This article describes the basic set up for a Pro Tools session on your personal computer.

1. Open Pro Tools

2. A dialogue box prompting you to create a new session should appear. Your settings should match those pictured below.

 

3.  To create a new track go to Track > New or press Command+ Shift+N

 

 

(see above photo for #4 and #5)

4. If you plan on recording audio, the input on your track should be set to the audio source you are using. If you don't plan on recording audio then set your input to "No Input."

5. The output of your track should be set to the stereo output on your computer. In this example the output is set to "MacBook Air Speakers". To change the I/O settings go to Setup > I/O.

6. To import audio in your session go to File > Import > Audio or press Command+Shift+I.

7. When you select the audio that you want to be imported, make sure to press "Convert" and not "Add" if the dialogue box gives you the option. This will convert the sample rate of the selected audio to match your session sample rate.

In the example, the selected audio is at a sample rate of 44.1kHz, but the Pro Tools session is set to 48kHz. Adding the audio without converting it will result in the audio playing back at the wrong speed in the session.

 

 

Checking your I/O settings

To open the I/O menu, go to Setup>I/O. The I/O Settings will vary based on the way your system is set up. However, you can still make sure that your output is mapping to a physical output.

The Input in the example is set to "MacBook Air Microphone 1".

In the Output tab, the speaker icon next to the selected output represents the selected monitor path. If you have multiple speaker outputs to choose from, the output with the speaker icon will act as the default path. You can change this by selecting a different output for the monitor path at the bottom right of the window.

Please note - in the Bus tab, you will need to create a path that matches the path in your Output tab. Ensure that the box on the far right side that says “Mapping to Output” is checked and that your output in the Output tab is listed in this column.

Checking the Playback Engine

The Playback engine will also vary based on how your system is set up. Go to Setup>Playback Engine to open this menu.

In the example the system is set to "Pro Tools Aggregate I/O". This will most likely be the default playback engine unless you have a separate interface routing your audio. If so, then make sure your specific interface is selected. If you have to change the settings, Pro Tools will restart.