Digidesign
Pro Tools 6
Pro Tools 6.0 software for Mac OS X adds a powerful set of new features
and improvements that makes this the next evolutionary step for Pro
Tools TDM and LE systems.
With Pro Tools 6.0, you'll experience a completely new level of efficiency
and effectiveness when working with Pro Tools. Premier among the new
features is support for Apple's OS X operating system, providing improved,
solid interaction between the Pro Tools environment and Power Mac
G4s. You'll also notice a streamlined new look for the Mix, Edit,
and Transport windows, making this the most user-friendly Pro Tools
software environment yet.
New multi-user login functionality enables individual users to save
custom display, operation, editing, automation, processing, compatibility,
and MIDI preferences, providing a new degree of personalization with
the Pro Tools environment.
But that's just the beginning. Pro Tools 6.0 software also features
the amazing new DigiBase file management utility, enhanced MIDI functionality
(including high-resolution groove templates!), additional Beat Detective
features, new Import Session options, plug-in functionality enhancements,
MachineControl additions, and much more!
Improved Organization
Often, the larger your Pro Tools session, the more difficult it is
to get your head around all the elements it contains. Media files
may be located on different drives, both internal and external, and
if you're working on multiple projects with multiple media sources
(external drives, effects or loop CDs, etc.), the possibility of confusion
increases dramatically.To help you keep it all straight, Pro Tools
6.0 software includes a new file management utility called DigiBase.
Functionally, DigiBase is similar to Mac's Finder or Windows' Explorer,
enabling you to manage all of the files on your system. Moreover,
DigiBase allows you to view complete file information including duration,
timestamps, and two user comments fields. Display layouts can be customized
to focus exclusively on the information you need. You may also audition
files and view their waveform thumbnails before importing them into
Pro Tools, regardless of the file format or sample rate. When you've
determined a selection, the one-step, drag-and-drop process from DigiBase
to your session timeline includes automatic file copy and conversion,
guaranteeing compatibility with your project. Moreover, Pro Tools
6.0 handles many tasks such as copying, conversion, and fade creation
in the background so that you can continue to record and edit without
interruption. A new Task Manager feature also enables users to monitor
and manage background processes. What's more, Pro Tools 6.0 software
for TDM systems also includes DigiBase Pro, adding extended functionality
and file management options to the already powerful set of features
included with DigiBase. DigiBase Pro provides for the creation and
sharing of custom catalogs that reference files wherever they're stored,
including on networks and offline media. You're also able to view,
search, and spot files from offline media such as sound effects libraries,
loop CDs, etc. And you can pinpoint the files you need by searching
on any combination of file information, such as file type, comment,
and creation date.
More MIDI and Beat Detective
Pro Tools 6.0 software incorporates enhanced MIDI functionality,
including full support for Mac OS X's Core MIDI Services. MIDI Time
Stamping (MTS) support provides sample-accurate MIDI with Pro Tools-compatible
software synths and samplers, eliminating the possibility of compromised
sync and drift issues. Also, you can take advantage of up to sub-millisecond-accurate
MIDI with Digidesign's MIDI I/O and other supported MTS-capable interfaces,
rivaling any dedicated hardware sequencer.
Pro Tools 6.0 software's new MIDI capabilities also afford you extensive
manipulation of rhythmic content through powerful groove creation
and modification tools. The Groove Quantize feature incorporates intelligent
Bar|Beat adjustment as well as support for the new 960 ppq DigiGroove
templates.
Since its arrival, Pro Tools' Beat Detective (TDM only) has proven
to be an extremely valuable resource for all kinds of production applications.
Now, with the new Beat Detective functionality, you can extract and
generate DigiGroove templates based on audio performances and utilize
both the timing and the dynamics of passages elsewhere in your composition.
These DigiGroove templates are also compatible with new Feel Injector
templates from Numerical Sound. Pro Tools 6.0's MIDI implementation
also features a new Restore Performance function, enabling you to
return to an original MIDI-based performance at any time. Working
in this non-destructive manner, you can experiment unhindered with
the assurance that you can always recover from adjustments made during
the course of your project. Of course, if you've settled on changes,
the Flatten Performance feature solidifies your edits and gives you
a new, permanent basis from which to proceed. Additional new features
include a new Relative Grid option, a new keyboard shortcut for temporarily
disabling Grid mode, and definable note duration when drawing notes
(the Pencil tool now also trims notes). The Trim tool now trims notes
in Velocity view, MIDI Operations and Tempo/Meter Change are easily
accessible floating windows, and Pro Tools now supports up to 256
MIDI tracks, more than ever before. Other improvements include the
Selector tool's (I-beam) ability to select across multiple tracks
as well as a definable Zoom for toggling track heights.
More Plug-ins and Features
There are several exciting new plug-in features in Pro Tools 6.0
software. Pro Tools TDM systems now support TDM and RTAS plug-in instancing
on-the-fly (during playback). There are several additional plug-ins
included with Pro Tools 6.0, including the new, sample-accurate Click
plug-in. In addition, Digidesign's DPP-1 (TDM only) and D-fx plug-ins
are now featured as part of the DigiRack plug-in suite included with
Pro Tools. What's more, select plug-ins can now accept broadcast tempo
data, making it easier than ever to synchronize effects to the tempo
of your session.
New Import Session Data Options (TDM Only)
With Pro Tools 6.0, you can now import any track attributes from
one session into another. Specifically, you can choose to import any
combination of track data, including audio playlists, MIDI playlists,
mixer automation, routing assignments, plug-in instances/settings,
and plug-in automation. Plus, you can choose to replace or overlay
the data in relation to your existing session.
More Control
MachineControl (TDM only) option enhancements are also included in
Pro Tools 6.0, providing post professionals with an even higher degree
of workflow streamlining. A new Machine Profile utility enables you
to create deck configuration profiles for controlling any Sony 9-pin
controllable deck, and includes support for custom track name entry
in each deck profile, for even easier operation when remotely track
arming. 9-pin deck emulation operation now includes a "Remote LTC
Mode" that allows you to chase LTC while receiving 9-pin record and
track-arming commands. The result: support for higher track counts
and faster operation when in deck emulation mode. You are also able
to generate timecode while emulating a 9-pin deck. A new Offset setting
for MachineControl, chasing timecode, and MMC enables you to compensate
for minor differences in source tape versions. You can create a single
session with multiple VOs and then quickly offset Pro Tools compared
to the tape for each layback performed. Additionally, the Set Timecode
Position function allows you to select a location in your timeline
and re-enter its timecode position, relatively resetting the entire
timeline.
Additional Pro Tools LE Features
In version 6.0 software, Pro Tools LE owners can look forward to
several new features that were previously available only on Pro Tools
TDM systems. Specifically, Pro Tools LE 6.0 supports Command Focus
Mode, making a host of powerful editing operations available via single
key shortcuts. Pro Tools LE now also includes the Time Compression/Expansion
(TC/E) trim tool, making time compressing and expanding regions simpler
and faster than ever. Finally, another welcome addition to Pro Tools
LE software is support for automatic and manual deactivation of tracks,
providing more voice management flexibility and greatly increased
session portability between Pro Tools TDM and LE systems.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Digidesign-approved Pro Tools TDM (Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools|24 MIX,
Pro Tools|24) or LE (Mbox, Digi 001 and Audiomedia III/ToolBox) system
running Mac OS X version v.10.2.3. Support for Digi 002 coming soon.
Windows XP support of the new features in Pro Tools 6, and OS X compatibility
with AVoption|XL, Unity, and MediaManager are scheduled for mid-2003.