Pro Tools: Audio for Film and Video

Course details

In this course, professional audio engineer Scott Hirsch shows how to create an evocative sound mix for a film or video, built from basic audio collected during the shoot and transformed into a final mix using Pro Tools 9. This course shows how to set up and optimize a Pro Tools session template for projects with unique requirements, record Foley and ADR audio, layer sound effects, perform corrections such as noise reduction and pitch shifting, mix for stereo and 5.1 surround sound, and finally, how to format and deliver the finalized mix, whether destined for DVD, movie theater, broadcast, or the web.

Learning objectives
Understanding video formats, codecs, and timecode rates
Importing OMFs and AAFs into Pro Tools
Spotting film and using markers
Using room tone
Creating fades to smooth out audio edits
Sweetening and hard effects
Recording ADR and editing with VocALign LE
Editing out plosives, crackles, and hums
Mixing with automation and reverb
Calibrating for 5.1 surround mixing and bass management
Mastering delivery levels and dynamics
Understanding the Audio Suite enhancements in Pro Tools 10

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Welcome
02 - Using the exercise files
03 - Using this course with Pro Tools 10
04 - Relinking audio files

1. Getting Ready to Build Audio for Video

05 - Understanding the new audio for video features in Pro Tools 9
06 - Exploring the hardware requirements for Pro Tools 9
07 - Understanding the audio components of a finished video
08 - Understanding the audio production workflow

2. Working with a Video Project

09 - Understanding video formats, SMPTE timecode rates, NTSC, and PAL
10 - Understanding video formats, codecs, and pull-up pull-down
11 - Setting up your Pro Tools session for video
12 - Exporting OMF and AAF files

3. Getting into the Audio for Video Workflow

13 - Importing OMF and AAF files
14 - Importing and the DigiBase browser
15 - Conforming the OMF import to your template
16 - Setting up groups and windows
17 - Spotting film and using markers

4. Working with Audio for Video

18 - Organizing the dialog tracks
19 - Optimizing the dialog in the first pass
20 - Using room tone
21 - Creating fades to smooth out audio edits
22 - Understanding sound effects, ambiences, and backgrounds
23 - Sweetening and hard effects
24 - Processing tips for sound effects
25 - Bringing emotion to the mix with music tracks
26 - Leveraging clip-based gain in Pro Tools 10
27 - Exploring AudioSuite enhancements in Pro Tools 10

5. Recording to Picture

28 - Preparing the session for foley and ADR recording
29 - Recording ADR and editing with VocALign LE

6. Learning Audio for Video Techniques

30 - Noise-reducing hums, rumbles, and buzzes
31 - Eliminating crackles and digital clicks
32 - Taming plosives and sibilance
33 - Reducing broadband noise
34 - Conforming to video changes
35 - Pitch shifting for effect or utility, TC expansion

7. Mixing Audio for Video

36 - Setting up for stereo mixing
37 - Calibrating levels using an SPL meter
38 - Mixing with automation
39 - Advanced mix automation
40 - Automating plug-in parameters
41 - Mixing with reverb
42 - Ducking techniques

8. Working in Surround

43 - Setting up a surround mix template
44 - Calibrating for 5.1 surround mixing and bass management
45 - Mixing and spatial techniques for 5.1 surround
46 - Downmixing, encoding, and using Neyrinck plug-ins
47 - Automating techniques for 5.1 surround mixes

9. Preparing for Final Delivery

48 - Print mastering and stem mixes
49 - Mastering delivery levels and dynamics

10. Backing Up and Archiving

50 - Backing up your final project

Conclusion

51 - Goodbye