What’s New Pro Tools HD® 7.
Copyright © 2006 Digidesign, a division of Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. This guide may not be duplicated in whole or in part without the express written consent of Digidesign. AudioSuite, Avid, Command|8. Control|24, D-Command, DControl, DigiBase, Digidesign, DigiTranslator, MachineControl, ProControl, Pro Tools, Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE, Pro Tools M-Powered, Mojo, and QuickPunch are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. in the US and other countries.
contents Chapter 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 New Features in Pro Tools HD 7.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Chapter 2. System Configuration, Session and Navigation Enhancements . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 4. Editing Features and Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Shuffle Lock Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Region-Based Editing in Automation Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Display of Fade Boundaries and Shapes in Automation View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 7. Plug-in Features and Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Default Plug-in Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Enhanced Dynamics III Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 DigiRack Time Shift Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 New SignalTools Plug-ins . . .
Chapter 10. Control Surface Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Ethernet Drivers for Control Surface Support Installed Automatically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 General Control Surface Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 ICON New Features and Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Displaying VCA Master Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . .
chapter 1 Introduction This chapter is an overview of new features in Pro Tools HD 7.2 for Pro Tools|HD ® systems on Windows XP or Mac OS X. System Requirements For complete system requirements, refer to the Digidesign Web site (www.digidesign.com). New Features in Pro Tools HD 7.2 Pro Tools HD 7.
Recording Features and Enhancements • Enhanced editing of fades • Real-Time Display of waveforms during recording for QuickPunch™, TrackPunch, and DestructivePunch modes • Move/Nudge fades within regions • New DestructivePunch Mode • Trim fades • Prepare DestructivePunch-Enabled Tracks command • DestructivePunch File Length Operation preference MachineControl Enhancements • External Synchronizer Track Name Display • New Edit Preview mode for machine track arming • Controlling Pro Tools with Third-Par
• New panning features • Option to link main output pan and send output pan controls • Option for two-knob surround panning (ICON work surfaces only) • “Use Absolute Pan Linking” Automation preference (also reverts stereo track linking to legacy behavior) • Enhanced Group menus • Enhanced Group List pop-up menu • Enhanced Group name pop-up menu • New Group ID indicator pop-up • New Trim Automation features • Trim Automation playlists • Displays of Trim automation in other playlists • Coalesce Trim, Clear T
• Video track controls • Differences in video tracks with QuickTime movies New Pro Tools features for Avid DNA Video Peripherals (AVoption|V10 and Avid Mojo) • New Video Online button • Matching audio and video names for digitized video • New Video Frame Rate indicator • Importing additional types of AAF sequences • Record Enable button • Video track locking • Video regions • General video editing • General editing operations not applicable to video regions • Selecting within video frame boundaries •
chapter 2 System Configuration, Session and Navigation Enhancements This chapter describes changes to Pro Tools system capabilities, session features, and basic navigation. Recording and Playback from HFS+ Drives Mouse Scrollwheel Enhancements In Pro Tools 7.2, some of the key commands for scrolling with a mouse scroll wheel have changed. To zoom continuously in the Edit window (horizontal zoom): (Windows Only) Pro Tools 7.
Right-Click Enhancements Pro Tools 7.2 adds a number of Right-click shortcuts for choosing various Pro Tools commands and menus with any Right-click capable mouse. The tables on the following pages summarize the Rightclick functionality in Pro Tools.
Mix Window Right-Click Commands and Menus Right-click Shortcut Task Surround Panning Mode button (in Surround Output Window) Access Panning modes: • X/Y Mode • 3-Knob mode • Divergence Editing mode • AutoGlide mode Region List items Access Region List commands: • Clear • Rename • Time Stamp • Replace Region • Compact • Export Region Definition • Export Regions as Files • Recalculate Waveform Overviews • Select Parent in Workspace • Object Select in Edit Window Group List items Access Group List comma
Edit Window Right-Click Commands and Menus Right-click Shortcut Task Timeline or point in region previously selected with Selector tool Access commands: • Separate • Matches (Channels or Alternates) Region or region selection Access Edit and Region commands: • Cut • Copy • Paste • Clear • Matches (Channels or Alternates) • Separate • Delete Fades • Snap to Next • Snap to Previous • Spot • Group Regions • Ungroup Regions Control-Right-click region (Windows) Command-Right-click region (Mac) Access Move
Transport Window Right-Click Commands and Menus Right-click Shortcut Task Transport Return to Zero button Access Automation commands: • Write to Start • Write to All Transport Go To End button Access Automation commands: • Write to End • Write to All Universe Window Right-Click Commands and Menus Right-click Shortcut Task Universe window Access Universe window commands Video Window Right-Click Commands and Menus Right-click Shortcut Task (Pro Tools HD Only) Video window Access Universe window c
New Right-Click Functions The following Right-click functions are new or have changed in Pro Tools 7.2. Scrolling a Track into View You can scroll a track into view on-screen by Right-clicking its name in any of several locations. To scroll a track into view: ■ In the Track List, or Mix or Edit window, Right-click the track name and select Scroll into View. The track is selected, and the windows scroll as follows: • The Mix window scrolls to bring the selected track as close to the left as possible.
Selecting Alternate Takes from the Matching Takes List Right-Click Commands and Selections After recording multiple takes with loop or punch recording, you can replace the take currently residing in a track with the other takes to audition them in the Timeline. You can use Right-click commands with key combinations to perform operations on objects while maintaining selections in the Edit and Mix windows.
New Right-Click Pop-Up Menus Track Name Pop-Up Menus (Edit Window, Mix window or Track List) When you Right-click a track name in the Edit window, Mix window, or the Track List, a popup menu provides access to the following commands: Hide Hides the track (or selected tracks if any) Hide and Make Inactive Hides the track and makes it inactive (or selected tracks if any) Audio Track Name pop-up menu Make Active/Inactive Toggles the active status of the track (or selected tracks if any) Scroll Into View Scro
Export Region Definitions Exports definitions for selected regions Export Regions as Files Exports selected regions as files Recalculate Waveform Overviews Redraws waveforms for selected regions Select Parent in Workspace Highlights the parent file of selected region in the DigiBase Workspace Browser Object Select in Edit Window Selects region as an object in the Edit window Preserving Folder Hierarchy when Saving a Copy of a Session Pro Tools 7.
Pro Tools Preferences Operation Preferences In Pro Tools 7.2, the Preference pages and many of its options have been reorganized for easier navigation.
Auto Backup Section • Enable Session File Auto Backup In previous versions of Pro Tools, the “Auto Backup” feature was called “AutoSave.” Record Section • DestructivePunch File Length: This preference sets the duration of consolidated audio files when preparing tracks for DestructivePunch mode. The default value for this setting is 25 minutes. Misc (Miscellaneous) Section • Latch Record Enable Buttons • Auto Region Fade In/Out Length • .
Editing Preferences • Automatically Create Fades for Imported REX and ACID files: When selected, this option automatically applies fades between regions (“slices”) within imported REX and ACID files to minimize clicks or pops during playback. If there is overlap between slices, a crossfade is applied. If there is a gap between slices, a fade out is applied to the end of the first region. (The fade shape applied to REX/ACID files follow the Default Fade Settings for REX/ACID.
• Send Pans Default to Follow Main Pan: When selected, newly created sends have Follow Main Pan turned on, so the Send Pan controls follow the pan controls of the track. When not selected, newly created sends have Follow Main Pan turned off. Controllers Section In previous versions of Pro Tools, the following three options were in the Display Preferences page.
• Latching Behavior for Switched Controls in “Touch”: This option determines the behavior of switched controls (such as mute or plug-in bypass) when writing automation in Touch mode. • When selected, controls in Touch mode will latch in their current state. If an existing breakpoint is encountered, writing of automation stops. If the transport is stopped while writing, the control will AutoMatch to the underlying value. • When not selected, controls in Touch mode will not latch.
• Amount of Memory to Reserve for Automation Recording Processing Preferences • After Write Pass, Switch To • Coalesce Trim Automation Options: These options determine when Trim automation is committed to the main automation playlist on a track. • After Every Pass: Sets Trim automation to coalesce when the transport is stopped at the end of each Trim automation pass. No Composite Playlist is indicated.
MIDI Preferences Synchronization Preferences Basics Section • Play MIDI Notes When Editing • Use MIDI to Tap Tempo • Display Events as Modified by Real-Time Properties • Use F11 Key for Wait for Note In previous versions of Pro Tools, the Use F11 Key for Wait for Note option was in the Operation Preferences page. • .
• Allow Track Arm Commands in Local Mode: Sets Pro Tools to respond to incoming track arming (record enable) commands even when the system is not in Remote Mode. This is useful if you are using a paddle device to control Pro Tools track arming or punching. 3 To audition a selected file or region before you import it, click the Play and Stop buttons in the Import Audio dialog. 4 Do any of the following: • To place a file or region in the Import list, select the file and click Add or Convert.
8 If you chose to create a new track, choose a lo- 3 If you chose to create a new track, choose a lo- cation for the imported file in the track: cation for the imported file in the track: Session Start Places the file or region at the start of the session. Session Start Places the file or region at the start of the session. Song Start Aligns the beginning of the file or region to the Song Start point. Song Start Aligns the beginning of the file to the Song Start point.
Importing Region Groups To import a region group using the Pro Tools File menu: 1 Choose File > Import > Region Groups and select the region group you want to import. Import Tempo Map from Region Group File When selected, replaces the session tempo map with the tempo map of the region group. This option is only available when importing the region group to the Session Start. 5 Click OK.
Groups • All groups beyond the first 26 (Bank 1, Groups a–z) will be dropped. • Mix Groups will keep only Main Volume information. • Mix/Edit Groups will keep only Main Volume and Automation Mode information. Tracks • Instrument tracks will be split into separate Auxiliary Input and MIDI tracks. • Automation overflow information for grouped controls will not be preserved. • VCA Master tracks will be removed and VCA automation will be coalesced to the corresponding slave tracks.
• Only the main video track will be displayed. • Tracks assigned to “No Output” will be routed to Busses 31 and 32. • Only the first QuickTime movie in the session will be displayed or played back. • Tracks or sends assigned to Busses 33–64 will be routed to Busses 31 and 32. • If the session contains QuickTime movies in the Region List but no video track, the session opens with a new QuickTime Movie track containing the first QuickTime movie from the Region List.
• Only the main video track will be displayed. • Multichannel surround tracks will be removed from the session. • Only the first QuickTime movie in the session will be displayed or played back. • Unavailable input and output paths will be made inactive. • If the session contains QuickTime movies in the Region List but no video track, the session opens with a new QuickTime Movie track containing the first QuickTime movie from the Region List.
When saving a Pro Tools HD 7.2 session to Pro Tools 5.1 -> 6.9 format, and opening the session with Pro Tools LE 5.1 -> 6.9, the following will occur: Groups • All groups beyond the first 26 (Bank 1, Groups a–z) will be dropped. • Mix Groups will keep only Main Volume information. Tracks • Any tracks beyond the first 32, as well any inactive tracks, will be set to voice off. • Any assignments to busses beyond 16 will be made inactive.
New DigiBase Browser Fields In Pro Tools 7.2, DigBase browsers can display the following new metadata fields, which are most often used in post-production: • Channel Names • Circled • Project • Scene • Shoot Date • Sound Roll • Sound Roll Time Code • Sound Roll Time Code Rate • Take • Tape ID • User Bits New Support for Display of Field Recorder Metadata in DigiBase Browsers Pro Tools 7.
chapter 3 Recording Features and Enhancements Real-Time Display of Waveforms During Recording (QuickPunch, TrackPunch, and DestructivePunch Modes) In Pro Tools 7.2, audio waveforms are now displayed during recording in the following record modes: Destructive Record, QuickPunch, TrackPunch, and DestructivePunch. records audio directly into the original file, using a fixed 10-millisecond linear crossfade. Up to 200 “running punches” can be performed in a track during a single DestructivePunch pass.
Overview of DestructivePunch Mode Configuring Pro Tools for DestructivePunch Recording To use DesctructivePunch mode, you do the do the following steps: Before using DestructivePunch, configure DestructivePunch preferences and related Pro Tools settings as described in this section. 1 Configure Pro Tools Preferences for DestructivePunch recording (see “Configuring Pro Tools for DestructivePunch Recording” on page 30).
Audio Track RecordLock This option lets you configure Pro Tools track arming in the following ways: When Audio Track RecordLock is enabled, any record-enabled audio tracks remain armed after playback or recording stops. ◆ When Audio Track RecordLock is not enabled, any record-enabled audio tracks are disarmed when Pro Tools is stopped. This prevents tracks from remaining armed across takes, emulating track arming behavior of a digital dubber.
Enabling Tracks for DestructivePunch Recording DestructivePunch Enabling Tracks without Record Enabling Them You can enable tracks for DestructivePunch without record enabling them. This lets you punch in on individual tracks at any time after starting playback by clicking the Record Enable button. To DestructivePunch enable an audio track: You can simultaneously DestructivePunch enable tracks and record enable them. This starts recording as soon as the transport is recordarmed and playback begins.
Display of DestructivePunch Status Transport Record Enable Button The Transport Record Enable button indicates DestructivePunch mode and Record status as follows: When DestructivePunch mode is enabled: The letters “dp” appears in the Transport Record Enable button. ◆ ◆ Whenever at least one audio track is recording, the Transport Record Enable button lights solid red.
Record and Input Status LEDs Record and Input LEDs next to the Transport Record Enable button indicate track Record and Input status as follows, in all recording modes: Record Status LED When lit (red), indicates that at least one audio track is currently record-enabled. When off (grey), no tracks are currently record-enabled. Input Status LED When lit (green), indicates that at least one audio track is currently set to Input Only monitoring (regardless of record enable status).
DestructivePunch Recording 3 Click Play in the Transport window to begin playback. After you have put Pro Tools in DestructivePunch mode, enabled tracks for DestructivePunch recording, and prepared tracks if necessary, you can record in several ways. 4 During playback, click Record in the Transport window to punch in and out on all DestructivePunch-enabled tracks simultaneously. 5 Stop playback.
MachineControl Enhancements 4 In the Track Arming window, arm the tracks you want to rehearse by clicking the corresponding buttons. The buttons light yellow to indicate armed status. Support for External Synchronizer Track Name Display When MachineControl is being used to control Pro Tools via Remote mode, a supported synchronizer polls track names in the Timeline and display them in the synchronizer track display. New Edit Preview Mode for MachineControl Track Arming In Pro Tools 7.
Using a Paddle Device in Local Mode With Pro Tools 7.2, when using MachineControl in Local mode (with or without an external synchronizer), you can use a supported thirdparty paddle device to issue the following Pro Tools track commands: To enable the Allow Track Arm Commands in Local Mode preference: 1 Choose Setup > Preferences, and click the Syn- chronization tab. 2 Select Allow Track Arm Commands in Local Mode.
5 Use the Port pop-up menu to select the 9-pin MachineControl port. The available choices depend on your platform and configuration. To set Pro Tools to Local mode: ■ In the Pro Tools Transport window, make sure Pro Tools is not set to Remote mode. After you select the port, Pro Tools automatically polls the port to see what kind of machine is connected. • If the machine is recognized, Pro Tools loads the corresponding machine profile for the corresponding Machine Type and Node.
chapter 4 Editing Features and Enhancements Shuffle Lock Mode With certain workflows, it is important to exclude Shuffle mode in order to ensure you do not inadvertently move other regions on a track while editing. Shuffle Lock mode prevents you from entering Shuffle mode by disabling all key commands and control surface switches for Shuffle mode. You cannot enter Shuffle Lock while in Shuffle mode. Region-Based Editing in Automation Views In Pro Tools 7.
Display of Fade Boundaries and Shapes in Automation View Time Grabber and Object Grabber The Time Grabber and Object Grabber tools overlay only the audio data on the destination track. In Pro Tools 7.2, fade boundaries and fade shapes are shown in Automation views, allowing for more precise viewing and editing of automation data. Fade information in Automation view Enhanced Region Copy/Paste Behavior with Grabber Tools Moving a selection with the Time Grabber Separation Grabber In Pro Tools 7.
Snapping Regions or Selections to the Preceding or Next Region In Pro Tools 7.2, you can snap a region (or Edit selection containing whole regions) to the end of the preceding region or to the beginning of the next region in a track. This is useful for “butt splicing” successive elements on a track. 2 Do one of the following: • Choose Edit > Snap To > Next. – or – • Right-click the region or Edit selection and choose Snap to Next in the pop-up menu.
To move or nudge a fade or cross-fade within its contributing regions: 3 Select the fade or crossfade by doing one of the following: • Use the Time Grabber tool to select the fade. • Use the Selector tool to select a range that includes the fade. Moving and Nudging Regions with Fades Nudging Regions Adjacent to Fade-Ins or Fade Outs When you nudge a region selection adjacent to a fade in or fade out, but do not select the fade, the adjacent fade stretches to maintain the fade start or end point.
Moving Regions Adjacent to Crossfades When you move either of the regions that contributes to a crossfade, the regions separate. The status of the fade depends on the Preserve Fades when Editing preference. 4 Use the Time Grabber or Separation Grabber tool to select one of the contributing regions to a crossfade. To move crossfaded regions and retain the corresponding fades: 1 Choose Setup > Preferences and click Editing.
2 Nudge the region by pressing Plus (+) or Minus (–) on the numeric keypad. Where your selection overlaps any fade-ins or fade-outs, the fade is trimmed to fit the selection. Stretching the crossfade by nudging Selecting material that overlaps a fade-in Separating Regions That Include Fades When you create regions from track material that overlaps with fades, the status of the fade depends on the Preserve Fades when Editing preference.
3 Click OK to close the Preferences dialog. 4 With the Selector tool, place the cursor at the separation point or drag to select the material for the new region. 5 Do one of the following: • Choose Edit > Separate Region > At Selection – or – • Press Control+E (Windows) or Command+E (Mac). Where your selection overlaps any fade-ins or fade-outs, the fade is removed. Separating a region while removing fades Trimming Regions That Include Fades In Pro Tools 7.
To trim a region to a selection that includes fades: ■ Do any of the following: • Make a selection in the track and choose Edit > Trim Region > To Selection. You can Trim across multiple regions and fades. Region List Enhancements for Searching The Find Regions dialog provides two options for defining a region search in a session. These options can be used individually or in tandem to suit different workflows. By Name Filters the display of region names to show only those that contain the entered text.
Importing Multichannel Audio Files from a Field Recorder Region List Enhancements for Multichannel Metadata Pro Tools 7.2 lets you use any of the import methods to import monophonic and polyphonic audio files recorded by a field recorder. When you import these types of files, they must be converted to an audio format compatible with Pro Tools. In Pro Tools 7.
For example, you could replace the audio from a boom microphone with the audio from a lavalier microphone—while preserving any edits or fades from the edited audio in the AAF or OMF sequence. 1 In the Timeline, select the region or the por- Conditions for Alternate Channel Availability 2 Right-click (Windows or Mac) or Control-click (Mac) the region or the selected portion of the region you want to replace, and choose Matches, followed by the name of the region you want to replace it with.
chapter 5 Grouping Features and Enhancements Increase in Number of Available Mix and Edit Groups In Pro Tools 7.2, a total of 104 groups are available, arranged in 4 banks of 26 Group IDs. Mix Groups Mix groups can be set to affect the following track parameters in the Mix and Edit windows: • Main Volume • Main Mute • Main Pan New Group Functions In Pro Tools 7.2, additional parameters can now follow Mix groups, and you can select which parameters follow grouped behavior on a groupby-group basis.
• With Mix groups, by choosing whether the selected attributes apply globally to all groups or to individual groups New Group Dialog and Commands In Pro Tools 7.2, an expanded Group dialog and new Group commands let you create, modify, duplicate, delete, and assign attributes to groups. Creating Groups In Pro Tools 7.2, you can select the tracks you want to add to a group before creating it, as well as add and remove tracks from a group after it has been created.
5 (Optional) Choose a Group ID from the ID pop-up menu. Four banks of 26 are available: a–z, 2a–z, 3a–z, 4a–z. (If you don’t choose a Group ID, Pro Tools automatically assigns the next available ID to a new group.) • To replace all tracks in the group with the tracks that are currently selected in the session, click the Replace button at the bottom of the Group dialog.
Modifying Groups To modify the settings for the “All” group: 1 Right-click the “All” group name in the Group To modify a group: List and choose Modify from the pop-up menu. 1 Do one of the following: • Choose Modify Groups from the Group List pop-up menu. • In the Mix window, click the Group ID indicator on a track and choose Modify from the pop-up menu. • Right-click the Group name in the Group List and choose Modify from the pop-up menu.
Deleting Groups 2 Change any of the following for the current group: You can delete groups in several ways. Deleting a group is not undoable. • Group name • Group type (Edit, Mix, or Mix/Edit) • VCA status To delete a single group, do one of the following: In the Mix window, click the Group ID indicator on a track and choose Delete from the popup menu. ■ Right-click the Group name in the Group List and choose Delete from the pop-up menu.
To select attributes for an individual group: Send controls (Sends A–J): 1 While creating or modifying a Mix group or a • Send Level Mix/Edit group, do one of the following: • Send Mute • Click Attributes in the Group dialog, and select the attributes you want to link. – or – • Click Follow Globals to follow the base set of attributes. The Attributes page greys out to indicate that the group is following the selections in the Globals page.
To save the current attribute settings as a Group preset: 1 In the Groups dialog, click Save. (Follow Glo- bals must be unchecked to save a setting from the Attributes page.) Enhanced Group Menus In Pro Tools 7.2, the following menus have been added or enhanced.
Group Name and Track Group ID Pop-Up Menus Grouped Control Offsets When you click a group name in the Groups list, or click the Group ID indicator in a track, a popup menu provides the following commands: In Pro Tools 7.
New Panning Features 2 In the Send window, click the FMP (Follow Main Pan) button. In Pro Tools 7.2, there are several options for setting the behavior of pan controls. Setting Group Pan Controls to Ignore Offsets By default, offsets are preserved for grouped pan controls. In some workflows, it is desirable to have grouped pan controls match absolute values rather than preserve offsets.
2 In the New Tracks dialog, do the following: VCA Master Tracks VCA Master tracks emulate the operation of voltage-controlled amplifier channels on analog consoles, where a VCA channel fader would be used to control, group, or offset the signal levels of other channels on the console. VCA Master tracks do not pass audio, so they do not have inputs, outputs, inserts or sends. A Mix group is assigned to a VCA Master track, which appears in the VCA track’s Assignment selector.
Mute TrackInput The VCA Mute button controls the mute state of audio, Auxiliary Input, Instrument, MIDI, and other VCA Master tracks in a VCA-controlled group. Muting a VCA-controlled group does not change the original mute state of slave tracks. (Mute buttons on slave tracks that were previously unmuted show an implicit mute.) The VCA TrackInput button toggles the input monitor status of only those audio tracks in a VCA-controlled group that are record-enabled.
Allowing Grouped Behavior of Slave Track Controls To assign a new group to a VCA Master: When a track is a VCA slave track, its Volume, Mute, Solo, Record Enable, and Input Monitoring controls follow VCA functions, and normally do not follow grouped behavior. Mix/Edit as the Group type. 1 While creating a new group, select Mix or 2 In the Group dialog, choose an available VCA Master track from the VCA pop-up menu.
Displaying the Composite Automation Playlist on Slave Tracks When a track is a VCA slave, you can display a composite automation playlist that shows the contribution of the VCA Master to the Volume or Mute automation data on the slave track. This composite playlist reflects the actual position of the Volume fader on the slave track.The composite playlist display cannot be directly edited. To display the composite playlist on VCA slave tracks: Choose View > Automation > Composite Playlist.
Removing a Slave Track from a VCA Group 2 Choose Track > Duplicate. You can remove an individual slave track from a VCA group, which commits the VCA automation to that track, leaving the VCA Master and the other slave tracks untouched. The coalesced slave track plays back exactly as it did when it was in the VCA group. Assignments. To coalesce automation from a VCA Master to an individual slave track: 1 Do one of the following: • Choose Modify Groups from the Group List pop-up menu.
chapter 6 Automation Features and Enhancements Automation Data Displayed in Real Time New Automation Indicator Behavior In Pro Tools 7.2, when automation is being written and the corresponding automation playlist is displayed in the Edit window, the automation data is displayed in real time. In Pro Tools 7.2, the way Pro Tools indicates enabling of automation and writing of automation has changed.
Track Automation Mode Selectors When a track is enabled for automation but not writing automation, the Automation mode indicator shows the mode in normal red text. New Preference to Automatically Enable Plug-ins for Automation ◆ When any control on a track is writing automation, the Automation mode indicator shows the mode in bold red text. You can set Pro Tools to automatically enable all controls of a plug-in for automation when you add the plug-in to your session.
To write current automation values back to the automation punch point: 1 Choose Window > Automation to open the Automation window. 2 Make sure that the appropriate automation type is write enabled. 3 Click in a track to define an insertion point. 4 Click Play to being playback. 5 Make sure you are actively writing on the ap- propriate track if you are in Touch, Touch/Latch, or Latch mode.
Applying “Write To” Commands to Selected Tracks The “Write Automation To” commands normally apply to all tracks currently writing automation. In Pro Tools 7.2, it is possible to apply these commands to only the currently selected tracks. To apply any of the “Write Automation To” commands to currently selected tracks: AutoMatch and AutoJoin Enhancements On-Screen Support for AutoMatch and AutoJoin In Pro Tools 7.2, you can invoke AutoMatch and AutoJoin commands without a control surface.
New Touch/Latch Automation Mode New Trim Automation Features In Pro Tools 7.2, the new Touch/Latch Automation mode places a track’s Volume control in Touch mode and all other automatable controls in Latch mode. In Pro Tools 7.2, Automation Trim modes have been enhanced to provide separate Trim playlists that let you modify Trim automation moves before committing them to the main automation playlist.
Displaying Trim Automation Along with the Main Playlist The appearance of Trim automation depends on how it is set to be coalesced. See “Coalescing Trim Automation” on page 70. To display the composite playlist: ■ Choose View > Automation > Composite Playlist. Composite playlist If Trim automation is not set to coalesce after every automation pass, you can display Trim automation data along with the main Volume or Send level automation data in the same automation view.
Read Trim Write Trim In Read Trim mode, Volume and Send level Trim faders are disengaged from the main automation playlist and follow any existing Trim automation. You can move a Trim fader during playback to audition new trim moves, but no automation is written. When the Trim fader is released, it returns to any previously written Trim automation values.
Writing automation to a Trim playlist works the same way as writing automation to a main playlist: ◆ When Trim moves are displayed separately in a Trim automation playlist, the Smoothing, Thinning, and AutoMatch preferences for automation also apply to Trim automation. ◆ When Trim moves are displayed separately in a Trim automation playlist, you can write Trim automation to an entire track, a selection, or a portion of these with the Write Automation to All, Start, or End commands.
To coalesce Trim automation on a track when exiting Trim mode: 1 Choose Setup > Preferences and click Mixing. 2 Under Coalesce Trim Automation, select On Exiting Trim Mode. 3 Click OK to close the Preferences window. Clearing Trim Automation If Trim automation has not been coalesced on a track, you can clear it. When you clear Trim automation, automation breakpoints on all Trim playlists are deleted and all Trim faders are reset to zero. 4 Make sure the Pro Tools transport is stopped.
The Suspend button highlights yellow to indicate that Trim automation is suspended. To suspend Trim automation for specific controls on a track: 1 In the Edit window, set the Track View selector to show the automation playlist for the Trim control you want to suspend (Volume Trim or Send level Trim). 2 Do one of the following: • To suspend only the displayed Trim control on a single track, Control-click (Windows) or Command-click (Mac) the control name in the Track View selector.
Priming Controls for Writing Automation in Latch Mode In Pro Tools 7.2, if a track is in Latch or Touch/Latch automation mode, you can prime individual controls for writing automation while the transport is stopped. This Latch Prime capability lets you prepare for an automation pass before starting playback. 6 While the transport is stopped, touch or move the controls you want to start writing at the beginning of the automation pass.
◆ When you take a track or automation type out of Latch Prime during an automation pass, the corresponding controls AutoMatch to their currently written values. ◆ If you AutoMatch a control that is in a Latch Prime state, the control will no longer be primed. To take a track out of Latch Prime: ■ Control-click (Windows) or Command-click (Mac) the Automation Mode selector on the track. The selector button unbolds to indicate that the track is no longer primed.
2 Prime controls for writing while the transport is stopped. (See “Priming Controls for Writing Automation in Latch Mode” on page 73.) 3 In the Automation window, click the AutoJoin button. 4 In the Automation window, click the Capture button and then click the Punch Capture button. The AutoJoin marker (a vertical red line) appears on-screen at the punch point. ◆ If you punch during playback, the automation mode is set to Latch and writing begins at the preview value.
The Automation Mode indicator on the track lights green to indicate that at least one of its controls is isolated, and the Punch Preview button in the Automation window lights to indicate a preview value is available to punch. Automation Mode Indicator To isolate all currently write-enabled controls: ■ Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (Mac) the Preview button. To isolate all write-enabled controls on all selected tracks: ■ Alt-Shift-click (Windows) or Option-Shift click (Mac) the Preview button.
After punching preview values The “Write Automation To” commands (except Write to Next Breakpoint) can be used to extend the punched value in the same manner as other automation. 2 Make sure the automation types you want to capture are enabled in the Automation window (Volume, Pan, Mute, Send level, Send pan, Send mute, or Plug-in). New Automation Capture Feature 3 Start playback, and if necessary, touch a writeenabled control to start writing automation.
Capturing Automation Values for All Controls You can capture the state of all automatable controls (except on tracks with their Automation Mode set to Off) in a session, regardless of whether they are currently writing automation. To capture the automation values of all controls: ■ When the currently writing controls reach a value you want to capture, Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (Mac) the Capture button.
Capture and Preview Mode Loading Captured Values into Preview You can preview and modify captured automation values in Preview mode before punching the values to the automation playlist. To capture an automation value and use it to preview: 1 Make sure the track where you want to pre- view the value is enabled for automation (Touch, Latch, Touch/Latch or their corresponding Trim modes).
80 What’s New in Pro Tools HD 7.
chapter 7 Plug-in Features and Enhancements Default Plug-in Preferences Enhanced Dynamics III Display In Pro Tools 7.2, you can set a default EQ plugin and Dynamics plug-in, which places them at the top of the Insert selector pop-up menu onscreen, and first in the list of menu choices when assigning inserts on ICON work surfaces. In Pro Tools 7.2, the DigiRack Dynamics III Compressor/Limiter and Expander/Gate plugins feature an animated, multi-color cursor in their gain transfer curve displays.
The cursor changes color to indicate the amount of compression applied, as follows: Dynamics III Plug-in Compression Amount Cursor Color Compression Amount white no compression light orange below full ratio dark orange full ratio amount DigiRack Time Shift Enhancements The Digidesign® DigiRack Time Shift plug-in for time-compression/expansion and pitch shifting is an AudioSuite™ plug-in for Pro Tools|HD®, Pro Tools LE™, and Pro Tools M-Powered™ systems. It is not included with Pro Tools HD 7.
To select DigiRack Time Shift for use with the TCE Trim tool: 1 Choose Setup > Preferences. 2 Click the Processing tab. 3 From the TC/E Plug-in pop-up menu, select DigiRack Time Shift. 4 Select the desired preset setting from the De- fault Settings pop-up menu. SurroundScope SurroundScope is a plug-in that provides surround metering for multichannel track types from 3 channels (LCR) to 8 channels (7.1 surround). Stereo and mono tracks are not supported.
Surround Display PhaseScope SurroundScope detects the multi-channel format of the track and displays each channel in the signal in a circle around the Surround Display. PhaseScope is a multichannel metering plug-in that provides signal level and phase information for stereo tracks only. (Mono and LCR or greater multichannel tracks are not supported.) Meters Lissajous Meter Display SurroundScope Surround Display (5.
Lissajous Meter Display SignalTools Display Options The PhaseScope Lissajous Meter displays the relationship between the amplitude and phase of a stereo signal, enabling you to monitor stereo imaging graphically. Both SignalTools plug-ins offer two display options: Phase Meter Display and Leq(A) Meter Display. To choose a display option: A “Lissajous curve” (also known as a Lissajous figure or Bowditch curve) is a type of graph that is able to describe complex harmonic motion.
SurroundScope With SurroundScope you can select the two channels to compare by clicking the channel buttons around the Surround Display. Selected channels are indicated in blue. Selecting Channels for Leq(A) Metering SurroundScope With SurroundScope, you can select any combination of channels for Leq(A) metering by clicking the channel buttons around the Surround Display. Selected channels are indicated in green.
Auto Reset When enabled, causes the start time of the Leq(A) measurement window to be automatically reset whenever playback starts in Pro Tools. Hold on Stop When enabled, causes the Leq(A) measurement window timer to pause when playback stops, and resume when playback begins again. In any of the Loop Transport modes, the measurement start time is automatically reset each time playback goes back to the beginning of the loop.
Meter Peak Hold Options Each of the SignalTools plug-ins lets you choose the style of peak hold when peaks are shown in the plug-in meters. 3 Second Displays peak levels for 3 seconds Infinite Displays peak levels until meters are cleared No Peak Hold Does not display peak levels Reference Mark Options Each SignalTools meter type lets you adjust the level of the reference mark on the side of the meter display. The mark is set by default to the reference level for the corresponding meter type.
chapter 8 General Video Improvements This chapter describes general improvements to Pro Tools video capabilities for working with QuickTime movies and Avid video. A new empty video track appears. Video tracks may appear slightly different depending on your system configuration or the type of video added to a video track. For detailed information on new Pro Tools features that apply specifically to working with Avid video peripherals, see Chapter 9, “New Pro Tools Features for Avid Video Peripherals.
New Video Track Support Pro Tools 7.2 adds the following support for video tracks: • Multiple video tracks in the Timeline • Multiple playlists for video tracks • Multiple codecs on individual video tracks Multiple Video Tracks in the Timeline You can add multiple video tracks to the Timeline, but only one video track can be played back at a time. Multiple Codecs on an Individual Video Track A single video track can contain video regions compressed with different video codecs.
Differences in Video Tracks with QuickTime Movies and Avid Video When an Avid video peripheral is connected to your system and powered on, the following conditions apply: • All video tracks display a Video Output selector, but only tracks containing Avid video display a Video Input selector. • You can add Avid video to an empty video track. • Only video tracks contain a Record Enable button.
Setting the Video Engine Rate The video engine rate represents the number of video frames output by Pro Tools per second, and is determined automatically by the frame rate of the first video file added to a session. Video files subsequently added to the session must have the same video frame rate as the video engine rate. The video frame rate is displayed for each video file in the DigiBase browsers, and the current video engine rate is displayed in the I/O view of the main video track.
New Video Online Button The Video Online button duplicates the function of the Video Online command in the Options menu. It lets you select the main video track, switch that track online or offline, and see at a glance by color whether a video track is offline (grey) or online (blue). New Options for Importing Video Pro Tools 7.
The Import Video menu command lets you choose one or more video files to import into Pro Tools. To use the Import Video command to import video into Pro Tools: 1 Do one of the following: Configuring Video Import Options The Video Import Options dialog appears when you import video into Pro Tools by using the Import Video command or dragging video files from a DigiBase browser, Windows Explorer, or Mac Finder. • Choose File > Import > Video.
Destination Section Additional Video Import Options The Destination section of the Video Import Options dialog lets you choose a general destination for imported video in Pro Tools. Gaps Between Regions When you import more than one QuickTime movie or Avid video file into a track, they will be shuffled together by default. This option lets you indicate the number of seconds by which each video clip will be separated when imported into the video track.
Bypassing the Video Import Options Dialog You can bypass the Video Import Options dialog when dragging video files from DigiBase browsers only. Pro Tools adds video files exactly where you drop them in the Timeline following the current Pro Tools editing mode. To bypass the Video Import Options dialog when importing video into Pro Tools: ■ Alt-drag (Windows) or Option-drag (Mac) one or more video files from a DigiBase browser into the Region List or the Timeline.
Video Regions You can create and edit video regions, which function in much the same way as audio regions. Video Regions in the Region List A video region displays in the Region List with a small video icon next to its name. Video region icon Video region as displayed in Frames view in the Timeline A video region is a segment of video data, and can be a portion of video or an entire video file.
General Video Editing With Pro Tools 7.2, most editing operations that are available for audio regions can be applied to video regions. This section describes all available video editing operations. Unless noted, the procedure for each video editing operation is the same as its audio editing counterpart.
General Editing Operations Not Applicable to Video Regions Selecting and Editing Across Multiple Audio and Video Tracks The following editing operations are applicable to audio regions, but are not applicable to video regions: You can create a selection across multiple audio and video tracks, group video regions, and cut, copy, or paste audio and video simultaneously.
• When you paste a selection containing video to a video track, the insertion point automatically aligns with the closest video frame boundary. When you paste audio and video simultaneously, this video frame re-alignment may result in the audio not being positioned exactly where you placed it. A warning dialog displays when this occurs. Renaming Video Disk Files When renaming audio regions in either the Timeline or the Region List, you have the option of also renaming the audio files on disk.
To redo the last undone operation, do one of the following: ■ Choose Edit > Redo. – or – Press Shift+Control+Z (Windows) or Shift+Command+Z (Mac). ■ To display the Video window, do one of the following: ■ Select Window > Video. – or – ■ Press Control+9 (Windows) or Command+9 (Mac). You can also undo or redo multiple operations at once. See the Pro Tools Reference Guide for detailed information. To show (or hide) the Undo History window: ■ Choose Window > Undo History.
To toggle output of QuickTime movies between the Video window and FireWire, do one of the following: Video in the Universe Window Right-click (Windows or Mac) or Control-click (Mac) the Video window, and select Video Out FireWire. The Universe window has a mode called the Video Universe, which lets you view, navigate, zoom, and select video regions on the main video track. ■ – or – ■ Choose Options > Video Out FireWire.
Selecting Zoom Resolutions in the Video Universe When you move the cursor over the top half of a video frame in the Video Universe, it displays and behaves as a zoom tool. This tool lets you zoom in on one or more video regions to fill the entire Edit window display. Selecting Ranges in the Video Universe When you move the cursor over the bottom half of a video frame in the Video Universe, it displays and behaves as a selector tool.
Selecting Zoom Resolutions and Ranges Simultaneously in the Video Universe When you move the cursor over a video frame in the Video Universe while pressing Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac), the cursor appears as a selector tool. This tool lets you zoom and select ranges simultaneously. To use the Video Universe window to select and zoom simultaneously in the Edit window: 1 Move the cursor over any area of any video frame in the Video Universe window until it becomes a selector or zoom tool.
Compensating for Video Monitoring Delays In Pro Tools 7.2, the QuickTime Movie Offset function has been updated as follows: • The QuickTime Movie Offset command and dialog have been renamed to the Video Sync Offset command and dialog. your system and the type of video peripheral you are using. When using an Avid peripheral with QuickTime, 18 quarter-frames is a good starting point, but you will need to verify the precise setting for your system.
To bounce video and audio in the video track to a QuickTime movie: 1 Finalize your mix. Pro Tools is qualified to bounce to QuickTime DV25. Bouncing to other formats may work but has not been tested. 2 Make sure the video track you want to bounce is currently the main video track. (The track’s Video Online button must be highlighted blue.) 3 Make sure that all of the audio tracks you want See Apple documentation for detailed information on configuring QuickTime movie settings.
chapter 9 New Pro Tools Features for Avid Video Peripherals This chapter describes new support for Pro Tools with either the Digidesign AVoption|V10 or the Avid Mojo™ (referred to here as Avid video peripherals). Support for Importing Additional Types of AAF Sequences Pro Tools with DigiTranslator™ 2.
The video mixdown and metadata are displayed in two separate video tracks on the Timeline. Importing Audio from AAF Sequences with Unsupported Video Formats Pro Tools with DigiTranslator 2.0 and an Avid video peripheral lets you import audio from AAF sequences containing unsupported video formats, including high-definition Avid video files with frame rates over 30 frames per second.
Playback of QuickTime Movies through Avid Video Peripherals Pro Tools lets you play most standard-definition or high-definition QuickTime movies through an Avid video peripheral to an external monitor. Digidesign has specifically tested DV25 and H.264 movies. Other codecs may work but have not been tested. (“Uncompressed” QuickTime movies are known to play back poorly.
Looping Audio with Avid Video Present When working with a session containing Avid video, you can now select and loop a portion of audio without having the loop selection snap to video frame boundaries. For example, you can create a loop lasting exactly four bars regardless of where the video frame boundaries lie. To make an audio selection that does not snap to frame boundaries: 1 Make sure that Grid mode is not set to Feet+Frames.
chapter 10 Control Surface Features This chapter provides information about new features and enhancements in Pro Tools 7.
To drop the cursor in the Edit window while in Continuous Scroll Mode: Hold Control+Start+Alt (Windows) or Command+Control+Option (Mac) and press the Mark In/Out switch. ■ Continuous Zooming in the Edit Window You can use the Scrub/Shuttle Wheel to zoom continuously in the Edit window. To zoom continuously (horizontal zoom): ■ Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) while turning the Scrub/Shuttle Wheel.
When the Volume fader on a track is writing automation, the Automation mode indicator on its channel flashes. (When any other track control is writing automation, the indicator lights solid.) ◆ Rotary Encoder Automation Mode Indicators When a control assigned to a rotary encoder is enabled for automation, the encoder automation indicator lights solid yellow. ◆ When a control assigned to a rotary encoder is writing automation, the encoder automation indicator flashes red.
Two-Knob Surround Panning With D-Control and D-Command, when working with surround panning, you can link front and rear pan controls to facilitate left-right motion in the surround field. To link front and rear surround panners on ICON: To nudge the position of tracks in Normal mode: ■ Hold any of the Nudge/Bank switches and turn the Scrub/Shuttle wheel. To nudge the position of tracks in Custom Faders: ■ Hold the Bank/Cycle switch in the Custom Faders section and turn the Scrub/Shuttle wheel.
To create selections with the Scrub/Shuttle wheel: 1 Locate the cursor in a track. 2 Press the Scrub switch or the Shuttle switch. When a focused track has a targeted output window or plug-in window on-screen and you focus another track, the plug-in window automatically updates to display the first plug-in on the new track. 3 Do one of the following: • Hold the Mark In switch and turn the Scrub/Shuttle wheel counter-clockwise to create or extend the selection to the left.
2 Press the Select switch on the encoder where you want to make the assignment. 3 Press the EQ or Dyn switch on the channel. 5 When the currently writing controls reach a value you want to capture, press the Capture switch in the Soft Keys section. Automation Capture Feature The Punch Capture switch lights in the Soft Keys section lights to indicate captured values are available to punch. You can capture the current automation values of actively writing controls and store them as snapshots.
2 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to the snapshot preset you want to recall. The switch flashes to indicate that the preset is loaded into the Capture buffer, and available to punch. Punching Recalled Automation Values To punch a recalled snapshot: 1 Move to a location where you want to apply the captured automation states. You can do this during playback or while the transport is stopped. 2 Press the Punch Capture switch in the Soft Keys section to apply the captured automation states.
VCA Master Tracks Display of Slave Tracks Displaying Slave Tracks for a VCA Master in Custom Faders In normal Mode, VCA Master tracks show their slave tracks in their rotary encoders, as follows: You can temporarily display all the slave tracks for a VCA Master track together in Custom Faders. This feature uses Mix/Edit Groups mode to simulate the effect of the “VCA spill” feature available on some analog consoles.
3 Hold Control (Windows) or Command (Mac) and press the Operation switch to exit. 3 Press the Soft Key that corresponds to the Selecting Mix/Edit Groups and Custom Groups in Custom Fader Mode Setting Custom Fader Bank Size Selecting Mix/Edit Groups and Custom Groups on D-Control While in Mix/Edit Groups or Custom Groups Mode on D-Control, you can now select a group for display on the Custom Faders from the rotary encoders.
Management Controls Snap Switch The Snap switch displays the following new commands: • Captre: Capture • Punch Captre: Punch Capture • Snap 1–4: Snapshots 1–4 • Snap 5–48 (Snapshots 5–48 in groups of 4) Group Switch The Group switch displays the following new command: • Modify: Modify Groups Console Preferences Meter Switch The Meter switch displays the following new commands: Meter Switch (Page 1) VCAMtr (VCA Meters) Toggles metering of VCA slaves on channel rotary encoders on and off.
Operation Switch (Page 5) SplFcs (Focus VCA Master When Spilled) Causes a VCA Master track to be focused in the Focus Channel Strip when its slave tracks are “spilled,” or displayed in Custom Faders by pressing the Bypass/Mute switch on the VCA Master. FilBnk (Always Fill Channel Strips When Banking) Toggles the preference setting that maximizes the number of channels displayed in Normal mode when banking. When selected, banking follows end stop behavior.
PlgAut (Plug-in Controls Default to Auto-Enabled) Audio Files Switch Toggles the preference that enables plug-in controls automatically when they are added to a track The Audio Files switch now displays the following commands for importing and exporting data into Pro Tools: AutCls (Coalesce when Removing Slaves from VCA Group) Toggles the preference that automatically coalesces automation to slave track when they are removed from a VCA-controlled group Audio Files Switch (Page 1) TmCols (Coalesce Trim
