- 1). Put the Pro Tools software disc into your computer and install the software. Follow all on-screen instructions.
- 2). Plug your Mbox unit into the wall and attach it to the computer using the cords provided with the kit. These should plug into the back of your computer via USB cords.
- 3). Click on the "Start" menu. Click "All Programs." Navigate to the Pro Tools folder. Click on the folder to open it and click on the "Pro Tools" icon to start Pro Tools and the recording process.
- 4). Plug your microphone into the input area labeled "DI" on the back of your Mbox. Any instrument that is recorded with a microphone should be recorded using the "DI" input. These instruments include acoustic guitar, piano, organ, drums and brass, as well as vocals.
- 5). Place the microphone near your amplifier and play your instrument to test your level. Play as loudly and as softly as you can, and watch the volume level on your Pro Tools display. If it goes into the red, your instrument signal will distort when recorded. Turn your instrument down or move the microphone away until your volume level is in the middle of the green area.
- 6). Press "Record" on the Pro Tools software and begin playing your instrument. Everything you play will be sent to your computer on the Pro Tools software. Press the "Stop" button when you are done recording.
- 7). Click on the "Record" button in your Pro Tools software and click on the "New track" button. This will instantly create a new blank track to record your next instrument. Do this with each new instrument track to avoid recording over your other tracks. Record all of your other instruments that need a microphone, one instrument at a time.
- 8). Plug in a "line" instrument into the "line" input. Line instruments plug directly into your Mbox. These include electric guitars, electric basses, electronic keyboards, synthesizers and drum machines. Press the "Record" button and play your line instrument. Press the "Stop" button when you are finished.
- 9). Unplug your instrument, create a new track, plug in a different line instrument and play. Repeat this process with all of your line instruments, one at a time.
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Click on the "Record" menu and click the "Play" button after recording all of your tracks. This lets you listen to all of your tracks at the same time. Click on individual tracks to open your mixing options. Mixing is the process of making sure you can hear all of the instruments, with no instrument overpowering another. Click on the up and down arrows near the "Volume" option to turn the volume up or down respectively. Click the right and left buttons near the "Pan" option to move your instrument left or right, respectively. - 11
Click on the "File" menu option and click the "Save project" button. Click on the "Export" button to make an mp3 track of your recording. Select the bit rate of your mp3 before exporting. A higher bit rate makes your song sound better, but it takes longer to export and takes up more room on the hard drive.
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