Kelly Parks

Daniel Parks
555 Random Rd.
Huntsville, AL 35555

Date: March 14, 2019

To: Dr. Joseph Robertshaw
English Department
University of Alabama in Huntsville
From: Kelly Parks, Student
Daniel Parks, Student
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Subject: Term Project Proposal

Abstract

The purpose of this proposal is to request authorization to create a detailed technical document
for the usage of an audio creation and editing software called Pro Tools® | First. This document
is intended for use by people who may find themselves frequently editing various types of audio,
and are new to the Pro Tools® | First software. Our final document will cover performing many
Pro Tools® functions.

Introduction
Over the past few months we have been using an audio editing software called Pro Tools® |
First. This software is particularly complicated and can confuse novice users. To the amateur
audio engineer this may seem like a very daunting program at first glance. We believe this guide
is necessary to ease the learning curve required to use the program, as well as to alleviate any
fears that a person who has never used Pro Tools® may have in the beginning. We will cover
the following tasks in detail and will accompany them with screenshots:

1. Importing an audio file

2. Creating a track
3. How to use different tools in the toolbar
4. Trimming a track
5. Adding a variety of effects to tracks such as reverb, delay, pitch shifting, etc.
6. How to layer tracks
7. How to combine tracks
8. How to adjust track tempo (speed up/slow down)
9. How to save projects
10. How to bounce files post editing

We believe these ten tasks will give the most novice user the solid foundation needed to create
fun and interesting sound stories. We will compliment the written guide with a short video tutorial
on trimming and combining tracks, as well as adjusting the tempo.

Audience

The intended audience for this document will be anyone who is interested in learning how to
create and edit audio. It is directed more toward novice users, but we believe even advanced
users may find this document helpful. Specifically, we will design this document so that users
ranging from hobbyists, all the way up to professionals, will be able to use it. This is necessary
due to the steep learning curve that comes with using Pro Tools®.

Background

Pro Tools® | First is an audio editing software which allows the user to import, edit, and export
audio files in many different formats. It allows for the use of hundreds of effects and plugins, all
of which have different impacts on the sound of the audio file. It also allows for multiple track
creation and layering in order to provide limitless creativity in the realm of audio editing and
design. Pro Tools® | First is the basic, and free, version of a highly advanced program. Used by
people all over the world, from hobbyists to professionals, the Pro Tools® platform is one of the
“go-to” applications in any digital audio workstation.

Scope
This document will be formatted with main tasks listed numerically in sequential sections. Sub-
sections will include possible options for the same task that can be used to potentially produce a
different result than originally intended.

Methodology

We will build an audio project using the Pro Tools® | First software and will document each step
and several options during the build. We will then add easy to follow instructions and
screenshots to assist in conveying the information necessary to replicate the project.

Qualifications

We have both been using Pro Tools® | First extensively for several months now. We have both
read numerous manuals and help guides in order learn how to complete a multitude of tasks
using this software. We each have several projects that have received high praise and
recognition once completed.

Resources

Resources will include personal experience, screenshots, Pro Tools® handbooks, and
potentially video guides as a reference.

Timeline

Bibliography

“Avid.” Pro Tools | First - Free Music Software, www.avid.com/pro-tools-first.

Cook, Frank D. Pro Tools 101: an Introduction to Pro Tools 10. Course Technology, 2012.