Specifications

Chapter 1: Introduction
1
Expanded Systems Guide
Chapter 1: Introduction
You can expand your Pro Tools|HD
®
system by adding Pro Tools|HD cards, either directly in the computer or
using an expansion chassis. Expanding your Pro Tools
®
system will provide increased track count, add to the
amount of possible plug-in and mixer processing, and let you connect additional audio interfaces.
Pro Tools Expanded Systems Without an Expansion Chassis
It is possible to install as many as five Pro Tools cards in some computers.
If you require more card slots than your computer has available, you can use an expansion chassis.
Pro Tools with an Expansion Chassis
You can use an Avid-qualified expansion chassis to increase the number of card slots for your Pro Tools sys-
tem.
An expansion chassis consists of a chassis that provides additional slots for your Pro Tools|HD cards, a host
card (installed in your computer), and a cable that connects the host card to the chassis. Some chassis also in-
clude a controller card that is installed in the chassis, while some newer expansion chassis have a built-in con-
troller that does not need to be installed.
System Requirements and Compatibility
Pro Tools|HD systems can be used with an Avid-qualified Mac or Windows computer running Pro Tools HD
software.
Avid can only assure compatibility and provide support for hardware and software it has tested and approved.
For complete system requirements and a list of qualified computers, operating systems, hard drives, and
third-party devices, refer to the latest information on our website: www.avid.com.
PCIx and PCIe Compatibility Information for Windows
For maximum track count with Pro Tools HD Accel systems, an HD3 system running either PCIx or PCIe slots
are required. If you are using an expansion chassis, the 64-bit expansion chassis card should go in the first
64-bit slot.
For more information, see the compatibility pages of our website (www.avid.com).
For a list of system requirements for maximum track count, visit our website (www.avid.com).
Check with the manufacturer of your chassis for details on the cable requirements for your equipment.