Greetings all,
The old question posting got up to 300 Questions and answers, so I decided to retire the old posting and start a new one.
So, please post all of your questions here.
Thanks all,
Gina
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About Me
- Gina Fant-Saez
- Gina is a computer geek, digital audio expert, author of Pro Tools for Musicians & Songwriters and CEO of eSession.com. She has spent much of her career helping other writers, artists and producers create home studios, learn how to record their own music and then use the Internet to collaborate.
75 comments:
Hi Gina
Got the book. Great writing style. not dry. Like it a lot. Thanks
Just started working with it and am looking at the markers. The book tells you how to add these for instance the key marker or marker ruler. But not how to delete those markers once they are in.
any chance you know ? Thanks
thanks for the kind words
you can hold option on Mac and click on a marker to delete it - and that's "alt" for a PC
all the best,
Gina
Hi Gina,
I emailed you about this but I realized I should have posted here in case anyone else had the same question.
I used to use a cheap but effective piece of software called Magix Audio Studio 6 and when I right-clicked an audio track, I could choose ‘Split’ and it would insert a split and turn the one audio chunk into two chunks. How do I do this in PT M-Powered 7?
I now understand that ‘splitting’ in Pro-Tools usually means sending the audio of one track to another, but in the past I was very accustomed to this terminology. Should I be using a different term for the process described above?
Thanks for your time!
-Alex
Sampletank woes
Hi Gina-
I hope you are not completely sick of answering questions about SampleTank! I'm trying to get SampleTank installed so I can work through Chapter 7, but not having much luck. I'm running Pro Tools LE 7.4 on an Intel Macbook. I first tried the version on this site and while it installed, it didn't show up in Pro Tools as a plugin. I then downloaded the SampleTank 2.5 demo from the vendor web site and installed it (after un-installing the old version) and it too does not show up as an instrument plugin. I saw in really old messages you said SampleTank didn't run on Intel Macs, but the sampletank web site says the 2.5 version does... yet I cannot get it to work. The SampleTank manual says NOTHING about how to properly install the software, and seems to imply it should just "be there" as a plugin... but for me it is not. Their web site is of no help, either. ANY ideas why I can't get SampleTank 2.5 to show up in Pro Tools 7.4?
Hi Gina-
Just wanted to write back that I found a work-around for my SampleTank problem. I was able to use two instances of Structure Free, which came with my MBox2 setup! Each instance can run four samples, and with a few routing tweaks to your UnderwaterGFS session I had the MIDI playing in no time!
Thanks again for the great book... you have no idea how much more approachable you have made Pro Tools for me. And one more thing... you have a great voice! ;-)
Hi Gina,
Thank you for writing this great book. I am a songwriter/composer and don't want to be an engineer and I think this may allow me to learn enough to work with pro-tools.
Question about Protools LE 7.0. It seems to only offer ample rates of 44.1 or 48 kHz? Does this sound right to you, and, if so, is there some way to get a plug in/add on for protools LE that will record at 96 or 192 kHz?
Thank you for all this,
Randy in New York
Hi Gina,
I also purchased your book...excellent! I'm working thru it now. Quick question: what mixing/mastering plug-ins do you recommend? The Pro Tools bundle, or Waves? Thanks in advance...
Frank V.
Alex,
Sorry for the long long delay in responding - been out of the country and immersed in eSession.com biz
ok - so in Pro Tools, what you want to do is called "Separate region" - it's very easy in pro Tools - you click where you want to separate the region and hit Command + E.
If you highlight a section, it will put a seam on both sides.
this doesn't give you a separate audio file but a separate region to move around in pro tools.
if you want a separate audio file to use in other programs, highlight the separated region (click on it with the Grabber Tool) and go to the Edit Menu and choose Consolidate.
It's a good idea after consolidating to Rename the Region - you do that by highlighting the region and pressing Command + Shift + R.
All the best,
Gina
Jim,
Again, sorry for the delay -
yes, Sampletank is the bane of my existence!!
I am just about to publish an updated chapter using Structure and Xpand - I advise everyone to bag SampleTank... and go with the new Free Digi Apps just to wrap your barin around using MIDI
you can email me directly at gfs@eSession.com or post here - now that i am back in town, I'll be more attentive to this blog,
rock on!!
Gina
Randy in NYC,
The limit of Sample Rate for Pro Tools is not based on the software but your interface - you need an M-Audio or Digidesign Interface that supports up to 96k...
Sorry for the bad news - if you need more help or advice what to buy, let me know.
Best,
Gina
Hi Gina,
I purchased your book and it is excellent. I've installed Pro Tools LE with an MBox 2 Micro and I'm looking forward to getting started. I've done a great deal with Sonar on the PC (you can hear some of my work at my site, www.frankmv.com), but I'm moving to the Mac (I was a longtime Mac user with Opcode's Vision back in the day...but sadly moved to the PC with Opcode's demise).
Moving all my tools over is a bit daunting, but certainly worth doing. One question: which bundle of mastering plug-ins do you recommend - Pro Tools or Waves? I have some Waves plug-ins that I use on the PC, but would it be better to use Pro Tools plug-ins in a Pro Tools rig? BTW, I listened to your tune "Plug Me In"...very nice. Although my musical style is more latin jazz, I enjoyed your tune very much.
Thanks in advance for your time and your response.
For the record, I started with digital back in 1986 (all I really wanted to do was automate some transcription on the computer). I was quickly bitten by the bug, and have been updating my studio ever since. All of my music is generated completely in the digital realm. I saw early on the value of moving in that direction, so I understand and completely agree with your assessment vis-a-vis the "portable" digital studio.
Any help or advice you can provide would be welcome and greatly appreciated.
Thanks again...
Frank V.
Frank,
I listened to your music as well. Very cool stuff. I was also an Opcode Studio Vision mourner - what a great application with Galaxy and all my racks of MIDI gear. Wow, times have changed huh?
Ok about your question - for me, hands down, the Waves plug-ins are far better for mastering than the Digi plug-ins.
The Massey stuff is affordable and great. I've heard great things about this one: http://www.masseyplugins.com/?page=l2007
The Roger Nichols Plug-ins are also amazing - but more expensive. This one is brand new and supposed to be awesome:
http://www.rndigital.org/finis3.html
Best way to test anything is to download the demos and bounce your mixes and compare - trust your ears.
hope this helps.
All the very best,
Gina
Gina,
Thanks so much for the rapid response. I will definitely check out those Massey plug-ins.
And thanks for the compliments on the music.
Another Opcode mourner...sad, isn't it? Gibson killed the goose that laid that golden egg...
Again, thanks for the tips.
Frank V.
Gina,
I am new to pro-tools and digital recording. When I record a track into pro-tools do I need to use a mixer before bringing the signal into the MBox interface or is the EQ done after I record the track?
Pro-Tools does have some EQ functionality but I don't see a fully functional graphic equalizer or that sort of thing.
Also, I don't see anything about stereo mixdown or generating a cd from the project, is this addressed in the book? If not, where can I get this sort of information.
Thanks.
Artful,
the book pretty much covers all of your questions, and i'm not trying to sell you a book.
with digital audio, you use EQ plug-ins, you get a few free with Pro Tools, but if you want the really awesome graphic EQ, you'll probably need to shell out maybe $200 for a good one from a company like Waves.
But - you should rarely record with EQ and if you do, you really gotta know what you're doing. With plug-ins, you can change EQ's or automate any settings and change your mind - so it's just like EQ'ing on a console, it's not recorded, you tweak it on the fader of the track you're EQ'ing.
The book covers this.
And the book does cover bouncing to a CD as well.
I'll be happy to help.
Thanks for the question.
Warmest regards,
Gina
I have the book and look forward to going through the exercises.
One thing I want to get right that I am in a quandary about though.
I have 2 Hard Drives but want to use an external HD as you suggest. However, my only spare Firewire port did have a a problem when I first plugged in my 003 so I'm not sure I can use a firewire drive.
Is there any way I can successfully use a HD via USB for this job?
Latina,
What kind of problem did you Firewire port have? Are you able to use your 003? The 003 does have an extra firewire port to connect an external drive.
You can use USB, but you might have some problems down the road.
I would get a drive that has both firewire and usb ports - but I would use firewire and fix the issue if at all possible.
Yell if you need more help.
All the best,
Gina
Thank you for your swift response Gina.
My Mac has two Firewire ports; one on the front and one on the back. When I first plugged my 003 into the front it didn't work so I simply use the back port. Quite what the problem is I do not know.
I did not realize that the 003 has an extra firewire port to connect an external drive. I thought the only way to save ProTools sessions would be via the Mac directly.
If it is possible to save everything in the External HD through the 003's extra Firewire port, I'd like to take that option and avoid the USB.
Thank you for pointing this out! Would you say it is a safe option for me to take?
Looking at the 003 manual it seems I can "Daisy Chain" so I plug the 003 into the External HD and plug that into my Mac.
However, "Connecting 003 to a Firewire port of an external HD that is connected to a computer does not support maximum track count."
Could you tell me what this means practically? As far as I'm aware my LE has 32 useable tracks.
Then again I notice on the specifications for ProTools
"For maximum track count 2 or more hard qualified hard drives dedicated for audio record and playback"
I suppose as I have a HD dedicated to mostly data/my sessions plus I would get an External HD, this would suffice if set up correctly?
Gina-
Finding your book has been a breath of fresh air (it is so well-sritten and easy to follow). I am finally learning Pro-Tools.
I am up to Chapter 7 (the most important part of your book for me). Like a previous blogger Jim, when I loaded Sample Tank 2 it did not show up as an Insert Instrument - while trying several things I found it as an Insert Other. This enabled me to authorize it and start Exercise 5 of Chapter 7.
While I can demonstrate that my midi keyboard controller is sending signal (Exercise 3), I cannot hear anything selected through Sample Tank 2 (with the record button selected and fader up). I see no line level change but I do see send and receive indicators on the 002 when a key is hit on my keyboard.
What am I missing? How does Sample Tank 2 communicate with my keyboard controller?
P.S. My keyboard will play audio through my 002 when in Standalone Mode.
Kindest regards, and a huge thank you for the fabulous book.
Lagewitt,
your compliments are so very much appreciated - thank you
so -Sample Tank is officially the bane of my existence... And here's the deal - I am currently writing an update for all the MIDI chapters using Digidesign's Xpand! and Structure Free.
Do you have those instruments? If so, email me, and I'll send you the Pro Tools Session using those instead of Sample Tank.
And very soon the PDF of the new chapters should be posted on my site and peachpit's. (the publisher)
My email is gfs@eSession.com - and please post anytime here for help as well -
all the best,
gina
Lagewitt,
In answer to your MIDI issue with Sample Tank - Is Sample Tank on an Audio Instrument track or an Aux?
If an Audio Instrument - give the Audio Instrument an Input - It might say No Input about the output on the fader - Make that into Input 1 - sometimes there is a bug, where you have to give a track an input to hear the MIDI -
let me know if that fixes it
and just to make sure that you did also load a sound into Sample Tank as well
hope this helps.
gina
latina,
sorry for the delay in responding
ok - take the firewire port of your computer to the 003 - and then daisy chain from the 003 to your HD - in that order
you're still using the mac and you're still saving your sessions to the Hard Drive - you're just using it through the 003 - think of the 003 as a firewire tunnel to the HD...
Don't worry about track count right now - you should be fine with that set up - and don't worry about multiple drives right now either.
this really should work - just go play music!!
warmest regards,
gina
Gina-
SampleTank was inserted on a stereo Instrument track and not an Aux track. I tried assigning the Audio Instrument an Input and still did not get line level or audio (I actually tried several Input options all with the same result).
I then decided to try to use Xpand! which was partially successful. I was able to see line level but no audio. Is this what I am suppose to see (i.e., line level but no audio - similar to the keyboard controller exercise in Session 3)? It appears that I likely have an audio connection problem and not a instrument plug-in issue.
Can you help..please?
P.S. I sent you my email address so that you could provide the updated Pro Tools sessions using Xpand! and Structure Free but am concerned that given the above I still won't be able to follow along.
Gina-
Good News!. I deleted my "MIDI Chapter" session and recreated same. I then obtained confirmation that my keyboard controller (Ensoniq TS-10) was sending signal on a MIDI track. I then inserted Xpand! as an Insert Instrument and was able to see line level and hear audio. Feeling good about this I tried SampleTank2 and got nothing (no line and no audio). I then tried StructureFree and was able to use the piano keys of the plug-in to hear audio but could not use my TS-10 to do same. Why would this be?
It is always these quirky things that frustrate me to no end. Given that Xpand! is working as expected, can I say with certainty that all hardwire connections are good (this was something I was questioning when I was struggling with SampleTank2)?
Lagewitt,
I'm confused -
you say "I then tried StructureFree and was able to use the piano keys of the plug-in to hear audio but could not use my TS-10 to do same. Why would this be?"
Are you trying to hear audio out of your TS-10 or are you using it just to control the software?
And - i think you're confused about the word "line level" - there are different kinds of level that you can see in the fader - MIDI level just by pressing a MIDI keyboard and then Audio level from the Audio coming out of that fader - The term Line Level means something else entirely different - there is Mic level and Line Level - Mic level is +4 db and Line Level is -10 - so it's more of a measurement...
So i think you're saying that you see MIDI level but you don't hear audio?
I would either contact the SampleTank support folks or just blow it off - it's not worth the headache...
I will email you the Pro Tools session for Chapter 8 that uses Xpand -
Now about your TS-10 - why do you need to hear it? You're using Xpand and Structure and the TS-10 should just be a controller and should not be heard.
I avoid MIDI outboard gear whenever possible - IF you do need to hear it - you would have to run 1/4" cables from the your TS-10 to the Line Input (1/4" input) of your Interface - Then you would have to create a stereo Aux with the input set as the inputs you have the TS-10 plugged into. You have to physically connect the audio outs of your TS-10 to the audio in of your interface, then create a fader to hear it on. I hope that makes sense.
But I would go 100% software and only use the TS-10 as a controller...
When you question your hardware connections - are you talking about the TS-10? As long as you create a MIDI track and see MIDI level when you play a key on your TS-10, then you're all good.
But again - MIDI is computer information - not audio - I know it's kinda weird to wrap your brain around - but in order to hear audio from an outboard device you have to connect it with cables to your interface.
Hope this helps.
Gina
Gina - thanks for clearing things up on the improper use of "line level".
I've punted on SampleTank. So I am trying to work through Sessions 6 & 7 of Chapter 7 with Xpand! but I am not sure it can be done as written in the book given that Xpand! is not multi-timbral...correct?
You appropriately indicated that you were confused about my wanting to hear audio from my TS-10. I have been using my TS-10 all along as the controller for the software AND I also have 1/4" cables connected from my TS-10 Main Out to Inputs 7 and 8 on the back of my 002 as a means to try to hear sounds from the TS-10 library.
I eventually would like to learn how to use the sound library in the TS-10 (and my Roland JV-1080 and Korg 03R/W sound modules) to play and record on the 002 into Pro Tools. I think you may have provided an explanation for how to do this using a stereo Aux. Is this type of configuration explained in more detail later in your book or is your comment about avoiding MIDI "outboard gear" indicating that such an arrangement is not recommended?
Hi Gina,
I'm up to the MIDI chapter, 7, and have been wrestling with Sample Tank. I see I'm not the only one frustrated. I have already downloaded Xpand and played around with it and it works fine. I'll go get Structure Free now.
So, a simple, dumb question. How do I "bag" Sample Tank? (yes, I'm new to a Mac...) Do I just drag the folder to the trash bin? I'm used to the PC, control panel, uninstall software routine.
Thanks!
Lagewitt,
Well - I always advise people to get rid of their old outboard MIDI gear and go 100% software.
I spent years working on all of those - had a 1080 and an M1R (much like the 03R)
It is sincerely a bit complicated to get it happening. I don't know your keyboard but pretty much all outboard MIDI stuff used to work the same -
You have to create what most gear call "Multi's" and within the Multi on Ch 1, you assign the bass (for example) and on Ch 2, you assign a key etc. After you create (and Save) a multi - then you have to make sure the device is added to your MIDI setup.
I only know Macs - and you have to open what is called the Audio MIDI Setup and Add Device and choose your device from the list of gear. You also have to tell the gear whether the device is a controller (1080 and 03R are not) and also how many MIDI channels you want them to receive on. I think both the 1080 and 03R can play 8 channels at once, but the 1080 could be 16. (it's been years)
Then you open Pro Tools and create a MIDI track and choose the instrument and correct Channel and at the same time, you have to have the audio coming into Pro Tools on either an Aux or an Audio track (if you want to record the MIDI audio)
I don't think I do cover this in the book. I do cover how to print a MIDI track to Audio though...)
I hope this helps - sincerely, I would bag all the outboard gear and go software - your life will be a breeze with fewer cables and confusion. That's my two cents...
All the best,
Gina
Frank,
I have a word doc of the new Chapter 7 and 8 which are being laid out and created as PDF's this week and next week. If you need that, just email me directly at gfs@eSession.com.
The easiest thing to do is to do a Command + F in the finder and type SampleTank in the Search field. Highlight anything and everything and drag to trash or hit Command + Delete - then empty trash. Say goodbye to SampleTank and then celebrate!
I have updated chapters 7 8 and 9 written using Xpand and Structure Free - They will be available as PDF's very soon - the publisher is laying them out now. In the meantime, if you want the Word docs and new Session file - please email me directly at gfs@eSession.com.
Rock on.
Gina
Hey Gina,
Question that's not related to the book, although I'm gonna review it again in the near future.
I've been spending most of my time in Logic, just love it alot, and I want to export some of my sessions from protools without having to have digitranslator. What would be the optimal way to do this? I know logic to protools is a snap, but reverse without digitranslator isn't intuitive.
Again 95% of my time nowadays is spendt in logic, so I'd rather be able to export my music there.
I realize I wouldn't get the same functionality as digitranslator or ssl pro convert within the app, but any suggestions would be appreciated.
Pro Tools to Logic,
Ok - this is actually very easy - IF you don't want your tracks to have the Pro Tools effects, it's as easy as highlighting each track from the beginning of the session timeline, then going to the edit menu, choosing Consolidate.
Consolidate takes all of your edits and makes one cohesive audio file.
Then I would double click on the new Consolidated file in the Edit Window and rename it - I name my files by SongTitle_Instrument - So JingleBells_Piano
The audio files will go into your Pro Tools Session's Audio Files folder.
Then you open Logic and choose Import Audio and import each Consolidated track into Logic.
Be careful that Logic copies the audio file into Logic and doesn't just refer to the file that is inside your Pro Tools session folder - because if you ever move or delete your session, you'll lose that audio.... Make sure the consolidated audio files are copied to your Logic project folder.
Now if you want each track to have the effects from Pro Tools, you'll have to solo each track, solo any effect tracks used by that track and then use Bounce to Disk from the File menu.
If you do it this way - use the Logic Bounce folder as a destination to put your files so you don't have to worry about losing them.
Hope this helps.
Gina
Gina,
Trying to use your Pro Tools for Musician's and Songwriters. When I import your drum loops to tracks and click play Pro Tools locks up in the busy mode and I have to force quit to get out. I'm using Pro Tools 7.4 with MBos 2 Pro and an iMac. The click track works fine.
Any ideas?
Don,
One other user had this problem as well.
Please email me directly at gfs@eSession.com and I'll send you some updated files.
Sorry about the problems.
All the best,
Gina
Gina,
I'm having a problem importing loops into Pro Tools. I followed exercise 2 & it will not work.
jimmy,
can you be more specific about the problems you're having? Do you get an error message?
No worries - we'll fix it!!
thanks,
Gina
Hi Gina,
Thanks for the great book. It made me feel "safe" enough to start learning Pro Tools!
Question: I used "Save as" a few times on one song before I read about "Save copy in". On my most recent version of this song ("Save as"#4) can I now "Save copy in" and bring this (#4) into a new location with the current version's audio files, etc?
(This is the only version I want to use...) Otherwise, do I just need to keep all of the earlier 3 versions around forever?
I appreciate any info you can share. Thanks!
Have a great Thanksgiving.
Best,
Tod
EARTH COLONY tod@worldpath.net
Hey Tod,
Thanks for the compliments - I am so honored to be helping you create your music
About Save Copy In - As long as you're checking that box to copy Audio Files and making one cohesive session in a new folder that doesn't use any audio from your old sessions, then you can delete those old sessions. If you're anal retentive, you might wanna get a big drive for backing up and dragging unused or old sessions to for safe keeping. I bought a Terabyte drive last week for $100 - unbelievable how cheap drives are these days
an aside - I have a 1 Gigabyte drive from 1991 that I paid $5,000 for - I keep it to show people...
I hope this helps. Contact me anytime at all.
All the very best,
Gina
Hi, Gina. Love the book, but I'm having a problem importing the loops in Chapter 2, Exercise 2. I'm using a Mac Pro, Leopard(OSX 5.5) with an M-Audio Projectmix I/O and ProTools M-Powered. As soon as I get to the drop-down box labeled "Audio Import Options", I choose the "New track" and "Session start" as you suggest in the Peachpit site addenda in the bonus section to your book. However, I get an error message that says,
"Could not complete the Import Audio command because Assertion in "/Volumes/Development/vb_leopard_r2/AlturaPorts/NewFileLibs/CoreFoundation/MacBuild/../../Sys/MacOS/Sys_VolumeMacOS.cpp", line 896.
Of course, because of this, I can't load the loops and complete any of the rest of the exercises in Chapter 2. What to do? BTW, I did download the ProTools patch for Leopard from the Digidesign.com website. Hope you can help.
Hi Craig,
Email me at gfs@eSession.com and I'll send you newer versions of the loops.
I re-saved the loops in a newer version of Pro Tools because another reader was having the same issues and I think it fixed the issue for him.
And thank you so much for compliment.
Warmest regards,
Gina
Hi Gina,
I just upgraded to PT 8. Any chance you'll be updating your book to include the latest version? Thanks in advance.
frank V.
Happy New Year Gina. Thanks for all your help over the last couple months as I go through your excellent book.
I have a new question about Waves. I bought the Musicians 2 bundle and installed it on my Windows Vista PC. Everything works fine but when I close one of the Waves plugin windows or if I close a session that uses them, I get an error message that says "Access Violation Occured". I have emailed both Waves and Digidesign, but neither has been able to provide a solution. At least the plugins work correctly so it's just a minor annoyance. My iLOk has the Waves licenses. Have you encountered a problem like this before?
Hey John,
Do you have any old Waves plug-ins in your plug-in folder? If so, you may want to trash anything Wave on your computer and make sure you're installing version 6.
Here is a thread I found at Berklee: http://www.berkleemusic.com/discuss/message?forum_id=13331&message_id=7313571
And you should also check this Digi Troubleshooting Wizard out. It could just be corrupt preference files.
http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?langid=1&navid=54&itemid=25974
Please let me know if this helps.
Thanks for your note and the compliments on my book.
Warmest regards,
Gina
hey Gina,
love the book, its really helping me understand everything much clearer. BUT i ran into an issue. ch 11 i downloaded the musicians 2 bundle and installed it but its still saying i need the ilok becauase my trial is over. i uninstalled all waves programs and reinstalled. it still says it. what should i do? thanks so much
Hey Matty,
Did you go to the Waves site and download or get them from my book webpage?
If the latter, Waves changed their demo installers to require an iLok.
I rewrote the Waves chapter - email me directly at gfs@eSession.com and I'll send you the update.
So glad the book is helping.
Warmest regards,
Gina
Hi Gina,
I am preparing to record a song that changes tempo 3 times during the song (it basically speeds up at three distinct points). I am not sure how to create the click track in a way that will conform with these changes.
Do I create 3 individual sessions or can I (somehow) do it simply in one song/session?
Thanks for your help & insight! I appreciate any ideas that you can please send my way...
Best,
Tod EARTH COLONY
Tod,
Ok - here's what you do - First, you keep the conductor turned on in the Transport Window. When the conductor is on, Pro Tools follows the tempo of the Tempo Ruler at the top of the Edit Window, rather than following a manual tempo.
The default tempo with the conductor on is 120. Make sure you are viewing Tempo in the Tempo Ruler - If you don't the Tempo Ruler, go to View, Ruler Views and make sure Tempo is checked.
So, first set the starting tempo and make sure you're in Grid mode and go to the bars where you want to insert tempo changes and just hit the "+" button on the tempo ruler to add tempo changes. You delete them with the Selector Tool and just highlight and delete.
Hope this makes sense. Let me know if you have any questions.
All the best,
Gina
Gina,
Thanks! I'll give it a go...
Best,
Tod
Hi Gina,
I'm giving a Desktop Music Production workshop at my local community college and I will be using your book. I need to get all the updates ASAP. I tried finding them on the site, but was unable to do so. Could you please forward? Also, I'd like to get your ideas on how to proceed, but I'd rather correspond via email, not on the blog. Please send your response to my email account, frankmv@yahoo.com. Thanks...
Frank V.
Hi Gina,
I sent an email to your private address about Pro Tools 8. While it works well, certain tweaks are required, and I was hoping you might post your findings of same. Further, I downloaded the Spectrasonics Intel Wrapper and have attempted to work with Trilogy and Atmosphere, and both perform EXTREMELY poor...so much so, its almost not worth loading them up. Any suggestions as to make this better? Thanks in advance...
Frank V.
Hi Frank,
Sorry I've been traveling. I very much enjoyed your email about PT8. Thank you. Sorry I never got back to you, things with eSession are rather hectic right now.
What computer are you using Trilogy and Atmosphere with? I have both and am having no problems. Can you explain what kind of problems you're having?
Thanks so much.
Gina
Hi Gina, Thanks for getting back to me. I'm using a MacBook Pro with 6GB of Ram, and an Hitachi 7200 RPM drive across an FW800 interface. I got on the Spectrasonics site and they will be upgrading Trilogy to Trilian in May ($99 upgrade to us), which will use the STEAM engine, and is designed for Intel Macs - so no more Intel "wrapper". I guess I can wait until then. In the meantime, Omnisphere includes all of the Atmosphere patches, is built on the STEAM engine (and also designed for Intel Macs), so I'll be loading that over the weekend (upgrade cost me $149). I have found the XPand!2 and Structure Free tools to be quite good. Also the DB-33 and the Mini-Grand bundled with PT8 are EXCELLENT. I loaded Akoustik Piano (NI's product) and PT8 literally fell-over...too much CPU - so I scrapped that idea. I haven't yet loaded Ivory, so I'd be interested to hear your experience with it (I used Ivory exclusively for all my stuff on a Windows machine and it worked great). Kontakt is working ok (although I haven't yet stressed my machine). For the record, my Mac is a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo with an internal 320GB 7200 RPM drive. I did find that if I shut down Airport, performance was better by an order of magnitude. Any other tweaks that I should know about to maximize performance? (I need to find an AppleScript that will automatically "toggle" these things so I can execute it prior to/and immediately after running PT8) Thanks in advance...hope the economy hasn't affected your adversely (it sure has cut down on my gigging!)... Also...when you can please forward me your address...I would like to send you my CD - its a latin jazz showcase of what can be accomplished on a computer (and hopefully, soon on a MBP!)...
Frank,
I'm a huge Ivory fan!! And I am also crazy about Omnisphere. I think the upgrade should address your issues.
I haven't had any performance issues with Spectrasonic's stuff - I am running on a Dual 2.5 G5 though in my studio and I am running 7.4 since my G5 is not Intel - I don't really run those plugs on my laptop.
You might want to post a question on the Digi User Conference - It might be a specific issue with PT8...
I have had probs with Akoustic Piano too though...
Rock on!!
Gina
Hi Gina,
I just bought your book and like just about everyone else, I'm off and running in Pro Tools thanks to you! I'm just curious when you might have some updates for PT8, there seem to be quite a few changes to the controls, user interface, etc. I'm doing OK with your 7.4 version, but would like to know what kind of stuff I might be missing.
Thanks very much for the book, it's excellent!
Gina,
Great book! I'm doing 30 minutes a day and I'm on page 332. First unsolved hitch: The REX files for chapter 10 won't load into my track list."Kind" of file in my workspace is listed as "unknown". Neither tambourine nor shaker load. I have a Mac G5/Tiger 10.4/PT Rack.
Thanks!
Eric
Hi, Gina:
I just finished Chapter 2 of your book. I downloaded and imported (and converted to wav format) the drum loops from "Chapter #2 Downloads" on your website, and I recorded some tracks to go with them. Now I'm trying to fade out the end of my tracks. I can fade out the tracks I recorded, but I can't fade out the drum tracks. Sometimes I get an "...insufficient audio data within the fade bounds" error message, and sometimes I don't get an error message but instead get the fades window that allows me to configure the fade. But, when I accept the defaults and click OK, no fade line appears on the drum tracks and there is no fading when I play back the tracks.
What am I doing wrong?
Thanks!
Hi Gina,
I have a question about the old chapter 7 of your book. Im running protools 6.9 on a mac os x 10.3.9 with a dual 2.5 GHZ power pcG5. So in Exercise 6 when I create a stereo Aux input track and then create midi track and put it in record I get no sound, I get a level just no sound. But when I create a stereo audio track I get sound. So does it make a difference if its an audio track or an aux track? if so how do I fix the problem? I appreciate your help and love the book.
Thanks,
Spencer
Hi Gina,
I have a question about chapter 7 exercise 6. When I create a stereo Aux input track and then the midi track I get no sound. Its only when I create a stereo audio track I get sound. Does it make a difference if I create a stereo aux track or a stereo audio track? If so how do I get the sound by using the aux track?
Im running pro tools 6.9 with a mac osx 10.3.9 and a dual 2.5 ghz power pc g5.
Thanks for your help,
Spencer
Awesome readers,
I am so sorry I have been so long in getting back to you. I am going to answer these in order in one long response:
1. Kevin - Did u get the Fade issue resolved? If not, please take a screen shot of what you're trying to do and the error message and email it to me at gfs@eSession.com
2. muzakluvrr - can u send me a screenshot to gfs@eSession.com of your mixer window? Are you using Sampletank? 6.9 is way old.... It's time to upgrade....
3. Spencer - are you the same question as above? Do your Aux inputs work for FX but just not for MIDI? I hate to say that i don't remember how 6.9 deals with MIDI - sincerely, I would upgrade to Leopard and Pro Tools 8 - it's much better and more intuitive and also give you a ton of built-in audio instruments.
Thanks all,
Gina
Gina,
I've been using your wonderful book to learn PT 7.1 on my G4 Macbook Pro but I've been struggling with constant processing and memory issues. So I just purchased a used Mac Pro Quad Core machine and will install 8 GB of RAM. I should be set!
Here's my question. The Mac Pro came with OS 10.5.7 installed but also included the original 10.4 disks. So I have some options.
1. I can install 10.4 and continue using PT 7.1 (updated for the Intel processor).
2. I can purchase PT 7.4 for about $60 and use it on 10.4.
3. I can purchase PT 8 for $150 and install and use it in 10.5 (keeping in mind that I do not have disks to restore the OS if something bad were to happen).
So - is there a significant advantage to upgrading to either 7.4 or 8.0? Is there any advantage to working in OS 10.5 vs. 10.4?
Thanks for sharing your expertise.
Jerry
Jerry,
Without a doubt - keep 10.5.7 and buy the PT 8 Upgrade. It is significant and awesome!! They include many Virtual Instruments and the they really made the interface alot sexier as well. You will be thrilled with the new PT version - i find it to be much more intuitive as well.
Make awesome music.
Thanks for your note.
All the best,
Gina
Hi Gina!
I am trying to open, name, and save a new session. When I try to save, it says:
Session must be on an audio record volume. If permitted, set the volume(s) in question to "R" (record) in the workspace.
What in the world does this mean!?
Thanks for your help!
-Jennifer
Gina -I am so glad I found your book -I'm sorry that I won it on ebay, but I am sure that I will buy from you in the future -I just had one question about ticks compared to samples -I don't think you mention which one you should use to record a vocal track -if I were to use a tick audio track could I manipulate the tempo on this track?-also I am confused about the differences between an instrument track and a midi track thanks
Hi Gina, I your book is absolutely wonderful. It really makes Pro-Tools very accessible. Unfortunately, I have run into a major snag only 45 pages into the book. I am suddenly getting crackling, popping, static in my speakers during playback. I imported the drum loops and have the click track operational. The shakers, the click, and the hi-hats don't elicit this noise from my speakers, but the snares do. Also, any additional tracks that I add on, whether vocals or instruments tracks the sound is there. The speakers never have any problems when used at any other time. I just do not know how to trouble shoot this issue. Maybe there is a setting to be adjusted? Please, if you have any suggestions I would be most grateful. Thank you very much for your time. ---Elisa.
Jennifer,
Sorry for the long delay.
Ok under the window mene - choose Show Workspace - there is a column next to your hard drive which designates it a Record or Playback or Transfer drive. Make it a record drive. If your drive won't allow that, then you have a hard drive that was probably formatted for windows and needs to be reformatted.
Aso - you should get in the habit of Googling error messages - because if you google the phrase "Session must be on an audio record volume", you get this answer as the first search result.
Hope this helps.
All the best,
Gina
Evad,
Ticks allow you to take each region and quantize it to a beat. Unless you're doing beat box or something like that with vocals, it won't be important whether it's sample or ticks.
You have to use elastic audio to change the tempo of audio tracks like vocals. There are video tutorials for Elastic audio at Dididesign and on YouTube.
All the very very best,
Gina
Hi Gina,
Thank you for your book.
I am new to MIDI and was wondering if you could recommend any particular MIDI keyboards (or please refer me to a post where you may have already answered this question)? I am also wondering about the number of keys. I like 88 since that is the full piano size, but I have found a good 61 key one also. I am not sure how many keys will be necessary. Please help.
Thanks.
I recently recorded a session at a professional studio on PT 7 HD and cannot get it to play on my MBox 2.
I get the following dialog: "This session was saved with the following playback engine: "Protools HD (4 DSP, 64 Voices)." This playback engine is not available with the current hardware. Would you like to continue and use the current playback engine "Mbox 2?"
The file opens and looks great, but I cannot get any sound from headphones or monitors. Please advise!
BTW, the session was done in 48K and not 96K.
About the MIDI keyboard, I would go with an M-Audio and I play piano as well but rarely need 88 keys and it's very easy to move the octaves around - The M-Audio Keystation 61 is partially weighted and works great for me and is somewhat portable.
I would go to Guitar Center and play a few and see how they feel. but M-Audio will be the most cost effective.
All the best,
Gina
Jake,
Usuallu when you open an HD session on an Mbox, you have to re-select your outputs on the faders and make sure they are going to your main speakers.
If the outputs look strange, then they are reading the I/O settings (input/output) settings of the HD hardware - so go to Settings, I/O Setup and reset to the default.
Then choose the outputs on each fader.
If there are lots of faders, you can hold option and change one and it will change them all.
All the best,
Gina
In Chapter 2, I am having trouble importing the drum sounds. Everything worked except there is no "Done" button, only an "Open" button and when I click it nothing happens. I am working with Pro Tools M Powered 7.3 on a MacBook with an M audio Firewire 1814 audio interface.
Jeni,
Can you send me a screenshot to my email gfs@esession.com?
You take a screenshot by hitting command + shift + 3. Then you'll hear a camera click sound and there will be a picture 1 file on your desktop.
Please send that to me.
Thanks.
Gina
Jeni,
Can you send me a screenshot to my email gfs@esession.com?
You take a screenshot by hitting command + shift + 3. Then you'll hear a camera click sound and there will be a picture 1 file on your desktop.
Please send that to me.
Thanks.
Gina
Jeni,
Can you send me a screenshot to my email gfs@esession.com?
You take a screenshot by hitting command + shift + 3. Then you'll hear a camera click sound and there will be a picture 1 file on your desktop.
Please send that to me.
Thanks.
Gina
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