Loop recording

Loop Recording in Pro Tools allows you to record multiple takes seamlessly within a designated loop range, making it ideal for capturing repetitive sections like vocal lines, solos, or other parts that require several attempts.

Loop Recording enabled in the Transport window

How to Loop Record an Audio Track

Follow these steps to set up and use Loop Recording on an audio track in Pro Tools:

1. Enable Loop Record Mode

Select Options > Loop Record. When enabled, a loop symbol appears in the Record button.
Alternatively, right-click the Record button in the Transport window and select Loop.

2. Record Enable the Track

Click the Record Enable button on the audio track you want to record.

3. Link Timeline and Edit Selection

Go to Options > Link Timeline and Edit Selection. This setting ensures the looped recording range matches the timeline selection.

4. Set the Loop Range

With the Selector tool, highlight the loop range directly on the track. This range defines where recording will start and end during each loop.

5. Enable Pre-Roll (Optional)

To hear existing track material leading up to the loop start, enable Pre-Roll and set a pre-roll time in the Transport window.

6. Arm Pro Tools for Recording

Click the Record button in the Transport window to arm Pro Tools for loop recording.

7. Start Loop Recording

Click Play to begin recording. The Record button flashes during the pre-roll, and Pro Tools begins recording when the start point is reached. When the loop reaches the end point, it automatically returns to the start and continues recording.

8. Cancel Recorded Takes

To cancel all recorded takes during loop recording, press Command+Period (.) (Mac) or Control+Period (.) (Windows).

9. Stop Recording

When finished, click Stop. Note that if you stop recording before reaching the midpoint of the loop, Pro Tools discards that take. If you pass the midpoint, the take remains in the track.

Automatically Create New Playlists When Loop Recording

In Pro Tools, automatically creating a new playlist when loop recording is a useful feature that saves each take to its own playlist, rather than overwriting the previous one. This setup is ideal for comping, as it allows you to review each take individually and select the best sections for your final track.

How to Enable Automatic Playlist Creation for Loop Recording:

1. Open Setup > Preferences and go to the Operation tab.

2. In the Recording section, check Automatically Create New Playlists When Loop Recording.

Once this option is enabled, Pro Tools =saves each record pass to a separate playlist. You can then access and compare each take in Playlists View, making it easy to audition and comp the best parts of each recording pass.

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