Specifications

Chapter 31: Pro Tools Setup for Surround 507
Chapter 31: Pro Tools Setup for
Surround
This chapter explains how to set up and config-
ure Pro Tools sessions for multichannel mixing.
Multichannel mixing is supported on Pro Tools
HD-series and MIX-series systems only. In this
chapter, all references to Pro Tools refer to
Pro Tools HD-series and MIX-series systems.
Before you can use Pro Tools in Surround mode:
1 Make sure the Surround Mixer plug-in is in-
stalled in your Plug-Ins folder. If it is not, it can
be installed using your Pro Tools Installer CD-
ROM. For details on installing Pro Tools options
from the Pro Tools Installer CD-ROM, see your
Getting Started Guide.
2 Make sure your audio hardware is connected
to your monitor system and other equipment
correctly.
3 Make sure you have configured the Pro Tools
Playback Engine and Hardware Setup dialog op-
tions correctly for your system as described in
your Getting Started Guide.
4 Continue reading this chapter to learn how to
configure Pro Tools and your sessions for Sur-
round mode.
Pro Tools Audio Connections
for 5.1 Mixing
While all 5.1 mixing formats provide the same
speaker arrangement, there are three primary
standards in use for the track layout of the indi-
vidual channels that comprise the 5.1-format
multichannel mix.
In the following table, it is assumed that sur-
round channels are mapped to outputs 1–6 of a
Pro Tools audio interface. Use channels 7–8 to
monitor a stereo mix for a stereo version, or for
cue mixes and monitoring.
Table 32. Track Layouts for 5.1 Formats
Formats Track Layout
123456
Film
(Pro Tools
default)
LCRLsRsLFE
SMPTE/ITU
for Dolby
Digital (AC3)
and Control|24
LRCLFE Ls Rs
DTS
with ProControl
LRLsRs C LFE