Review - Secrets of the Pros DVD – Pro Tools Vol 1.

I was delighted to get my hands on Ken Walden’s 2nd Educational DVD titled “Pro Tools Vol. 1”. Aimed at new Pro Tools users, this 2-DVD set is a bargain at only $29.95 (intro price which goes to $39.95 on April 1). - www.secretsofthepros.com . As an expert user, I found it a great refresher course and felt well updated on the latest Pro Tools gear and software enhancements.

The Goods
DVD 1 is devoted to hardware, connections and installing software for Pro Tools Mbox, Pro Tools LE 002 and Pro Tools TDM systems. I’ve often wondered what the entry level Pro Tools gear offers and, while I’m quite married to my expensive TDM gear, I’m amazed at the power the Mbox and especially the LE 002 console offer. Throughout the DVDs, Ken covers both PC and Mac and includes optimization tips for both Windows XP and OS X. I had to grin when Ken refused to favor Mac or PC. I see the wisdom to this because he clearly doesn’t want to exclude those on a budget who choose PC. At the same time, it’s easy to see from Ken’s instruction that virus and other issues make the Mac a better choice albeit more expensive. That’s more my bias than Ken’s. I think if you locked Ken in a room and forced it out of him, he’d probably agree. What’s really valuable about DVD 1 is that it explains the key differences in the hardware that would definitely bewilder Pro Tools newcomers. I would consider it essential viewing if you’re buying a new system. Ken also covers Software installation on this DVD. Pretty basic but his optimization tips especially for Windows, are a nice bonus.

DVD 2 covers using the Pro Tools software including MIDI, Recording, Editing, Beat Detective and Mixing. What truly shines in his presentation is the way he uses “real world” examples that benefit Pro Tools users at all levels. Tidbits like how to dial in guitar tones using plug-ins and how to edit using particular fades are juicy, hopefully he builds on this in his next DVD series. For new Pro Tools users, all the basics are there especially in the editing section, which is arguably the meat of Pro Tools. I found myself practicing with more quick keys that Ken was using, some I knew, and some I didn’t. Kudos Ken, inspirational teaching indeed. Beat Detective is a confusing tool to most and this section alone of DVD 2 makes the price of admission well worth it. So what is Beat Detective for? Really 2 uses, if you’ve recorded your live drummer and want his track to be tighter, Beat Detective can be used to lock his hits to a grid. It’s also handy if you have a drum loop you want to slice up for altering the tempo and groove. Personally I find groove editing difficult to master because it seems rather exploratory and random. But building expertise in this area could mean the difference between a happening mix and not, so I’ll be paying attention to whatever I can learn. Ken spends less time on the Mixing section of the DVD, in part, because he covers this topic in more depth on his 1st DVD set called “The Basics of Modern Recording and Mixing.” ( See review here ). I’d really like to see Ken go into more in his future DVDs on this topic – perhaps by taking us through recording and mixing a band, techniques for using eq, compression and effects, and more tricks of the trade. Also, Ken has detailed what he considers the biggest problem in mixing, namely, poor room acoustics. But because room acoustics is such a complex problem, a clear solution evades many of us – especially those on a budget who don’t want to tear up walls, floors etc. I’d like to see Ken and his friend, expert room designer Manny LaCarrubba, take a typical small room and suggest treatments that are affordable. They do explain the problem well in the first DVD series, Recording and Mixing, and offer up some tips. But I'd like to see it go a step further like building DIY acoustic panels out of rigid insulation and using a meter, tones and computer software to tune a room. This big problem needs an easier solution (even if not 100% perfect).

In Sum
You really can’t go wrong with Ken’s DVDs. They are well thought out, visually clear and enormously helpful. I’ve preached that Pro Tools is by far my favorite and gone as far as to say it’s “what the pro’s use.” To this, I get tons of folks saying, No! No! No! – there are other DAWs that are better, check out DP, Logic, Cubase etc. etc. I think a lot of this comes from our collective love affair with putting a computer together and getting something to work for us. I’m certainly no exception. But if you’ve ever been even remotely curious about Pro Tools and wondered if you should take the plundge, spend $29.95 on Ken Walden’s DVDs first. You’re sure to walk away empowered. 4/5 Stars

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Good review, Justin. I use Pro Tools daily, and still want to check out this DVD. Thanks.

Thanks for the review, Justin.

Though not a newbie when it comes to mixing/remixing, I am a newbie to ProTools. I have to learn it as I get the extra time to do so because of our studio schedule. Still, it is good to be able to tell someone that we have ProTools when asked. And I am confident enough to do a small tracking and mixing session. I am still learning the editing part.

I decided to go with the Mbox for now, as I just needed as way to get into learning the software. We mix/remix projects tracked in PT all of the time, so it is nice to see what all the "hype" is all about regarding it.

I have both the Ignite DVD and book and they have been very helpful. I think I like the book form better because I can take it with me to a park, resturant, etc. to read.

Thanks again for the review.

I also got my DVD's about a month ago, and had I written the review it would be just about the same as Justins. I have even gone back set up my laptop in the studio with DVD playing and walked myself on my studio mac through some of the chapters. I'm especialy useing the Reason applications and Beat Detective, I didn't have this stuff before.
nice work Justin,
Sam

Too bad it isn't a V.I.

:p

Shut up, Batzdorf, you curmudgeon.

I'm gonna hunt you down and kick your ass.

I just wrote to Justin to have you banned. So there.

Seriously, Ken's other one is a great introduction to the world of recording. I'm sure this one is every bit as good.

And one more thing, Justin....

PRO TOOLS SUCKS!!!!

:p