When recording MIDI in Loop Record mode, new clips are created each time new material is received during a record pass. This differs somewhat from loop recording audio, where Pro Tools creates a single audio file that comprises all takes, which appear as individual clips in the Clip List.You can use MIDI loop recording to record successive takes without stopping the record process, thereby capturing your creative spontaneity. Another advantage with this method of recording MIDI, which is nondestructive, is that all existing and newly recorded clips remain intact (and available in the Clip List).1 Configure a MIDI or Instrument track for recording (see Configuring MIDI or Instrument Tracks for Recording).2 Select Options > Loop Record. When Loop Record mode is enabled, a loop symbol appears in the Record button.
3 If you have not done so already, record enable the MIDI or Instrument track by clicking its Record Enable button. Make sure no audio tracks are record-enabled.4 Disable Wait for Note and Countoff in the Transport window.6 With the Selector tool, select the loop range in the track’s playlist.
7 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).8 Click Record in the Transport to arm Pro Tools for recording. The Record button flashes.The Record button flashes during the 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.10 Play your MIDI controller. A new MIDI clip containing the newly recorded material is automatically created and appears in the track’s playlist, replacing the previous clip.Clips are replaced (nondestructively) during subsequent record passes when new MIDI material is received.11 When you are finished recording, click Stop in the Transport.The recorded takes appear as clips in the Clip List and are numbered sequentially. The takes, which are the same length and easily interchangeable, can be selected from the Matches pop-up menu—even while the session plays or loops.
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Right-click the clip with the Selector or Grabber tools, and select a take from the Matches submenu in the pop-up menu.
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With the Selector tool, Command-click (Mac) or Control-click (Windows) at the precise beginning of the loop or punch range and select a different take from the Alternates pop-up menu.
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If the take currently residing in the track is selected, with the Selector tool, Command-click (Mac) or Control-click (Windows) anywhere on the selected take and select a different take from the Alternates pop-up menu.The selected take (clip) replaces the previous take and snaps precisely to the correct location.
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For more information on auditioning and managing takes, see Selecting Alternate Takes.