The Expert Tips for Pro Tools MIDI Setup

MIDI configuration in Avid Pro Tools is an essential aspect of setting up your digital audio workstation for music production and sound design. MIDI, which stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, allows you to connect and control external hardware and virtual instruments within Pro Tools.
0:00 General introduction
00:17 Pro Tools MIDI Configuration
04:05 MIDI Studio used with Pro Tools
07:52 Using defined External MIDI devices in Pro Tools
08:58 Synchronise MIDI out for external instruments
10:44 Configure MIDI Input devices
14:27 Configuring MIDI Controllers - EuControl for AVID controllers
16:21 Setting non AVID Controllers like SSL UF8 in Pro Tools
18:23 Setting up Komplete Kontrol MIDI Controller / Keyboard
19:32 Closing words and what next
Here's a brief overview of MIDI configuration in Pro Tools:
1. MIDI Input and Output Devices: To begin, you'll need to configure your MIDI input and output devices. This involves connecting your MIDI controllers, keyboards, synthesizers, and drum machines to your computer and ensuring Pro Tools recognizes them. In Pro Tools, you can access this configuration in the "Setup" menu under "MIDI."
2. MIDI Tracks: Create MIDI tracks in your Pro Tools session by selecting "Track" and then "New" or by pressing Shift+Command+N (Mac) or Shift+Ctrl+N (Windows). These tracks will serve as containers for your MIDI data.
3. Instrument Plugins: If you plan to use virtual instruments (AAX) within Pro Tools, you can insert them on your MIDI tracks. These plugins will generate sound based on the MIDI input.
4. Routing MIDI: Ensure that your MIDI tracks are correctly routed to your MIDI input device or virtual instrument. You can do this by selecting the desired input/output from the respective track's I/O settings.
5. MIDI Sync: Pro Tools offers options to sync your MIDI equipment with your audio session. You can use MIDI Time Code (MTC) or MIDI Beat Clock to keep your external devices in time with your Pro Tools session.
6. MIDI Control Surfaces (MIDI Controllers): If you're using external MIDI control surfaces or hardware controllers, configure them through the "Setup" menu under "Peripherals" to ensure seamless integration with Pro Tools.
7. MIDI Preferences: You can access MIDI-specific preferences in the Pro Tools preferences menu, where you can specify things like the default MIDI track settings and how MIDI data is handled.
8. MIDI Thru and Merge: Pro Tools allows you to set up MIDI Thru and Merge options for routing MIDI signals effectively between devices.
Configuring MIDI in Avid Pro Tools can be a detailed process, but it's crucial for creating and manipulating virtual instruments, controlling external hardware, and integrating MIDI seamlessly into your music production workflow. Proper MIDI configuration ensures that your creative ideas can be translated into music effectively within the Pro Tools environment.

[@EnricoDePaoli]

Not sure if I missed anything out from your video, but my ProTools still only shows my devices inside the "Predefined" list. Not directly on the Midi Track list menu... Thanks in advance for any possible suggestion.

[@Howdoyoudaw]

Hi, Seems that after some latest updates (macOS or Pro Tools) this is not in Pro Tools menu anymore... It definitely used to be and was convenient. However It is missing now... Hope they get it back.

[@EnricoDePaoli]

@@Howdoyoudaw Yeah, I looked everywhere and tried everything. Yes, I remember it being there not too long ago... Thank you so much for taking the time to help me with your reply!

[@Howdoyoudaw]

@@EnricoDePaoli No Prob, happy to help.

[@zakaroonetwork777]

My Mac Mini i9 Monterey Does Not Support MiDI. Thanks Apple...

[@Howdoyoudaw]

mac Mini / Monterey should definitely support MIDI. What versio of Pro Tools you are running ? What is the issue you are facing ?