Recording Sound with Pro Tools

Rosemary Murdy-Haber
rhaber@bethsd.org
Freedom High School

TI:ME Technology Areas Addressed:

Electronic Musical Instruments
Multimedia/Digital Media

Level:

High School

Class:

Music Theory

Equipment:

Computer Lab, Headphones, Pro Tools LE, Shure SKM27 Microphones and stands

Duration:

80 Minutes

Prior Knowledge and Skills:

Basic skills in Pro Tools

MENC Standards Addressed:

MENC 1: Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
MENC 2: Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
MENC 6: Listening to, analyzing and describing music.
MENC 7: Evaluating music and music performances.
MENC 8: Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.

Materials:

A Musician’s Guide to Pro Tools by Joh Keane; Supercat Press

Objectives:

1. The students will be able to create a voiceover, using markers and fades, that will be used for future projects.

Procedures:

1. Students will open Pro Tools, create a new session and a stereo track.
2. Students will lay down an instrumental track, either by importing a CD or record with an electronic keyboard instrument.
(Time alloted-5 minutes)
3. Students will use “markers” to designate intros, themes, and ending.
(Time alloted-10 minutes)
4. Students will record a voiceover on a new stereo track at one or more “marker” location.
(Time alloted-20 minutes)
5. Students will make “fades” prior to and after the voiceover in the instrumental track.
(Time alloted-20 minutes)
6. Students will edit and mix tracks, as needed.
(Time alloted-10 minutes)
6. Students will burn to disk and present to the class.
(Time alloted-15 minutes)

Evaluation:

Students will be graded by teacher prepared rubric which will include the following:
a. proper use of markers
b. proper use of faders
c. acceptable volumes (no clipping)
d. length of voiceover
e. instrumental importing or recording techniques

Follow Up:

Incorporate this project in a digital media film score.