Pro Tools: How To Create and Record Instrument Tracks

Learn how to create and record to Instrument tracks as part of the new MIDI production features within Pro Tools 8.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• winksound
• protools
• record
• create
• instrument
• track
• midi
• digidesign
• mixing
• wsProToolsBasics

[WinkSound]

Hey thanks for the question. Hitting Alt+R or Opt + R on a mac will give you an option of the amount of repeats of a certain selection you would like to have. Then you can consolidate these loops together by hitting Opt + Shift + 3 or Alt + Shift + 3 on a pc. Make sure you are using the number 3 on the keyboard not on the number pad.  Let us know if this is any help!

[TheDHaneyProject]

When I playback something I just recorded onto an instrument track, it is way out of sync with the click track. No matter how slow I play i.e. quarter notes, it always plays back ahead of the click track by at least half a beat or more. Any suggestions?

[WiNKsound]

@TheDHaneyProject Hi, thanks for getting in touch. Check your buffer settings, might be a lag because the computer is trying to process too many things at once. Also, once you've recorded the performance make sure to quantize so that the notes conform to the established grid.

[someonealive]

i dont have a piano to hook up to the computer..how do i create music without that?

[WiNKsound]

@someonealive Hi. You can use the Piano roll to enter MIDI notes with the Pencil tool. Basically use Pro Tools like a step sequencer. I'll send you a link to a tutorial on how to do so.

[giotronic]

Justin! I am a newbie Pro tools user.

I have a question! What is the difference when creating Midi tracks instead of Instrument tracks when playing your midi controller? Whats the outcome doing one over the other? And why is it neccessary creating an aux track?

Thank you! Love the tutorials!

~Gio

[WiNKsound]

@giotronic Well if you are just using a usb midi controller then just use instrument tracks. Thats pretty much what I do. The reason you would want to use a midi track would be if you are using a midi controler or synth/mpc etc that is conected to your interface through midi in's and out's. You would want pro tools to control that midi device and have them sync up together. The aux track is used so you can hear the audio coming out of that virtual instrument

Hope that helps

Justin

winksound

[TylerSeguinMusic]

hey, just wondering if anyone can help me out with this, but when I try to playback something i can't hear anything

[nubetube513]

Hi i'm a newbie to Pro tools, I saw on the video your region is already filled. I followed your instructions and my region is blank. I noticed from the beginning yours is filled. How do i fill mine with simple drums... or anything to play around with? also is my tabs are not labeled the same when creating in mono. Do you have a stereo version?

[MrHuwrees]

Hi Justin, i've followed your instructions on my Pro Tools 8 LE system but nothing is recorded, my midi track has all and the instrument, namely DB33, which is set up on the Aux channel as my insert A. my Aux channel has No Input and Main. Can you tell me why it wont record? I can hear the keys but it just is showing on my midi channel. thanks Huw

[MultiPoloBoyz]

say if i want to make a full beat how would i just get one pattern or loop and keep looping it to a certaint time

[CVAOMS]

@WiNKsound can you send me the video too?

[CVAOMS]

@WiNKsound can you send me the video too?

[YourComradeJustin]

hey my name is Justin too :D

[ipodvideonano]

Hey Justin I need help, I have a Motif xs and I like the drum sounds it has. Without recording it in audio- how can I use That Same drum sound as midi- I bought midi cables but now I'm lost. Help!!