How do you guys get better at Protools?
 

I'm sure most of us have settled into a comfortable place with Protools (and other audio tools), based on what we normally use out of the tool box.

But what do you do to stretch out and learn new tools that you don't normally use, or new work flows? For me, I'm specifically thinking about some of the post production tools and work flows, and surround (which I don't have access to a surround set up), but also working with video, sync, etc...

I'd like eventually to expand my skill set so that I can get some work in a post house, film scoring, etc...

How do you guys get better at Protools?
 

I think you answered your own question.

I find that doing something different to what you do regularly, forces you to learn and work differently.

So, if you want to build up a skill set for post work, literally practice doing it in your spare time. Grab a trailer for a film, mute the audio and rebuild it yourself from scratch.

You’re right that you tend to get comfortable with what you know, but once you have to do something entirely different, you’ll start to get to grips with new tools and workflows and learn as you go.

At the end of the day, there’s no substitute for just getting down and dirty.


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Re: How do you guys get better at Protools?
 

I'm a PT freelancer for both music and post. Whenever possible, I try to sit with other PT engineers as they work in real time, and observe their workflow. "Oh wait ... what was THAT you just did?". Watch videos, read the DUC, & go to seminars. Sweetwater's Gear Fest usually has some good ones.

Re: How do you guys get better at Protools?
 

Also, if you're mostly a music engineer, sit with a post engineer. If you're mostly post, watch a music guy.

Re: How do you guys get better at Protools?
 

Priceless moments. And do not forget to share them forward...

Re: How do you guys get better at Protools?
 

True, whenever I see a screenshot from a post guy I'm like WOW!! and I'm automatically fine with how much I need to learn...

Re: How do you guys get better at Protools?
 

We all learn differently. What I've always tried to do from the very start when I first got Pro Tools (back with 7.1) is learn to do things the way the pros do. I found many good "how to" videos featuring several of the top pro mixers showing how they do things. I figured if I do what they do, I'll get better and better. Its paid off.


I've also taken some online courses to learn new techniques and get better at it. When I got a gig scoring a science documentary, I spent a week immersed in watching several film/score pros how to videos. I already knew how to compose music, and mix it, but the specifics of locking things to specific timecodes I needed to get some help on. So I just went out and found it.



Also, I make a point to learn at least 1 important new technique every week. Sometimes more than 1. And I also make a point to read or watch at least one new article or video on how to do this or that every single day. I don't always make it, but 90% of the time I do.



And the pros here have always been AWESOME for help and tips!

Re: How do you guys get better at Protools?
 

I remember the first time I learned that you could lock the controls on Pro Tools, that was a frustrating and confusing 15 minutes. :eek:

Re: How do you guys get better at Protools?
 

Wait.. what's that short cut? ...asking for a friend...;)

Re: How do you guys get better at Protools?
 

Try actually reading the ref manual through a couple of times (not assuming you haven't).... can be quiet draining the first time.... but boy the amount of stuff you pick up

And I'll add as I went through that process I forced myself to use the keyboard shortcuts as they are presented.... I also printed that manual out. Now I look to places like
YouTube to learn tricks and tips that are not always about Pro Tools either.... it can be a long process especially when you have to work as well.... but do a little bit every
day in trying to learn something and after a while you build your tool kit of knowledge.