User`s guide

Pro Tools Reference Guide12
Audio and MIDI channel strips have simi-
lar controls, but those controls have
slightly different effects. For example, Au-
dio and Auxiliary Input channel strip fad-
ers control the Pro Tools mixer, while MIDI
channel strip faders send MIDI volume
data (MIDI controller 7).
The term channel also describes an aspect of
MIDI operation. See “MIDI Concepts” on
page 12.
Playback Engine
All Pro Tools systems allow you choose the
Playback Engine for a session at any time.
The Playback Engine allows you to recon-
figure Pro Tools to use different Digidesign
hardware.
For details on choosing a Playback Engine,
see “Configuring Your System” on page 39.
MIDI Concepts
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Inter-
face) is a communication protocol for mu-
sical instruments. This industry standard
enables connections between a variety of
devices from different manufacturers. Ex-
amples of MIDI-compatible equipment in-
clude synthesizers, sound modules, drum
machines, patch bays, effects processors,
MIDI interfaces, and sequencers.
MIDI devices are equipped with 5-pin DIN
connectors, labeled as either IN, OUT, or
THRU.
The MIDI OUT port transmits messages;
the MIDI IN port receives messages; and,
MIDI THRU echoes whatever is received
from the IN port. MIDI devices are con-
nected with MIDI cables that are available
at most music stores.
▲ Not all devices will have all three MIDI ports
(IN, OUT and THRU).
Playback Engine dialog for Pro Tools TDM system
MIDI Connectors
MIDI signal flow
echoed from IN