Getting Started With Pro Tools 10, the Basics of Music Recording

Getting Started With Pro Tools 10, the Basics of Music Recording

In this article I’m going to explain some of the basic things you will need to get started in making a professional sounding recording, it is actually cheaper than most people think. First you’re going to need an interface, an interface is basically a port that goes from your computer or laptop that has connections to plug in your instruments, for instance your electric guitar, microphone, or whatever instrument you will be using; you can get a basic two instrument interface for around 100 dollars M-Audio has one, the Fast Track Pro that is 100 dollars and it is a great interface.

Another thing you will need is just a basic set of speakers or even an old iPod dock you might have around, anything will work. The last thing that I highly recommend is a midi controller, Pro Tools 8 through 10 have thousands of virtual instruments that can be played and by virtual instruments I mean, in the software itself they have instruments anything from a harmonica to a full drum set, or even just a basic piano. Midi controllers range anywhere from $ 80 dollars to $ 1000, you will just need a basic one and you will have the power to play thousands of instruments easily from a small keyboard connected via USB on your computer. Their are plenty of places online to find midi controllers or you can always check out music shops around you, most places carry them, I personally like Guitar Center and for online MusiciansFriend.com is great also. After purchasing Pro Tools itself and the other thins I have listed your only looking at about 300 to 400 dollars spent to get professional grade recordings.

Now that I have listed what you will need to get started I want to go over some of the awesome features of the Pro Tools software, one of my favorite features is just how easy it is to layer recordings, for instance you can really be a “one man band”, if it is just you recording you can play a guitar riff, stop, go back and put your voice on top of it with some great vocal effects, it is as easy as stopping the recording of one thing creating a new track for your next instrument and adding that to your mix. Another feature that is great is the ability to very easily get your recording in your iTunes library, CD, or iPod, it’s as simple as “File, Bounce recording to desktop”. If you are just looking for something to keep recordings of the songs you have written or even have the slightest feeling that you could possibly go somewhere with your music Pro Tools is the way to go.

This week, Farrell is joined by recording artist Natasha Beddingfield as they discuss the use of music in both trailers and film. Lon and Farrell also review The Green Hornet and Barney’s Vision and go over the wins and losses of The Golden Globes. For more information, show notes and an upcoming schedule, go to thisweekin.com
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