Specifications

Pro Tools Reference Guide90
The I/O Setup displays a graphical representation
(cross-point matrix) of the signal routing for phys-
ical input and output paths for each connected au-
dio interface. Like a virtual patchbay, I/O Setup
controls let you route physical inputs and outputs
on the audio interface to Pro Tools input and out-
put channels. For Avid HDX, Pro Tools|HD, and
HD Native systems, some of these controls mirror
the routing controls found in the Hardware Setup
—changes made to physical routing in one is al-
ways reflected in the other.
The I/O Setup also includes controls for creating
internal mix busses and for creating and mapping
output busses.
Opening the I/O Setup
The I/O Setup can be opened from the application
window (with a session closed), or from within a
session (when a session is open).
To open the I/O Setup:
1 Make sure your audio interfaces are enabled
and configured properly in the Hardware Setup.
See “Configuring Pro Tools Hardware Set-
tings” on page 74.
2 Choose Setup > I/O.
Closing the I/O Setup
To close the I/O Setup and save changes:
 Click OK.
Pro Tools checks several settings for routing valid-
ity (to prevent feedback loops). If there are any
overlapping or invalid settings, you will be re-
quired to correct them (see “Valid Paths and Re-
quirements” on page 114).
To close the I/O Setup without saving changes:
 Click Cancel.
Resizing the I/O Setup
To resize the I/O Setup dialog, do one of the
following:
 On Mac, drag the lower-right corner of the
window.
 In Windows, drag any corner of the window.
Navigating in the I/O Setup
To scroll left or right in the I/O Setup:
 Press Option+Page Up/Down (Mac) or
Alt+Page Up/Down (Windows).
Pro Tools Signal Paths
A signal path is a logical grouping of multiple in-
puts, outputs, or busses that has a single name and
(channel) format. The I/O Setup lets you create,
define and name paths according to the configura-
tion of your studio and the needs of each project.
Main Paths and Sub-Paths
Paths in Pro Tools tracks and I/O Setup include
main paths and sub-paths.
Main Paths Main paths are logical groupings of in-
puts, inserts, busses, or outputs. For example, a
master stereo output path will include both its left
and right channels.
Sub-Paths A sub-path represents a signal path
within a main path. For example, a default stereo
output bus path consists of two mono sub-paths,
left and right. Mono tracks and sends can be routed
to either mono sub-path of the stereo output bus
path.