Pro Tools and Logic which is what I do. I use Logic to write the songs - then I export the tracks as audio files, import those into Pro Tools then do all Live tracks in Pro Tools like Drums or Guitars or Vocals.
So - I would have one interface for both and go with the 003... It's pretty cool. If you're going to be 100% Logic, then I would go Apogee...
So it's your call...
All the very best. Make fabulous music!!
Gina
Hi Gina,
You should be on Digidesign's payroll. I imagine you've singlehandledly increased their sales of LE and M-Powered. I'm sure they've noticed.
Suggestion (for the sake of other confused readers): Maybe have a section on your website that points out known PT bugs and their workarounds.
Example: I was having fits trying to follow exercises 4 & 5 on pages 194-8 because I could not get a single sound out of SampleTank on an instrument track until I found your response to paul's question on 1-29-07 (i.e. selecting an input - even though it has nothing to do with MIDI).
It's just a thought...
Anyway, thanks for writing the book!!! I encourage you to write an advanced follow on (e.g. I'd love to hear your thoughts on how to use beat detective to fix a broken drum track beat by beat as you suggest on pg 294). If you do write that book I (and many others I'm sure) will buy it.
Again, thanks, Marty
Marty,
Your words sincerely made me smile. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness.
I am not a SampleTank Fan AT ALL - if you've read my other comments. It was the only free plug-in at the time - so I was kinda stuck using it...
Sorry for the problems. I do have the same song in Xpand format if you want me to email that to you.
Just shoot me an email to gfs@eSession.com and contact me anytime with any problems.
FYI - I have a beat detective tutorial I wrote for someone - if you want me to email that to you, just let me know.
Thanks again,
Gina
Hi Gina, I recently bought an Ivory, and install it on my PC. I have no problem with other samples, such as East West symphony orchestra, collosus, etc. But with Ivory, it doesnt allow me to load the sample, it stays on default eventhough I have to choose any samples provided.
I have tried to re-install it again and again, but it still doesnt solve the problem. Any advice?
Thank you
Hi Gina!
Great book! I think I have read the great majority of PT books out there, and I found yours to be the most lucid and readable of all, I am actually as much of an engineer as a musician (whatever pays the mortgage...) and although I realize you are aiming this book primarily at musicians, there is a lot of excellent simplified technical info for engineers as well. The information on the WAVES musician bundle was worth the purchase price alone...for some reason, I had always associated WAVES only with very expensive plugins (which many of them are, of course...)so to find out I could get such excellent plugs at such a reasonable price was a revelation!I wonder if you have found any worthwhile reverb plugs at a reasonable (1-200 dollars) price since the publication of the book? Frankly, I agree with your opinion of D-Verb, it is okay for putting some space on background stuff, but I am really looking for a better quality verb for lead vocals, I have tried some of the freeware VST stuff out there, but I am not impressed!Any thoughts?
Frank
Hey Gina, Your book is the S*&^&t! Really you couldn't of explained it better, and thanks for stickin' around and being patient with us new users. Sometimes all we need is a little boost or help from someone with experience and it's cool to know when we have a problem, we can get advice from a pro but who's still like one of us and devotes time into helping others....that's what lifes about isn't it? You will be rewarded one day...
Anyway, Question of the night is a bit complicated.
I just bought Kontakt 2, i had 10.3.9 version of mac, figured out it wasn't compatible and needed tiger 10.4. So I went and bought it, installed it...and voila Kontakt works BUT all of a sudden my protools won't open no more??? I get this error message stating Digidesign hardware is in use by another application (-1133) which i don't understand. I was so excited Kontakt worked and now i can't use it as a plug in because i can't even open protools when i connect my mbox. I don't possibly see what else i have open, i rebooted 2-3 times, and quit all apps??? Do you know what the problem could be or how I can fix it? I have the 6.4 version still (i know) but you think the upgrade to tiger affected that?
Also i have a couple pt questions for ya, i've been trying to answer.
1)How or can you add EQ on 1 region only, instead of a whole track? I can't seem to do it right. If i select the region and add more treble, the whole track is affected too.
2) How can I or can I, add an effect on one part of a stereo track? Like I can't seem to select just the top or bottom part in the region to add the effect. Is there a way around this? Thank you for your time...greatly appreciated.
Hi Gina
Greetings from Copenhagen, Denmark!
I was up running in no time with PC, Mbox 2 and Pro Tools with great help from your book.
First real midi problem: dragging drum loop from EZdrummer and duplicating loop. On the 7. beat I want to exchange the verse loop with a fill-in, but I can't seem to do it right: when I delete the notes, a couple of notes disappear in the next bar, and when I drag the fill-in to the empty space, the music stops there (seems like there is a thin black vertical line at the end of the fill-in) and the notes in the next bars are only played shortly and then the drums stop? Normally I can double-click the track to mark all, after deleting the verse loop I can only highlight the first 6 bars? I'm sure it's me doing something wrong, but any help would be appreciated- and yes I did read your book:-)
Thanks
Flemming
Jimmy,
Regarding Ivory - Sorry but you'll have to contact Synthogy... Sounds like an install issue.
All the best,
Gina
Yvon,
Your words are so very much appreciated - and sincerely, it's notes like this from readers that are the absolute best reward. So thank you.
Ok - I'm pretty sure Pro Tools will not open because version 6.4 is incompatible with 10.4.10. You MUST upgrade to version 7. It's a huge upgrade and worth the $99. Don't make me come find you and upgrade for you!! I've been known to do it... But, as a rule, you can't be upgrading new operating systems with old software...
I do have an application that MIGHT fix this problem. Email me at gfs@eSession.com and I will send it to you.
Ok - your other questions:
1)How or can you add EQ on 1 region only, instead of a whole track? I can't seem to do it right. If i select the region and add more treble, the whole track is affected too.
Well, for this, you would use an AudioSuite Plug-in and actually process the file with the EQ setting you want. BE SURE to DUPLICATE the PLAYLIST BEFORE you process a file... But you would highlight the region, go to the AudioSuite Menu, choose an EQ plug-in, Preview the Setting, then Click on Process - this re-creates a new audio file with the EQ....
Another solution is to use Automation. You can Automate a Plug-in to turn on and off in a track. You can also Automate ANY of the EQ settings - Put Automation Mode into Auto-touch or Auto-write - then hold Command, Option + Control and click on any EQ setting you want - and that turns on the Automation for that setting. Yell if you're confused.
2) How can I or can I, add an effect on one part of a stereo track? Like I can't seem to select just the top or bottom part in the region to add the effect. Is there a way around this?
Ahh, interesting question... Make Two Mono tracks and drag the stereo track to that. Name one Guitar.L and one Guitar.R (or whatever) You have to have two separate tracks to effect one side of a Stereo track - OR have a plug-in that has two separate sides to it (like a Stereo Delay) and only effect one side...
I hope I answered everything for you. Contact me anytime at all!!!!!
All the best,
Gina
Frank,
Regarding Reverb Plug-ins - I am a bit out of the loop on new plug-ins since launching eSession - but I did write an article called Top 20 Plug-ins for Musicians and Songwriters.
Here is the link: http://digitalmedia.oreilly.com/2006/08/03/top-20-plugins-for-musicians-and-songwriters.html
I'll ask around and see if anyone has any other new ones and post if I hear anything.
Rock on!!
Gina
Hey Gina,
ok, i so i just upgraded to 7.3.1 from 6.4...your right much better. Now i just entered the midi world but not sure how i understand fully what i did... Please just tell me if i'm right or not..
-My keyboard is hooked up midi to my usb om mac.(ok)
-I create a midi track, click record and see the levek (ok)
-I set Kontakt 2 to channel in order to hear channel 1 sounds from Kontakt 2 (ok)
-I created a 2nd midi track to hear channel 2 sounds (ok) I understand that part and can go up to 16 i guess.
-Now I had to create an aux track like the book said, i inserted kontackt 2 under instrument in the mix window and sent it to bus 1 and 2 but don't know why?? After 1 hour...it works i can play my keyboard with kontakt sounds but only cause i touched all the knobs.. lol
So, question is evry plug in needs an aux track and needs to be sent out somewhere in order to hear volume and record right? But why bus1-2 just above it also says interface analog 1-2??? they both work but why and which is the right one.
Also just under in the channel strip it says no input, analog 1-2 and read. In the no input, there is interface, bus and plug in (which is greyed out) why and what is the standard setting there for a plugin) and in the Analog 1-2 there is interface and bus again???
Sorry it's confusing, cause I'm seeing the same things everywhere and not sure or know why my paths are all good. when i play my keyboard the aux meter and the midi meter both go up and i can record so i know i got it to work but not sure why exactly...lol I followed the sample tank explanations in your book and simply used Kontakt but, if ever i wanted to use another plugin, would i have to create a new aux track and new sends??
I hope you understand, and can give me the normal standard path and why. Thanks!
Sorry, another question when you have time...
Since i've added Kontakt 2(my only plugin), i keep getting a message cpu blah blah...need more power, remove plugin or delete tracks etc...My cpu is at 85%(max) and buffer at 1024 (max) so what do i need to buy to get more cpu. I have 512 Ram on a powerbook, should i get another 512 card installed or need to buy something else on the side? Is this have anything to do with the power/slow loading problem?
Thanks God your here... I can figure most things out on my own but just don't know why sometimes..lol and it's very tiiiiiime consuming when u can't fix something by yourself.
Thanks again.
Yvon
Hi Gina,
I'm happy to see you're getting your props here! Thanks for writing such a helpful book. I'm out of the land of fear & into the land of making music thanks to you. I can't say enough. You're my new best friend in my head!
I've done all the exercises so far with no problems, but I've run into a small one at the beginning of Chapter 9. I downloaded the UnderwaterGFS folder, but when I open the PTF, Pro Tools quits "unexpectedly". I've tried rebooting, and opening the PTF several times, both from my "downloads" folder on my internal HD, and from my external "Audio Drive" where I copied your folder to, always with the same results. Any idea how I can work this out?
I'm using:
Mbox 2 Pro w/ PT 7.3.1
Powerbook G4/ 1.5 Ghz/ 2Gb Ram
Thanks!
Deirdre
Yvon,
This is kinda hard to explain - but... I think you may have skipped a few chapters of the book... In the MIDI example in the book, I created an Audio Instrument that goes to Analog 1 & 2 - not to Bus 1 & 2. You need to go back and read the Effect and Bus section so you understand that better.
For Kontakt, you should create an Audio Instrument track. This will be for Channel 1 of Kontakt. Then for each subsequent MIDI (channel) you create a new MIDI track and assign that to the proper channel. Does that make sense?
You're asking questions that are covered in earlier chapters. You really need to go back and re-do parts of the book. It seems that you skipped right to MIDI. I explain very clearly the difference between an Audio track, an Aux track and an Audio Instrument... So, sorry, but I can't re-write what I wrote in my book.
You definitely need at least one more gig of RAM. 512 is WAY low. How fast is your powerbook as well? It's probably a combination of CPU and RAM...
Hope this helps.
Gina
DJCream,
Email me at gfs@eSession.com and I will send you an updated version that won't crash your computer.
All the best,
Gina
Hello,
You're book is oh so helpful. I never used any recording program before and all the other books started too far ahead technically for me. So, now that you know I am a novice I'll just explain with the most details possible because I don't know what will be important for u to know.
In Chapter 7 you guide us through a download for SampleTank 2. First I downloaded this through the Pro Tools for Musicians Web page along with the instrument downloads(making sure to move each file). Then I tried to insert Sample Tank 2 free from my multi-channel plug-In under 'other'. It did not show up as an option. Then I went back, unistalled the program, and searched for the free download through google. I guess the webpage has changed since the book was published, or the search engine has because I ended up at dontcrack.com/freeware. I could find Sample Tank 2 free, but not the instruments. I downloaded SampleTank 2 through that web page and installed it...still, it will not show up as an option in pro tools. any advise?
Regarding SampleTank - what computer are you on?
Thanks,
Gina
Regarding Sampletank, I'm using a quad core mac pro...operating on OS 10.4 panther
Not sure if my last post got through...about SampleTank...I'm using a MacPro 10.4.9 with a quad core Intel. Thanks again.
Hi, I was wondering, will Reason 2.5 work with Pro tools 5?
thank you,
Ham_Diaz@yahoo.com
MY FADERS ARE NOT GOING UP BY THEM SELF NOT MOVING ON PRO TOOLS LE SCREEN TO.
WHEN I GOT I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WAS TO FADERS DIGI FIX IT NOW SAME PROBLEM NONE OF THEM ARE NOT WORKING YOU HEARDED THIS PROBLEM BE FOR DIGI 002 LE MIXER CON
EMAIL VinnyVenom@Gmail.com
SampleTank guy,
Email me at gfs@eSession.com
Sorry for the delay - been travelling.
All the best,
Gina
Rgearding Reason 2.5 and Pro Tools 5.0
You must be using a VERY old computer and operating system and unpaid software...
I say pay for your software and upgrade your computer... Sorry to be bitchy, but Pro Tools 5 is about 5 years old now... And if you paid for Reason, you would not have version 2.5....
Sorry,
Gina
Vincenzo,
I believe you must not have automation enabled.
To turn on Automation, Go to the Window menu, choose Automation and make sure all Automation parameters are highlighted.
Let me know if this fixes the issue.
Warm regards,
Gina
Hi Gina,my "region menu" or window is missing after reinstall of pro tools 6.9? (digi002)and i took it back off and back on and its still missing?
I must be really tired?
Pleeeeze help me ;)
Regarding the missing Region Bin,
Look at the top of Page 54....
There is your answer!!!
Thanks,
Gina
Hi Gina- Thanks for the fantastic book! I have more SampleTank fun for you...
I'm on a G5 PowerPC dual 2ghz, OS 10.4.10
Protools LE7.3.1
I can only get Sampletank to work through a stereo audio track, not an aux track. I think I got the idea to try that from the Sampletank documentation. Anyway that seems to work allright- I've been recording midi tracks.
I tried your trick of adding an input to the aux track, and that does make my midi input show up in the Sampletank window (keyboard display and level meter moving) but still no sound.
Now I'm up to chapter 9, and I can see all the midi tracks in the Underwater song playing, and sampletank is loaded with the right sounds, but I can't hear anything. I see you have Sampletank on an Aux track, so I'm thinking it's related to that.
Sorry to bug you with more of these questions- I see you've been fielding a lot of them. Thanks again for the help!
Jim
Jim,
that is very strange about Sample Tank not playing on an Aux track. I have not seen that as an issue...
I'm not quite sure what to tell you. I think I would send an email to the IK Multimedia folks.
In the meantime, you'll probably have to create an audio track and drag Sample Tank to that and put the channel on input... that sucks.... Sorry I am not more help,
All the best,
Gina
Thanks Gina- That solution is working just fine. Whatever's going on with my aux input issue, the audio track works.
Thanks again for your book- you're a great teacher!
Jim
Thanks so much for your great book. I have protools LE an Mbox and a MacBook Pro. How can I nudge regions since I don't have a keypad on the macbook? Thanks for your help! PL
Hi Gina
Yor book is really helpful. Unfortunatley am having probs with Sampletank free version. Despite it showing a connection between my usb keboard and the onscreen keyboard (within Sampletank the corresponding keys go red), I can't get any actual sound. There is also a worrying message (when I double-click in the ST "browser" on any of the instruments --dowladed after the ST free program): "This is not a Sampletank SE instrument...for access to otehr instruments, upgrade to the full version of Sampletank")...how do I get around this, given the whole point is to test ST while also learning about midi functions within pro tools?
regards, Shane (from New Zealand)
Hey Gina, just getting started on the book and ran into a small problem. on my pro tools 7.3 m-powered the transport window is only half the size (the left half)of the one in your pictures (p17). where can i set my countoff? another more serious problem is that when i plug an isntrument into my fast track pro i'm getting intermittent crackling. sometimes it will record without crackling and then playback with crackling. i have yet to record a single track without a crackle and i tried setting the buffer size as high as 1024! it's an amd turion 64 processor with 1 gb ram on xp home sp2. thanks a lot for any advice you have.
Hey Gina, just getting started on the book and ran into a small problem. on my pro tools 7.3 m-powered the transport window is only half the size (the left half)of the one in your pictures (p17). where can i set my countoff?
another more serious problem is that when i plug an isntrument into my fast track pro i'm getting intermittent crackling. sometimes it will record without crackling and then playback with crackling. i have yet to record a single track without a crackle and i tried setting the buffer size as high as 1024! it's an amd turion 64 processor with 1 gb ram on xp home sp2. thanks a lot for any advice you have.
just read a lot of your blog and was wondering if this is my hard drive. i'm using a usb drive. but i also tried going into my computer's 2nd internal drive (just for data, the operating system is on the other drive) and was getting the same problem.
on protoolsuser.org some people said that using a usb drive isn't a problem.
another important thing to mention is that every time i try to create an i/o insert in the mix menu i get
"the h/w insert could not be made active because its output(s) is being used by another active output or input"
i still get signal but it crackles and i feel like that might be the root of the problem because my click wasn't crackling. when i play the tracks recorded from the input i get that jerkiness that jeppe described where the main and sub numbers don't run continuously and the vertical line doesn't move across the wav smoothly.
Gilk,
Thanks for your email. Give the Aux track that you have SampleTank instantiated on an Audio Input...
There is some kind of bug with certain Audio Instruments that require you to give the track and Audio Input...
Let me know if that fixes it. If it doesn't, email me at gfs@eSession.com
Thanks for your note.
Gina
Justin,
For you Transport, I teach about that in the first chapter - Go to the View Menu and go to transport and make sure all our checked.
For your hard drive crackle, how is your USB drive connected to your computer? Is it on it's own port or chained to a keyboard or something. That could also cause problems.
What interface are you using as well and how is that connected to the computer?
No worries - we'll figure it out. Have you posted anything on the Digidesign User Conference?
Thanks,
Gina
Hi, Gina,
Long time no hear. Just wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, with thanks for all your help.
I've been out of the loop while my writing studio's being built, but I'm now raring to go. First thing will be to re-read your book and work through all the exercises!
Seasson's Greetings,
Adrian.
Adrian,
Merry Xmas and Happy New Year back atcha!!
I sure hope 2008 is better than 2007. This was one hard year....
Yell if you need any help with that new studio.
All the best,
Gina
Hallo Gina,
I have your book but I have some problems with pro tools.
When I play my It never playes the hole song there´s something what interupts me what says: the operation system hold off for too long. If this occurs frequently try increasing the H/W Size buffer he says. I tride all the H/W buffer size on playback engine and the problem is still there.
My question is what can I do to solf this problem ?
Hey Gina,
First off I love your book!!! My question is this: I cant seem to chane the sound of my click and the factory default is driving me crazy! How cna I change the sould of the click? When I click factory default no other sounds show up. I need your help, thanks.
Mr. Jones
Hola Gina.
I'm a pianist/composer from Venezuela, now living in San Jose CA, where I teach History and Music Systems at SJSU. I just want to tell you that I indulged myself this xmas by buying your book and even though I'm only on page 100 so far, your book is a blessing and definitively the product of a brilliant mind. Thanks for that great resource of knowledge, a must in our endeavor of understanding ProTools.
NO questions so far. Just wishing you and your loved ones a great 2008.
Now if you excuse me, I got a date with page 101. I'll grab my Venezuelan Coffee and resume my reading.
ABI
You know what would be super cool for 2008? A Gina Fant-Saez book on Logic 8. If there's hope in this world, that gotta happen then ;)
Happy New Year!
ABI
Mr Jones,
What version of Pro Tools are you using? Did you install from a CD? Did you move any Pro Tools folders?
Thanks,
Gina
Abi,
Wish I could share that coffee with you.
I am actually considering a Logic for Musicians and Songwriters....
If you want to email my publishers at Peachpit Press, that would be amazing. Please email Karyn Johnson - karyn.johnson@peachpit.com - and if you would CC me gfs@eSession.com
I would very much LOVE to do a Logic book!!
All the best,
Gina
Dear Anonymous....
I need to know more about your system in order to help.
What computer, operating system, how much RAM, what speed is your computer, what hard drive, did you format the drive when you received it, what version of pro tools, did you go to digidesign.com and look at their Answerbase?
lots of questions - no easy answer - let me know and I'll try to help.
Gina
Gina,
I'm working with ProTools 7 / 002 interface. In Chapter 6, exercises 2 through 4. The book indicates that I should select bus 1 and then bus 2 but in my I/O Setup I can only find mono buses under bus 17-18 through 31-32. Buses 1-2 through 15-16 seem to be stereo only. I used mono buses 17 & 18 for the exercises and that worked fine but I was a little perplexed. Can you shed some light on this for me?
BTW I work in educational technoogy (my real career) and I have used hundreds of software manuals and tutorials. Yours is among the best I have ever seen - if not the best! Great work!
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Jerry C.
Jerry,
Thank you so very much for the incredible compliment.
This same thing happened to another reader and he emailed me and let me know that it was a Pro Tools bug that required trashing some preference files.
There are instructions on Sweetwater how to do this. PLease let me know if this fixes it.
Here is the link:
http://www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/ts/detail.php?Index=31080&keyword=trash%20prefs%20databases
All the very best,
Gina
Gina I´ve finished your book recently... i have your book to consult any doubt i have...
I have a question. a few months ago i asked you if you will make a book for musicians a songwriters No. 2... you said that maybe you will write one of logic.
My question is if you use logic a lot, for composing or for recording, do you like the plugs and virtual instruments of logic?
and if you will write another book?
happy new year...
paul.
Paul,
I use Logic for composing and I LOVE LOVE LOVE their Virtual Instruments. The new Logic 8 is AMAZING. After I compose in Logic, I export all tracks as Audio files and then record Audio in Pro Tools.
I would love to do a level 2 book... AND a Logic book - if you would, email my publisher and suggest it... karyn.johnson@peachpit.com
Yell if you need any help Paul.
Rock on!!
Gina
Gina,
Thanks for your response regarding the missing mono busses. I trashed the prefs and database files as directed on the Sweetwater site. Unfortunately this didn't solve the problem.
What I finally did was create the mono subpaths myself in the I/O dialog and saved (exported) the settings. I can now import the settings into any session and have access to all the mono busses 1 through 32. As the 'Last Used Setting" it now imports automatically when I create a new session.
Troubleshooting is time consuming but I learn a lot.
Jerry
Hi Gina,
I've recently started working through your book and for no known reason (that I'm aware of) my audio drive has stopped allowing me to save files to it. When I try to re-open a file or save to it, it says that the volume is set as "transfer only" and needs to be set as record or play (I'm a Mac user by the way). I'm not sure if this is something you can help me with, but I've tried everything. Is there a reference in the book that might address this issue?
I purchased a G-Drive because it was 7200 RPM as stated in Chapter 1. Right now I'm just so frustrated I've started recording to my computers hard drive. I don't want to put off learning the software as I know I'll I'll forget anything I've learned so far.
Any help would be much appreciated.
gtacub,
this is an easy fix - open your workspace window (go to the windows menu and choose Workspace.
You will see next to your drive icon, two columns, both columns should have an "R" - for Record.
Click on the T and change it to an R - Life will rock again!!
Make awesome music.
Gina
Thank you so much. You're truly a life saver. I would be completely lost without your book.
Hello. I found your page looking for help. I have tried the maudio web site and called but have heard nothing. I have invested a lot of time since christmas just trying to get my set up running i got a firewire 1814 and am installing maudio pro tools 7 with the 7.3.1 update. the 1814 has sample rates up to 192 but pro tools is limited to 24/96. Which is fine but the sample buffer rates are stuck at 128. I hear all kinds of noises like a wind sound and a whistle almost like the pc is bleeding noise through the firewire. Is my device defective? And since i stumbled in here i dont know what your book is called. Ive been looking for a well rounded book for pro tools can you post the name of it so i can look it up. Thanks.
Brian,
The book is Pro Tools for Musicians & Songwriters.
Sample Rate Buffer size has nothing to do with your sample rate. This is covered in the book.
When you create a new Pro Tools session, that's where you specify what sample rate you want your song to be. This should automatically change the sample rate of the 1814.
As far as the sound you're hearing... does it make this sound without being connected to anything and just using the external power supply? OR does it happen when you connect it to the computer only?
The interface should be connected directly to the computer and not chained or going through a drive or hub.
I would call M-Audio on monday. Their tech support is really helpful.
Good luck.
All the best,
Gina
Dear Gina,
You are a genious. Thank you for writing this book!
I am running the Mbox on a PC. When I try to close a session I get the following error:
Could not complete the Exit command because Neo Assertion in “/code/azuki_Clif/AlturaPorts/SDKs/Neo61/Sourse/line 164
It closes the session but will not allow me to do anything else (close protools, open a new session, etc.) I am using a 250 externam Maxtor hard drive. I am trying to follow your book line by line but can't get past this issue. I uninstalled Protools and re-installed, but I am getting the same issue. It seemed to work fine at first, but after a week or so, I started getting this issue. Any ideas?
Anonymous,
Have you done a Google search for the error you're getting?
Did you look at the User conference at Digidesign.
I would try deleting all the Digidesign Database folders from each drive and restart the computer and Pro Tools.
Have you tried deleting your Pro Tools prefs.
Are you still under warranty?
thanks,
Gina
Hi Gina,
I have learned SO much from you book! There's something I still haven't worked out: After recording audio, I come back a week later & punch in or create a new playlist & then create a composite track. Usually, the levels don't match perfectly. The audio goes louder or softer, then changes again. It's frustrating. Can you tell me how to fix this?
Thank You,
Phil
Phil,
It seems to be that your input knob on your interface is being moved. You should use a wax pencil or a piece of tape and mark your Mic Pre knob setting.
The software would not do this. It sounds like a simple case of someone not having the knobs turned exactly as they are when you record.
Either write down your hardware settings or label them as suggested above.
Good luck.
Thanks,
Gina
Hi Gina,
I'm still having trouble matching the levels on a track when I punch-in or re-record at a later date--even when I 'mark' the knob on the Mbox2.
When I write a song, I usually record a couple bars of a bass line. A week or so later, I add to it by recording a couple more bars to the bass line, & so forth. Ultimately, the levels just never quite match. Each one is at a little different volume.
When this happens to you, how do you fix the volume so it's the same?
Thanks again,
Phil
P.S. Even though I completed your book over a year ago, I consult it regularly. Every page is highlighted in multiple colors, and at this point, some of the pages are falling out. You are one of my hero's. You opened the door to recording music for me and for that I owe you a great Thank You.
Phil,
Before you do anything to a file, remember to duplicate your playlist so you don't irreversibly alter a file. After you duplicate your playlist, highlight your whole track and go to the Audiosuite menu and choose Normalize. Try that. If it's still not right you, Undo, (Command Z) and then you can try another way by highlighting each punched in region separately and under Audiosuite choose Gain and add or reduce DB to each section.
Thanks for the amazing complements.
Let me know if this works for you.
Rock on!!
Gina
Gina - I am a complete newbie and your book is the best. I just finished ex. 9 and am about to start over and maybe lay down some vocals. Just Electric guitar so far, direct in to my Firewire 410. Two questions:
1. Can you use a regular effects pedal (Boss BluesDriver) in front of the 410 input as a boost? I couldn't get any levels close to "yellow" when recording. (I actually did it and nothing blew-up but is it reccomended?
2. How do you turn off the Punch in/out thing? After saving it is still there. I did some stuff that didn't work and just had to keep reopening the original saved song.
Gina,
I'm about half-way through the book and really enjoying it. I can see this turning into a pretty major hobby (or more) for me and I was wondering what you would recommend as the top 1 or 2 trade journals/magazines that I should consider subrscribing to for (a) honest gear and software reviews (b) industry trends and standards (c) practical how-to articles to continue my education, etc.
Thanks for your input!
Hi Gina,
I've been trying what you recommended to me--using normalize & gain to get the punched-in regions to sound the same loudness. This is great! I was so perplexed before. Thank You so much!
Also, I read on your blog about your technique for recording vocals. I had been frustrated recording vocals because of latency. I can't wait to try covering 1 ear with headphone & using other ear to listen to my own voice!!!
Also, I read on the blog that you offered to email someone your tutorial on beat detective. Would you be able to email it to me too?
Thanks,
Phil
firstmile@hotmail.com
Greg,
I love Electronic Musician and Mix. Those are my two favorites. I also love Virtual Instruments and MacWorld.
Hope that helps.
Gina
John,
Yes, it's fine to put a pedal before the 410... no worries.
About the Punch-in out thing - are you talking about Quickpunch? To disable that, just hit #6 on the NUMERIC keypad of your keyboard - not #6 below the F-keys...
But why do you want to take that off?
Let me know if that takes care of it...
Thanks,
Gina
Hi Gina,
Thanks again for your beautifully written book. I have told the people at Sweetwater Sound on numerous times that they need to recommend to everyone to buy Pro Tools for Musicians & Songwriters. It's been that exceptional of a book to me!
I have a question for you:
From your book, I know you're very organized; so you may be able to help me. When I start recording a new song in Pro Tools, I give the song a name like "song written on 2/8/2008." Then later after I write the song lyrics I give the song a 'real' name. My question is: What's the most efficient way to change the name of the song at this point in Pro Tools so that all of the song's Pro Tools files & folders & back-up's, etc. are okay?
Thanks,
Phil
Hey Phil,
Thank you for trying to get the book into Sweetwater. I should call them. I have tried to get my publisher involved with Sweetwater and Guitar Center, but they are just not very proactive...
About your question, I would do this - with the session closed, I would rename the folder and then rename the session file (keeping the .ptf extension)
So if you new title is "My Dog Rocks" then I would rename the folder "MyDogRocks" and rename the session file "MyDogRocks.ptf"
You could use Save As with the session open but that doesn't rename your session folder. So you could use Save As, rename it, close the session, then rename the folder, then reopen the session and all should be fine that way too...
Hope this helps and thanks again,
Gina
Gina,
Thanks so much. I will now re-name my songs the way you suggested.
Phil
Trying to bounce a song but keep getting the message "Could not complete the Bounce to disk command because Assertion in "Mdie_TrackPlayer.cpp", line 518"
Bounce problem...
I think if you Delete your Digidesign Database folders, this error will go away.
Are you Mac or PC?
Thanks,
Gina
Hey Gina,
Your book has been great for me, like a mother, a father and a best friend lol. Ok I have a question about my midi set up. I hooked up my keyboard to my digi 002 rack with the midi five prong cable. Im getting signal but when I record and play back I hear NOTHING. What did I do wrong? cause I know I didnt do something right.
Thanks so much,
Andre
Ohhh Im running on a g5 tower dual 2.5 GHz powerpc 1 GB DDR SDRAM Mac os x 10.3.9
Hi Gina!
My name is Nina, I'm 15 and I just bought your book as well as ProTools/MBox2/Firewire and everything I need, and I've started to read and get familiarized with the program itsself. One quick question though- I've been having trouble with the Click track. I did the pre-requisites for recording a track- downloading the drum loop, changing the settings I needed to change, editing the TEMPO, but when I play the drums with the click unmuted, it doesn't match up. How do I edit Click tempo so that when it counts me in, it matches up with the rest of the tracks?
To all readers,
I am so sorry that I have been missing in action for the last few weeks. I went to Italy and then came home to wicked virus.
I promise to get caught up on these postings and questions. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
Gina
I can't open the Chapter 9 session "Underwater". I get a message about the session playback engine being set to "solo", and my computer is not compatible. If I continue, PT crashes every time.
In your book there is a reference that two different files are available for Mac & Windows, but only one is on the website.
I'm on a Mac G5, OS 10.4.9, PT 7.3.1
Please advise how to get this working since a good portion of the book is based on this chapter.
Mark
Hmmm...is this blog still kept up to date?
Anyway... chapter 7 midi... trying TRYING trying to get ANY version of sample tank to do what all the documention says it does.
I have a cd of sampletank 2se... I follow directions... is downloaded into mk folder... plugin icons even show up in digidesign plugin folder... restart, reinstall, uninstall... STILL nothing I do gets me to page 195 apparently simple situation... INSTRUMENTS sampletank NEVER shows up in INSERTS... I've tried just using sample tank free STILL no success. No trouble shooting info... so what's the deal? WHY can't I get protools to recognize sampletank in any form whatsoever? From all i can tell all of it has been downloaded to the correct folder(s), always. I'm in mac osx, using protools 7.1...
I can't see sampletank, I can't authorize sampletank, can't use sampletank.
Otherwise, have found your book a lifesaver, the documentation on all these products is generally abysmal, and I use complex animation software every day.
thanks for any help. HELP.
Andre,
Again - my apologies for the delay.
You need to setup your keyboard in the Audio MIDI Setup which is in your Utilities Folder - which is in your Applications folder. You can hit Command Shift + U while in the finder to open the Utilities folder. Add your MIDI keyboard as a device in the Audio MIDI setup and Pro Tools should see it.
Which keyboard do you have?
Hope this helps.
Gina
To Sampletank user -
What computer are you on? What OS? What version of Sampletank -
I have a session using Digidesign's XPand! and I am happy to send that to you.
Contact me at gfs@esession.com or my cell which is 512.917.2532.
Sampletank has been nothing but trouble since day one. I beggggged my publisher to let me use another plug-in - at the time, it was the only FREE instrument -
Anyway - I'll help you in any way I can. I would also suggest that you contact the IK Multimedia support people...
All the best,
Gina
Mark,
I think your issue is HD related. I am off to LA tomorrow but I also have Pro Tools HD and 7.3.1 at my studio. When I return from LA - I'll do some testing.
I received your personal email and I am glad you found a workaround and I apologize for the problem.
You may continue to post here or contact my personal email.
Thanks,
Gina
Hello Gina,
I'm loving your book. I just have a question about insert effects. At least, I think that's what I mean.
I'm used to recording on a Boss BR-8, and therefore hearing and auditioning all my effects as I record into the machine. Certain reverbs and delays can help coax a performance out of me. And I was horrified to learn that I'm expected to record my vocals dry~!!! But that appears to be the norm.
I've gotten to a point where I can make an insert of D-Verb and hear it as I sing, but that forces me to turn off low-latency monitoring which sort of cancels out the whole point.
Is there a way to hear my effects on a vocal as I'm singing them with no discernible latency, in other words my cake and eat it too?
Thank you.
DK
DK,
thanks for the compliments.
You must not be reading the book very closely because I teach how to use reverbs as buses - NOT as inserts...
I believe this should solve your problem...
thanks,
Gina
Hello Gina, how are you?
about Chapter 11 (automate & mix). do you know if it`s better to make the bus compresion in Logic?
or always is better to work all the mix work in protools. I`m asking because as you say in page 347, digidesign do not have much plugs for bus compresion. And another question is that you don`t talk about ozone 3, in the plug that you can use for compresing.
Regards.
Paul
Paul,
There are tons of great mix bus compression plug-ins for Pro Tools - what I meant in the book - is that Digi doesn't give you many options that come with the Pro Tools software - you can buy 3rd party compression plug-ins all day...
My friend Barry Rudolph did a nice user review of the Ozone plug-in: http://www.barryrudolph.com/mix/izotopeozone3.html
I would stay in Pro Tools and get a 3rd party compression plug-in - unless you already own logic and like their mix bus compression options.
I would maybe post something on the Digi user conference site to ask what other users are using mix bus compression.
Hope this helps.
All the best,
Gina
Hey Gina,
This is Andre I had the problem with my midi keyboard and it not playing back what I recorded. I have a Casio CDP-100 with general midi capability and my computer still doesnt recognize it.
I also have a question about buses Im on chapter 6 and I see that you have options to have more than one bus but on my computer I dont have that option.
Im running on a g5 tower dual 2.5 GHz powerpc 1 GB DDR SDRAM Mac os x 10.3.9 and protools le 6.9
thanks again
Andre,
You need to add your Casio device in the Apple's Audio MIDI setup in order for your computer to recognize it. You can find the Audio Midi setup application in your Utilities folder which is in your Applications folder.
Here is a decent tutorial online: http://www.sonosphere.com/MusicSoftware/MacOSX/AudioMIDISetup/
You can also open the application and choose Help.
This should fix it.
All the best,
Gina
Morning, Gina.
I got my studio up and running - very stripped-down to little more than Pro Tools, the MBox and Toontracks EZDrummer and some mics and lots of instruments.
However, I just bought an iMac, which is great, but Pro Tools won't @*~!ing run on it (Leopard.)
Do you have any inside info as to when Apple (or Digidesign) are going to issue an update?
Peace and love
Adrian
Hi, Gina,
Me again. Pro Tools 7.4 works fine on Leopard, so I have started again studying your book.
I've got to the first audio recording (Chapter 2?) and, for some reason, when I hit' Record', the level indicator on the Audio track ('Testing') shoots up, there's an audible 'pop' and ... it won't record! The level doesn't move.
My policy is to shut down and give it a rest when that sort of thing happens, so I'll try again tomorrow.
I got this working last week - can't imagine why it won't work now. Doh.
Adrian,
What input are you using.
I think this sounds like a Digidesign question -
You are under warranty with 7.4 - I would give them a call - it doesn't sound like it's related to a lesson in the book but a hardware or software issue.
I believe the number is 650.731.6100
Good luck.
Gina
Hey GiNa,
I have Pro Tools 7.4 and was trying to reach your website for the updated material (www.peachpit.com/ProToolsforMusicians) but it isn't working?? Is there another link for this?
Gina,
Thanks for replying so promptly.
I'm using an MBox 2, which has always worked well. I'll swap inputs and see if that makes a difference.
I notice that in THE book in the "First Audio Recordibg" section, the Input names in your illustration are not the same as mine. I assume that's because you're using M-Powered.
Does that sound right?
Hi Gina,
I was working through Chapter 8 and the 1st click (of bar one only) on my click track disappeared, and I don't know how to get it back!
Kent,
Are you talking about the click track generated by the software or are you talking about an audio file click track?
Tell me how you created your click track.
Thanks,
Gina
Hi Gina, Thanks for responding so promply. Sorry I didn't give clear enough info.
The click track I added to the Chapter 8 "MIDI CHAPTER" is a standard instrument track with the RTAS Click plg in from page 13 of PTFMAS. I added because my ear needed to hear the click, along with the drum loop and bass tracks. But the beat 1 of bar 1 just disappeared, and I don't see any regions in the edit window of the click track (because I never actually recorded anything from the Click plugin) I am not sure where to put the input and output so that I can record.
Kent
Kent,
I do teach in the book how to record a MIDI instrument which is what the Click track is.
Are you sure the song is starting on Bar 1?
To record your click track to an audio track - make the output of the click track an unused Bus like Bus 1. Then create a mono Audio track and set the input to Bus 1. That's it.
Yell if you need more help.
Gina
Hi Gina,
What would be a reason that loop playback and loop record doesn't work. (In any session) It is checked in the Options Menu, and the range is highlighted, but the playback just keeps on going. I have version 7.4.
Kent
"Hi Gina,
What would be a reason that loop playback and loop record doesn't work. (In any session) It is checked in the Options Menu, and the range is highlighted, but the playback just keeps on going. I have version 7.4.
Kent "
Happens to me, too. Same rig.
Kent,
Maybe call me when you're in front of your computer. You can reach me at 512.264.3307.
I would be this is an easy fix - but easier if we speak rather than email.
Thanks,
Gina
Hi Gina,
I figured out the loop problem. Duh. I had de-selected the 'Link Timeline and Edit Selection' control.
Rock on!
Kent
Hi Gina,
You book is awesome!
Just a small correction on pae 25 in the session "Import all the loops".
For the windows version the buttons are called "Add Files" and "Convert Files".
Not a big deal...but just in case you will have newer releases in the future.
Thanks,
Caio
I have a macbook pro (2.16ghz intel) and a Didi 002 connecting via firewire 400. The problem is that My Macbook Pro loses the firewire connection between the Digi 002 sporadically. When I restart it fixes it temporarily, and then loses connection again. Help!!!!
More Specs:
Protools LE 7.4, OS X leopard 10.5.3. 2gb of ram
Rick,
sounds like a hardware issue - could also be Leopard... As you may know, the Leopard version of Pro Tools is just in Beta right now - so most likely you have a non-approved version of PT...
I would call Apple first IF your hard drive comes in and out regardless if you're using Pro Tools.
If it's only when using Pro Tools - Digi is going to tell you that it's Leopard...
Hope this helps. Yell if you need more info
all the best
gina
Hello,my name is Charles....I used to have a mac osx lepeord but dnt have it now...I used to run my mbox2 pro on it but now im about to get an imac G4 466MHz...Can I run the mbox on this certain G4??
Im not sure because im used to running the newest mac w pro tools..Thank you for your time...hope to hear from u soon..Thanks
Charles///
Charles,
I'm sorry but I cannot recommend running Pro Tools on a G4 466 mhz...
I wouldn't do that...
I don;t think it will even run unless you have an old version of Pro Tools and even then, you're just going to have processor limitations and major problems.
I would look at Digidesign.com and see their system requirements before moving to the old iMac.
Sorry not better news.
Gina
When I am trying to record with my pro tools i go to hit stop when they are done recording and it says it cant save. I dont know what is wrong wit the system. Now its saying the board is offline. I dont know what to do. PLEASE HELP ANYONE!!
Hello Gina. My name is Everett and I'm new to pro tools 7.1 and I'm recording with a phantom mic. I have a lot of questions but, I only hit one bump on the road so far. My problem is every time I want to lay down two tracks, one for instrument & the other for vocal. My mic doesn't pick up audio2 but it works just fine for audio1. I'm baffled. Last night I tried switching the XLR connectors and it worked but my mic seemed extreamly sensative and I'm sure that I don't have to be switching connectors all the time. Also everyone speaks very highly of your book,what is it's title? Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sorry Gina I did not leave my email address. My email is everett.powers@gmail.com
OK Gina I have figured out why I could not record on Audio2 but thank you.
Although now and even after Audio1 had been set for recording, I'm getting crazy static on both audio. Even when my gain is almost completely turned off.
Everitt,
You're posting questions in the wrong place - this is for 2006 - 2007
the book is called Pro Tools for Musicians and Songwriters.
And you really should get the book, it will answer all of your questions. Why don't you leave input 1 set for your Mic and input 2 as your instrument and keep it that way? There's no need to switch inputs every time you record.
Also - regarding static, i'd need to know what interface and mic you're using. How is everything connected? Is it really static or is it something that sounds like digital noise? Also, why are you using Pro Tools 7.1? You really should upgrade as well.
Buy the book because I typically don't answer support questions for someone who doesn't own it... (it's at Amazon)
All the best,
Gina
Peace. I bought a used digi 001. I tested it and it works. I already have protools 7 on my mac. I connect the PCI card, connected the 001 and it's not recognizing it. I blew out the slots and cleaned the card. Still not working. Do i need protools 6.4 to install the driver or something?
Peace.Fighter.Music@gmail.com
Johnny,
Unfortunately, you should not have bought the 001...
I would send it back and get an Mbox and use Pro Tools 8 - The 001 is WAY outdated and not supported anymore.
Sorry for no better news.
Gina
Johnny,
Unfortunately, you should not have bought the 001...
I would send it back and get an Mbox and use Pro Tools 8 - The 001 is WAY outdated and not supported anymore.
Sorry for no better news.
Gina
This is great Im Jonathan from MD I was wandering will I be able to use my Roland VS 8-40 as an audio control surfce for my protols le 7.4 with te mbox2?
Dear Gina, I chose your book because it speaks to me like a person does. It feels human and friendly and easy to understand. Kind of like a "wet" mix as opposed to a "dry" one.
When I got to chapter seven, I decided to download your new chapter from peachpit, so that I could use Xpand! and Structure Free. That was last Summer, and as the peachpit site said that chapter seven would be available soon, I decided to attend to band and songwriting until the chapter came up. Well, I just got carried away, but every now and again, I'd sneak back to the peachpit site, eagerly hoping to see the new chapter. It still doesn't seem to be there. Since I seem to get best results if I just follow your written word, and since I don't want to bypass the midi chapters, do you think I should go the sample tank route that is in the book? I installed Xpand!, but without you to guide me step by step, I can't seem to get any further. Once again, I think you have by far the best guide, and would recommend it to everyone.
Michael O'Connell
Michael,
Your kind words mean the world to me, so thank you!
I got the rewritten chapters to peachpits a year ago and as you know, they are not on top of things.
I am about to switch publishers and write a Pro Tools 8 book.
I have the updated chapters for MIDI in MS Word files with screenshots. Email me at gfs@eSession.com
and I'll get those to you immediately.
Please post question in the 2009 section, this is the 2006 and 2007 questions....
or email me directly.
Warmest regards,
Gina
Hi Gina,
I'm sorry I have not read your book,I didn't know it existed.But I have been pulling my hair out for a week now ,and I'm ready for a coronary.. I have an older pc maxed out which i started on.Now I have built a studio and needed more cpu. So i built this new machine with 4 gigs of ram and a 2.5 Athalon dual on a 560 motherboard with nvidia chipset as recommended on the digi website for my 7.3.1 with an 002 rack. It is super fast and efficient for playback and editing, but when I record in any sample rate higher than 44.1, I lose control.. I need to be able to use 48k with my adat unit.. So have you ever heard of this problem?? Do you have a remedy? Please help if you can find the time.. Thank You,
Jim Nickles
Jim,
Glad the book is helping you learn Pro Tools.
Can you be more specific when you say "I lose control"?
Thank you
Gina
i recently got an mbox2 and there is a 48 track limit. i bought the mbox to bounce audio because i normally use logic but had been in a studio with protools and have some unfinished work to do. i was told to make inactive some tracks in order to make active other tracks but when i did this i found that the tracks over the number 48 ( grey and not playable) were "active" already but not available/playable. how can i make the tracks playable so i can bounce to disk? thank you, john
Great book, but I think I am missing something... when I want to record two MIDI tracks LIVE at the same time (for example Vdrums and a synth), I have this problem where the Vdrums actually trigger the synth too and vice versa. If I record them separately and then play back, they do play everything correctly without them triggering each other (since the MIDI output is assigned to different channels). I have both instruments attached to the MOTU microlite midi interface. Is there a set-up problem? or is it even possible to record two live MIDI tracks with the instruments triggering each other?
MIDI problem guy: Forgot to tell you in the post before this one, I have Pro Tools 7.4.2LE with Digi003. Not to answer my question already, but IF it is not possible to record multiple live MIDI with MOTU microlite, should I then just use the MIDI on my 003 for my drums, and just connect my synth and other synths on the microlite?
Sorry to bother, but this book has answer SO MANY questions... this problem is still hankerin' around without a solution.
Thanks for your time,
Keith
p.s. We need more nice people LIKE YOU in this world who takes time to help others :-)
John,
Did you try making tracks you already bounced Inactive? It should automatically free up voices for tracks over the 48 track limit as you make other tracks Inactive... I hope that makes sense. Yell if you need more help - If you are on Leopard and have an iChat account, I can support you remotely.
Lemme know.
Thanks,
Gina
Keith,
You posted your question in a section for archived questions which I why I didn't see it yesterday - this question should go in the Post called "Post Your Questions Here..." So - if you have more questions, please don't post here. No worries.
Ok to your question -
Here's what I would do - Connect the Vdrums to the MOTU and connect the Synth to the 003 - make sure you open the Audio Midi Setup - Open that by going to the Setup Menu>MIDI>MIDI Studio and make sure you see VDrums and Synth and if not Add those devices - Then drag from the MIDI OUT arrow of each MIDI interface icon (003 and MOTU) to the corresponding device you want to control. That should give you separate control of each device.
Let me know if this works. If you are on Leopard and have an iChat account, I can support you remotely.
All the very best.
Gina
Hey Gina,
We are begginers in pro tools and we're just going thru your book right now, but we haven't found any answer to this problem: everytime we play or try to record the system stops and says that the operating system interrupts for too long. We increased the buffer size and then it tells us that it's interfering with the computer tasks. What to do? Thanks. S3
Hey Gina,
We are new to pro tools. We been going thru your book but haven't found the answer to our problem. Everytime we play or try to record an error comes up that says: the operating system held off interrupts for too long. We increase the buffer size and the it says that it's interfering with the computer tasks. What to do? Thanks. S3
i have a psr 550 yamaha ( 5 year old ) , a digidesign 003 rack with protools 7.x ( brand new ) . How do I interface it to the PC ?
Do I need to download any drivers for my 550 yamaha musical keyboard .
thanks in advance
uday
I'm a newbie at this and I'm stuck already in Chapter 2 trying to get the Shaker track to play. It's silent when I attempt to solo it or any other track other than the click track. The click track comes out fine through my speakers but no sound from Shaker, Hats or KikSnr.
In the next piece in Chapter 2, Exercise 5, I don't understand the instructions regarding the
Grabber tool, i.e. 'Using the grabber in the edit window, click the first loop's waveform... ???
Help.
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