User Manual

Pro Tools Reference Guide84
The I/O Setup displays a graphical representa-
tion (cross-point matrix) of the signal routing for
physical input and output paths for each con-
nected audio 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 output channels. For Pro Tools|HD
systems, some of these controls mirror the rout-
ing 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 map-
ping output busses.
Opening the I/O Setup
The I/O Setup can be opened from the applica-
tion 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 Settings”
on page 69.
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 va-
lidity (to prevent feedback loops). If there are
any overlapping or invalid settings, you will be
required to correct them (see “Valid Paths and
Requirements” on page 108).
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.
– or –
 On 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
configuration 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
inputs, inserts, busses, or outputs. For example,
a master stereo output path will include both its
left and right channels.