In this free video tutorial you'll see how using Pro Tools Preferences, Grid settings, Zoom Toggle, and the Smart Tool can help you build editing speed, even while the band is listening to a playback of a track. While all these separate features are perfect tools for increasing your session workflow, using them together will increase your speed while maintaining the quality of your clip transitions.
Session and Grid Preferences
Properly setting up your crossfade and zoom toggle preferences allows you to jump in and out of edit views quickly with the best possible crossfade options. Arranging the grid to Bars/Beats and setting it to a One Bar increment, lets you use the numbers 1 and 2 on the numeric keypad to move your playhead backwards and forwards for auditioning edits. This shortcut paired with the Shift+S shortcut solos your selected track(s) so you can hear if your edit sounds great or needs more work.
Zoom Toggle
One of the best, and often overlooked features in Pro Tools is Zoom Toggle. The Zoom Toggle shortcut (E - With Keyboard Focus On) is a great way to zoom in on edits, then jump back again to an overview of your edit window with a single keystroke.
The Smart Tool
Most Pro Tools users know and love the Smart Tool. Using this handy helpmate allows you to fade, crossfade, trim edits, and place your cursor in the edit window. But what's often overlooked are the crossfade Preferences that give you the best results when doing tight edits on drums and other instruments.
Watch this free video to see all these tools in action.