How to Install Loops and Sounds in Pro Tools 8 LE

Most versions of Pro Tools come packaged with a limited number of demo sounds, so many users find that they quickly exhaust the possibilities with those sounds. Music producers thrive on having a massive array of virtual instruments and loops to tap into at any given moment. A single producer may have a sound library that spans a handful of musical genres, from jazz drums to techno synths. Some of the most creative and talented producers have developed their own signature sounds by combining sounds in unorthodox ways. You can begin by expanding your own library.

• 1

  Browse online for the type of sounds you want to add to your library. There are several companies, such as Native Instruments, Arturia, and FXpansion, that sell loops and instrument patches that are compatible with Pro Tools 8 LE. Many of these companies' websites will allow you to listen to demos of their sound collections. Most collections are catered to a specific style of production. Arturia, for example, specializes in libraries that emulate analog synthesizers.

• 2

  Download a package of loops that cater to your style of production. Drum loops are very popular, but rock drums sound different from hip-hop drums. Once you have downloaded the package, you may need to uncompress it. It will unpack into a folder that contains all the loops and sounds you downloaded, in .wav or .aif format. These are raw audio files and are immediately ready for use in Pro Tools.

• 3

  Create a new session in Pro Tools. Add an audio track. Drag a loop or sound you want to use directly onto the audio track.

• 4

  Download a package of instrument patches. Some libraries come with both loops and instrument patches, but this varies depending on the company and the package you purchase. An instrument patch is a collection of notes from one instrument that can be played on a MIDI keyboard. Unlike a package of raw audio files, you will need to install these first. For PC's you will have to run an .exe file, and for Macs you will mount a .dmg file. Once you have installed them, you can use these instrument patches in Pro Tools.

• 5

  Add an instrument track in your session. In the mixer window, locate the heading above the track labeled "I A-E." These are your inserts. Click on any of the empty spaces below, select "plug-in" from the menu, select "instrument" and finally select the instrument you have installed. If your MIDI is properly set up and you have a keyboard attached, you should be able to play the instrument on your keyboard. If you do not have a MIDI keyboard, it is still possible to arrange notes manually in Pro Tools. You can do this by using the pencil tool to draw notes onto the virtual keyboard on an instrument track.