First Steps
Opening Pro Tools
Starting a New Session Changing Sample Rate and Bit Depth Connecting an Audio Interface Creating Templates Changing Buffer Size
Navigating Pro Tools
Mix Window Edit Window Transport Controls
Session Setup
Setting up Click Track and Metronome Changing BPM and tempo Changing Time Signature Creating a Master Bus Creating and Deleting Tracks Loop Playback and Dynamic Transport How to Import Audio How to Import Video Color Coding Showing and Hiding Tracks Markers
Recording Audio
Assigning Input and Output Record Enable Basic Recording Modes Countoff Loop Recording Playlists
Editing
Smart Tool Edit Modes Zoom Cutting Clips Fades Reversing Clips Nudging Clips Clip Gain Consolidating Clips Pitch Correction Muting Clips Clip Effects AudioSuite MIDI to Audio Audio to MIDI Beat Detective Elastic Audio Extracting Tempo Pitch Shift and Transpose Strip Silence Time Stretching Track Freeze
Mixing
Adding Plug-ins Creating Busses Aux Tracks Using Solo Safe Automation Sidechaining
Exporting and Bouncing
Bouncing and Exporting Stems Bouncing a Mix Exporting Individual Tracks

In this section

Fades

Fades help you create smooth transitions between audio clips or fade ins and outs for individual clips. You can apply fades using the Selector Tool or the Smart Tool, create batch fades across multiple clips, or configure your settings for auto cross fades during recording. Here’s how to add and manage fades in Pro Tools:

Fading with the Selector Tool

Use the Selector Tool to apply precise fades and customize their shape and slope.

1. Highlight the portion to fade:

Use the Selector Tool to highlight the section of the clip where you want to add a fade.

2. Create the fade:

Go to Edit > Fades > Create, or use the shortcut Command + F (Mac) or Control + F (Windows).

3. Adjust the fade parameters:

The Fade Dialog Box will open, allowing you to customize the fade:
- The Fade In slope is displayed in red.
- The Fade Out slope is displayed in purple.
- Shape Section: Choose between standard fade curves, S-curves, or various preset shapes.
- Slope Section: Choose between Equal Power and Equal Gain for your fade.

4. Apply the fade:

Once you’ve made your adjustments, click OK to apply the fade. The clip will now show a visual representation of the fade at the beginning or end point.

Fading with the Smart Tool

The Smart Tool allows you to quickly add, edit, or delete fades without opening the fade dialog box.

1. Activate the Smart Tool:

Click on the bar at the top of the Edit Tool cluster to activate the Smart Tool. All three tools will light up in blue.

2. Add a fade:

Position the cursor at the top corner of an audio clip. The cursor will change to a fade icon (a square with diagonal lines).
Click and drag to apply a fade to the beginning or end of the clip.

3. Edit the fade:

To edit the fade’s length and slope, position the cursor over the center line of the track until the fade icon appears.
Click and drag left or right to adjust the slope and release when you achieve your desired shape.

Fading multiple clips with Batch Fades

When working with multiple clips, batch fades allow you to apply or delete fades quickly across many clip boundaries.

1. Select multiple clips:

Highlight the clips where you want to apply fades.

2. Create batch fades:

Navigate to Edit > Fades > Create, or use the shortcut Command + F (Mac) or Control + F (Windows).

3. Batch Fade Dialog Box:

In the batch fade dialog box, you can adjust the fade in, crossfade, and fade out settings for all selected clips.
Enter the fade length in milliseconds to specify how long the fade should be.

4. Apply batch fades:

Click OK to apply the fades. If you zoom in over a clip boundary, you’ll see that the fade has been applied to every clip boundary in your selection.

5. Batch delete fades:

To remove fades from multiple clips, select the clips and follow the same steps, but choose the option to delete the fades.

Enabling Auto-Fade

Auto crossfades in Pro Tools create smooth transitions at drop-in and drop-out points during punch-in recording, helping to eliminate clicks and pops. This feature ensures that the transition between newly recorded audio and existing clips is seamless.

1. Open Preferences:

Go to Setup > Preferences.

2. Navigate to the Editing Tab:

In the Preferences window, click on the Editing tab.

3. Set the Quick Punch/Track Punch Crossfade Length:

In the Fade section, locate the Quick Punch/Track Punch Crossfade Length field.
Set a crossfade length (e.g., 10ms is a good starting point) to prevent clicks and pops without removing essential audio.

4. Apply and Close:

Once you’ve set the crossfade length, close the Preferences window. Pro Tools will automatically apply the crossfades at punch-in points during recording.

Tips for using Fades in Pro Tools

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of fades in Pro Tools:

Use short fades to eliminate pops and clicks:

Short fades (5ms-10ms) at the beginning and end of clips can help eliminate unwanted pops and clicks, especially after trimming or cutting audio.

Crossfades for seamless transitions:

When editing dialogue or music, use crossfades to smooth transitions between clips. A well-placed crossfade can help avoid abrupt changes in volume, or audio artifacts.

Experiment with fade shapes:

Different fade shapes can have a significant impact on how your transitions sound. Equal Power crossfades are useful for smoother transitions between clips with different amplitudes, while Equal Gain fades are better suited for material where volume differences are minimal.

Batch Fades for efficiency:

When working with multiple clips, using batch fades can save time and ensure consistency across your session. Apply batch fades to all your clips at once instead of adding individual fades manually.

Use the Smart Tool for quick edits:

The Smart Tool is perfect for quick fade adjustments without needing to open the fade dialog. It's especially useful when fine-tuning the length or slope of a fade on the fly.

Auto-Fades for Live Performances or Voiceover:

Enable Auto-Fades or Quick Punch Crossfades in your session preferences to ensure smooth transitions when recording, particularly for live performances or voiceover work where clicks and pops at punch points can be disruptive

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