Use Apple Loops in ProTools Sessions!

For those of you who have played around with GarageBand, you know that there are tons of decent loops and cool sound effects built into the program. Well, GarageBand folks aren't the only ones who get to have all the fun. Mac users can use Apple Loops and iLife Sound Effects in their ProTools sessions as well. The loops and sound effects are in .caf format, but if you drag them into the Tracks list from the Workspace, ProTools will convert them automatically.

Here's how it works: From the Workspace (op+;), browse Macintosh HD > Library > Audio > Apple Loops > Apple, and then audition sounds from either the "Apple Loops for GarageBand" folder or the "iLife Sound Effects" folder. Drag the sounds you like from the workspace into the ProTools Tracks list (View > Other Displays > Track List) and wait a few seconds for ProTools to create the appropriate track and convert 'em. Easy as pie!

But here's the catch...after importing a musical loop into your ProTools project you'll notice that it may be in a different key, tempo, time signature, or--if you're lucky--all three at once! If you're building a song around that loop, you'll just have to put your Identify Beat skills to work and make the necessary ruler adjustments for time signature and key signature. If you want a wayward loop to fit within an existing project, however, you'll have to pitch shift, use the TCE trimmer, or just scrap it altogether. If you're just using the sound effects, they don't usually have key/tempo/meter problems.

A small word of warning: Be careful how you use the GarageBand loops and sound effects 'cause anyone who has used GarageBand will instantly recognize most of 'em. If you're not concerned about originality, there's no problem. But for those who want to sound more than generic, I'd recommend employing them creatively. And by "creatively" I mean don't use them as the main riff. I hear undisguised GarageBand loops all the time in background music for various multi-media projects on the web and even on TV. I always think, "Really, did that composer not have the time or energy or self respect to be more creative?" But maybe that's just me.

Anyhoo, my point was let Mac users know that they have a bunch of free loops and sound effects that are available for use in their ProTools projects. And free is always better than not-free ;-)

Happy ProTooling!

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