How can I work faster in Pro Tools

Question

Pro Tools can be a challenge to set up all the routings of the tracks. How can one work quickly and not lose the spark of creativity in the moment?

Answer 1

The first obvious answer is to learn short cuts for the functions used most often. The not so obvious method is to build a comprehensive template. Include routing folders for each primary stem group: drums, bass, guitars, etc., keeping the total folders to 8 or less to match most controllers. Build the tracks within those groups and set up the busses. Route all folders to a Mix track, which then routes to the Master. You can put your favorite plugins, like piano, for example, in one of the tracks. Add the AUX tracks for Reverb, Delay, etc. to receive all the sends. Have all your MIDI routing ready to your favorite outboard synths and audio routing set to your favorite microphones. There is no limit of what can be added to the template.

When starting a new session with a creative inspiration, everything is instantly ready. Just delete what you end up not needing.

Answer 2

If I had to choose no more than 4 ways to help speed up the process without losing the "spark" or creative flow:

1. Create and save session templates with pre-configured routings/assignments for different types of projects. This way, you can jump right into the idea without having to set up each time from scratch!
2. Familiarize yourself with Pro Tools keyboard shortcuts to speed up navigation and setup. Customizing shortcuts to suit your workflow can also help.
3. Group tracks with similar routing needs. This allows you to adjust multiple tracks simultaneously, saving time and effort.
4. Save commonly used plugin settings and routings/assignments as templates. This can significantly cut down on setup time and keep your creative momentum going.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

The straight up answer is to have a basic template or multiple basic templates each for the different projects you might be working on so that whenever you happen to be working on all you do is you click on the new template which has all of your tracks laid out with your favorite plug-ins on each of those tracks including your master plugins.

Second would be keyboard shortcuts they are absolutely essential for working fast in protools especially understanding the apply to all and that apply to all highlighted tracks shortcuts…

As a alternate to knowing keyboard shortcuts and everything else like that, I control surface does wonders for being able to stay in the moment and interact with protools… Any controller that's MCU compatible, or if your pocketbook is deeper than most ;

any of the ethercon external controllers work wonders.

Answer 4

Make use of templates and Track Presets.

My recommended method is to create your own basic session template with all your usual tracks and routings, and always use that to start new sessions. You can save your custom session template(s) so that they show up right in the Pro Tools Dashboard.

In addition, I would also create Track Presets for specific instruments, group of instruments, routings, plug-in chains, pretty much anything you can think of, that work with the session templates. Track Presets are like chunks of sessions that can be reused, and can be super useful!

Answer 5

I just use the Voice Record on my iPhone and throw it down instantly so I can listen to it and work on it later. Then when I am happy with it, I will make an actual demo of it in my closet studio.