Need help with importing downloaded files into ProTools Free. If anyone knows how to do this please help me, I just can't figure it out. I tried the Digidesign website but their user forum is under construction and has been for a while. Thanks for any help in advance.

Peace,
Prowler

First off, I'm glad to see you're using Pro Tools Free, because that is obviously free and you have the rights to use it. I'm working under the assumption that you have the rights to anything you are downloading or already own it. I should note that Limewire does not condone the illegal downloading of software.

I don't have the slightest idea what your problem is. Please post more details.

Little disappionted in you Blackbird. Files can be paid for and downloaded on the internet too you know.
My problem is that I can't find a way to get a downloaded file into the ProTools program for mixing. It is an older free version and I just can't figure out how to import the file.
TIA for any help you can give.

Well Prowler, allow me to explain myself a bit. Most people come in here asking how to use their pirated software. We have to explain to them that that is not the purpose of these forums.

What file format are you using for pro tools? I'm familiar with sound software (I've taken classes in it), however, not pro tools. I usually use logic and sibelius. What file format are you trying to import?

I'm pretty ignorant so you'll have to explain what you mean by file format. Does that mean wav or quicktime or something else like that ?

Yes, I mean a wav file, an mp3 file, or otherwise. What kind of file are you using.

I've heard of problems like this before.
I use Protools LE so i'm pretty familiar with the procedure however the free version has some limitations and this is one of 'em.
From what i've heard those of my friends who use PT Free import their trax after converting'em to QuickTime Movie , meaning if u have .AIFF, .WAV open these files using the Quicktime player then save 'em as QT Movie.
If it's an mp3 file get the SoundJam (basic is free - mp3 player) convert the mp3 to AIFF or WAV then to QuickTime.

Luck

I started using ProTools Free (PTF) a few weeks ago and this is one problem I had to learn how to solve. PTF won't import mp3 files, but it will import wav, aiff, and SoundDesigner II files.

Use Quicktime to convert your mp3 to aiff or wav (I have QT Pro, and I don't know if the free version does these conversions). Run QT, go to File >> Open Movie in New Player, and open the mp3. Once opened, click File >> Export. A "Save As" type dialog box will appear. There'll be a drop down list titled "Export:". Click this and select the file type you need (wav for Windows, aiff for Mac).

In this dialog box is an "Options..." button. Click it and make sure that the "Stereo" radio button is selected, and that the rate is 44.1k (which is audio cd quality). Also verify that "Size" is set to 16 bit. Then give it a name and save it where you need it.

Now run PTF. Go to File >> Convert and Import Audio... . Make sure the bit depth and sample rate match those of your session. Use the dialog box choices to finish the job.

After you're done, you'll have two more audio tracks in your session, and you'll have to name 'em and pan them full left and right for stereo.

The instructions for the ProTools part are in the "Recording" chapter of the ProTools Reference Manual pdf. If you're just learning PTF, reading the "Recording" and "Mixing" chapters are pretty much essential.

Good Luck & hope this helped...