How to Make a Master Track in Pro Tools

Pro Tools is a type of digital audio software that is mainly used to edit and record music tracks, and other forms of audio. Before you can record any audio for your media project in Pro Tools, you must first create a master track. After you have created a master track, you can edit the track in any manner you wish, either by recording your own audio or importing audio from another source. Continue reading this article to learn about the steps you must take to make a master track in Pro Tools.

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 Steps

Making a New Master Track

    1
    Create a new track file.
        Click on "File" at the top toolbar from within your open Pro Tools session.
        Select "New Track" from the list of options provided. In earlier versions of Pro Tools, you may be prompted to point to "Track," then select "New."
    2
    Select a sound type for the track. You will have the option to choose from either "mono" or "stereo." The stereo setting will allow you to add or import audio from output sources that require 2 channels, such as turntables or stereo keyboards; whereas the mono setting is ideal for sources using a single output.
        Choose the mono setting if you are going to record an interview, announcement, or other types of ambient sounds, and choose stereo if you plan on importing a music or stereo recording into your track.
    3
    Select the track type. After you have chosen to create a new track, you will be presented with a list of options regarding the type of track you want to make.
        Choose "Audio Track" to record or import music or other audio to your track. If you plan to work specifically with MIDI files or auxiliary (AUX) tracks within your recording, you can select either of these options instead of "Audio Track."
    4
    Complete the process of making a new track.
        Click directly on the "Create" button after you have finished selecting your track preferences to add your new master track to your Pro Tools session.

Adding Audio to the Master Track

    1
    Import an audio file into your master track. If you already have an audio file created, you can drag and drop the file into your new track.
        Click directly on an audio file from the audio bin located in the left sidebar of your Pro Tools session, then drag and drop the file into the track you just created.
    2
    Enable the record settings for your new track. This step must be performed if you are not importing any audio files into your track.
        Click on the "rec" button located in the track dialog box, which is located within the left sidebar of your new track.
        Navigate to the main control console in your open Pro Tools session, then click on the "Record" button, the icon of which resembles a dark circle and is located on the far right side of the console box.
    3
    Record the audio portion of your master track.
        Click on the "Play" button within the main control console to begin recording your track. The "Play" button is the icon that resembles a triangle pointing to the right.
        Click on the "Stop" button when you have finished making your recording. The "Stop" button contains an icon of a dark square.

Saving your Master Track

    1
    Save your track for future editing. If you want to continue working on your master track, this option will allow you to edit and modify the track at a later date.
        Click on "File" at the top of your open Pro Tools session, then select "Save Session."
    2
    Save your completed master track in a different format. This option is referred to as "bouncing" in Pro Tools, and will allow you to save your track to an audio CD or in another file format.
        Select "File" from the toolbar of your current Pro Tools session, then click on "Bounce to Disk."
        Choose your preferences from the "Bounce" dialog box that appears. You will have the ability to select a specific file format, file type, resolution, and more.
        Click on "Bounce" at the bottom of the window to save your master track using the preferences you chose.