User guide

Chapter 4: Pro Tools IO Control Software 12
Chapter 4: Pro Tools IO Control Software
Pro Tools IO Control is an interface control application made for Mac and Windows. It uses a single window with multiple tabs to
make access all device and system settings quick and easy. Pro Tools IO Control works the same on Mac and Windows; this section
shows Mac screens.
Input Tab
• Device Icon & ID Button - A device icon and ID button is placed adjacent to each row of parameters to identify the hardware
unit to which the row belongs. By clicking on the ID button, the front panel of the corresponding hardware unit illuminates. Each
hardware unit is assigned a Peripheral Prefix (A-Z, found in Pro Tools IO Controlʼs Device Settings tab window) which is dis-
played on the ID button.
• Analog Level - Use this menu to select microphone, instrument, or line input.
• Soft Limit - Use this menu to engage
Soft Limit, Apogee’s proprietary analog process for taming transients before A/D conver-
sion. By gently rounding transients in a transparent manner, it’s possible to maximize level BEFORE the A/D conversion stage.
Soft Limit is most effective for signals with large transients, such as drums, percussion, and plucked instruments. Soft Limit may
not be appropriate for bass and organ.
• Input Level - The gain of each input is controlled with these software knobs. The gain level is indicated in the value box below
the knob.
• Analog Input Meter - This meter displays the level of the analog input after A/D conversion.
• Group On/Off - When set to
on, both the Controller knob on Pro Tools | Duet and one software gain knob controls both input
channels simultaneously. If one input has a gain offset when Group is set to
on, it is preserved until and high or low limit is
reached.
• Phase - Check this box to reverse the polarity of the input signal. Under certain circumstances, when two mics are used on one
source, reversing the polarity of one mic may result in a fuller sound. For example, when miking the top and bottom of a snare
drum, a fuller sound is obtained when the polarity of the bottom mic is reversed.
• 48 V/Phantom Power - Engage this button for 48 volts phantom power on the XLR connections. Condenser mics require phan-
tom power to operate.
Input Tab