Loop Recording in MIDI Merge Mode

For MIDI loop recording, use Normal (Nondestructive) Record mode with Loop Playback and MIDI Merge enabled. With this method, MIDI is recorded and merged to the same clip with each new record pass—for example, you can record hi-hats on the first pass and kick and snare on the next.

For drum machine style step entry, use Step Input (see Step Input Command).

Make sure that MIDI Merge is enabled in the Transport window, otherwise (in Replace mode) each subsequent take destructively replaces the previous take.

You can record enable a different MIDI or Instrument track while loop recording. While pressing Command (Mac) or Control (Windows), use the Up/Down Arrows to record enable the previous or next MIDI or Instrument track.

To loop record in MIDI Merge mode:

1 Configure a MIDI or Instrument track for recording (see Configuring MIDI or Instrument Tracks for Recording).

2 Ensure that Normal Record mode is selected (see Record Modes).

3 Select Options > Loop Playback. When Loop Playback is enabled, a loop symbol appears in the Play button.

 

Loop Playback enabled

4 Record enable the MIDI or Instrument track. Ensure that no audio tracks are record-enabled.

5 In the Transport window, click the MIDI Merge button so it is highlighted.

6 Disable Wait for Note and Countoff in the Transport window.

7 Select Options > Link Timeline and Edit Selection.

8 With the Selector tool, select the loop range in the track’s playlist.

For other methods of setting the record range, see Setting Punch and Loop Points.

9 To hear track material up to the start point of the loop, enable and set the pre-roll time (see Setting Pre- and Post-Roll).

10 Click Record in the Transport to arm Pro Tools for recording. The Record button flashes.

11 Click Play to start recording.

The Record button flashes during pre-roll. When the start point is reached, Pro Tools begins recording. When the end point is reached, Pro Tools loops back to the start point and continues playing and recording.

12 Play your MIDI controller. Newly recorded MIDI data appears as a clip in the record track. On each successive take, recorded material shows up in the clip, without replacing material from previous takes.

13 To switch to a new record track, press Command (Mac) or Control (Windows), and press the Up/Down Arrow keys to record enable the previous or next MIDI or Instrument track.

14 When you are finished recording, click Stop in the Transport.

The newly recorded MIDI data appears as a MIDI clip in the track’s playlist, and in the Clip List.