For detailed information about the plug-
ins included with Pro Tools Express, see the
Audio Plug-Ins Guide (Help > Audio
Plug-Ins Guide).
Applying Equalization and
Compression
Typically, when mixing audio, you will want to
apply equalization and compression on individ-
ual tracks to get your audio to sound just right.
Equalization (EQ)
Lets you shape the frequency
spectrum of the sound. A simple example equal-
ization is the bass and treble controls on many
stereo systems. You can use these controls to
boost (make louder) or attenuate (make quieter)
the low frequencies and the high frequencies of
the audio. You can use EQ to help separate the
bass and guitar, to sharpen the drums, empha-
size the vocals, and even to cut out unwanted
noise. Pro Tools Express provides several differ-
ent types of EQ plug-ins for sculpting your
sound.
Compression
Lets you smooth the dynamics of
your audio. It acts like an automatic volume
control by keeping the loud parts from getting
too loud. You can use compression to make vo-
cals sound more intimate, or to keep cymbals
from sounding too shrill. Use a limiter to keep
peaks in the audio signal from exceeding a cer-
tain threshold without affecting audio that
doesn't exceed that level. Pro Tools Express pro-
vides several different types of dynamics plug-
ins for shaping the dynamics your sound.
To apply EQ to a track:
Window > Mix
1
Choose
.
2
In the top part of the track, click the next Track
Insert selector and choose
EQ
submenu.
Insert selector for a track in the Mix window
Introduction to Pro Tools Express
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