Starting a new session

When you first open Pro Tools, the Dashboard is where you'll configure key settings for your new session, such as naming it, choosing the save location, and setting basic parameters like file type, sample rate, and bit depth.

To set your session settings, follow these steps:

1. Open Pro Tools:

Launch Pro Tools. From the Dashboard window, select the New tab to begin setting up your session.

2. Name Your Session:

Enter a name for your session in the Session Name field. It helps to be specific with your naming convention to stay organized across multiple sessions.

3. Choose File Type (Optional):

In the File Type section, select either WAV or AIFF. WAV is the industry standard and the most commonly used file type for audio sessions.

4. Configure I/O Settings:

Choose your input/output (I/O) settings under the I/O Settings dropdown. If you’re unsure which to choose, select Last Used to mirror the settings from your previous session or Stereo Mix for a basic stereo setup.

5. Set Sample Rate and Bit Depth:

In the Session Parameters section, select your Sample Rate (e.g., 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, or higher) and Bit Depth (16-bit, 24-bit, or 32-bit float). These settings determine the audio fidelity of your session. Choose settings based on the requirements of your project.
For example, 48 kHz / 24-bit is a good choice for most high-quality recordings, such as video, streaming, or broadcast. 44.1 kHz / 16-bit, on the other hand, is standard for CD-quality audio.

6. Set Location:

By default, Pro Tools automatically chooses a save location for your session. If you want to specify a custom location, click the Location button and select your desired folder. You can also enable Prompt Location to choose a save location each time you create a session.

7. Click Create:

Once you’ve configured your session settings, click Create to start your new session. Your Pro Tools session opens with the Edit and Mix windows ready for you to begin your work.

8. Resizing Your Windows:

Once Pro Tools opens your new session, the Edit and Mix windows might not be in the configuration you want. To quickly maximize the Edit window, click the Expand button in the top-left corner of the window. If you prefer to resize it manually, hover your mouse over the edges or corners, then click and drag to adjust the size. Use the GIF below as a reference:

Next page >