Today’s question is one we continually get from many new Pro Tools users. “How do I make a file in Pro Tools that can be used to burn a CD (in Toast, Jam, iTunes, MasterList…)?” The answer comes from our Technical Support staff. Note: Today’s answer is a procedure, and doesn’t include much background information about “why” it is done this way. However, if you research the linked words and/or search the TTOTD archives for some of these subjects you will find more background information that should fill in those blanks.
The Bounce to Disk (see also Mix to Disk) command in Pro Tools lets you mix down with all available voices on your system. Since it records to separate audio files, you don’t have to reserve any tracks for a bounce. You can use the Bounce to Disk command to create and automatically import loops, sub-mixes, or any audio into your session. You can use it to create a final mono, stereo, or multi-channel master, in any of several audio file formats. Bounce to Disk provides conversion options for sample rate, bit depth, and format. Here are the steps to Bounce to disk in Pro Tools:
A: If you have Recorded 24 bit 44.1k Audio…
1. Create a Master Fader (File menu, “New Track”, choose “Stereo Master fader”
2. Insert the “Dither” plug-in into the LAST insert point in the Master Fader’s plug-in slot.
3. Select the region you would like to bounce (highlight from the beginning to the end of the song with the selector tool).
4. Under the FILE menu, choose “Bounce to Disk”
5. Set “Format” to “Stereo Interleaved”.
6. Set Resolution to 16 bit.
7. Make sure “Convert During Bounce” is selected.
8. Click the BOUNCE button.
9. Name and Save the file. HINT – choose a location on your hard drive that you can find easily, and give the new file a new name that will stand out.
10. Once the Bounce is complete, you can quit Pro Tools, locate the new file and drag or open the file in your CD burning software.
B: If you have Recorded 16 bit 44.1k Audio…
1. Select the region you would like to bounce (highlight from the beginning to the end of the song with the selector tool).
2. Under the FILE menu, choose “Bounce to Disk”
3. Set “Format” to “Stereo Interleaved”.
4. Set Resolution to 16 bit.
5. Make sure “Convert During Bounce” is select.
6. Click the BOUNCE button.
7. Name and Save the file. HINT – choose a location on your hard drive that you can find easily, and give the new file a new name that will stand out.
8. Once the Bounce is complete, you can quit Pro Tools, locate the new file and drag or open the file in your CD burning software.
*** If you have recorded at 48k, simply choose “44100” in the “Sample Rate” option on the “Bounce to disk” panel, choose your “Conversion Quality”, and then make sure that “Convert AFTER Bounce” is selected. Then carry on with the Bounce procedure steps above.