Why I’m not upgrading to Pro Tools 9…yet

Warning – This post is completely selfish but something I need to do to keep me from spending money I don’t have. If you’re on the fence about upgrading consider doing the same.
So Pro Tools 9 is out. It’s a major game changer in the DAW world, but for me, is it worth upgrading? I don’t even know if I’ve gotten my money worth on my last upgrade. Just 2 years ago I bought a new interface (Profire 2626), Pro Tools M-Powered 8 and Music Production Toolkit for a total of around $1550. This system is very capable and has worked well for me and should continue to work for some time. Any feature I’ve lacked I just use Reaper for. Getting the upgrade to PT 8 was a no-brainer, Music Production Toolkit I had to get for a job, but came out to only $62/useful feature. Let’s see how much the Pro Tools 9 upgrade is worth to me.

In the chart below I’ve made RED any new feature I would actually use.

Let’s go through the list.

1. More I/O. I don’t need this at the moment. I’m currently using 5 in (on average) and 9 out with my interface. To actually utilize all 26 my interface is capable of would require a bunch more hardware, cables and I really have no need for more at the moment
2. More Buses. I don’t tend to run out of buses, but this would allow me some more routing flexibility or organizing ability. I can’t see needing more than 48 though.
3. More audio tracks. Never needed the 64 I had, my busiest mix had 60 including plenty of aux tracks.
4. MP3 option. No change, I’ve already paid for this feature
5. Import Session Data options are unlocked, this is nice and would save a few steps when mixing multi-song projects.
6. Beat Detective. No change, I’ve already paid for this feature
7. Automation options. The advanced automation options that I would like to have will require another costly upgrade. Upgrading to PT 9 gives me nothing new in this area.
8. Open hardware options. Great! As much as I still like my Profire 2626, when I got it I felt forced. That was the best PT interface at the time, and still is of anything made by AVID in my budget. I may go with Lynx or RME or Apogee in the future, or maybe a Duet for my laptop.
9. Delay Compensation. Great! Too bad I’ve already learned to avoid delay inducing RTAS plugins in my mixing methods. I’m also just as comfortable mixing in Reaper as PT, which has has ADC already.
10. I still need an iLok. Doesn’t bother me that much because I need it for many plugin licenses anyway.
11. Plugins. I got all these plugins in my Music Production Toolkit upgrade. These all get used often and when combined with #3, 4, and 6 made the MPT2 upgrade a fantastic deal ($62/feature).
12. OMF. Not really needed.
13. Timecode. Only needed this a few years ago in school for 2 projects. Don’t care now.
14. Pan Depth. I want to play with this feature. Of course if I find I like the default most that’s a waste of money!
15. Route to new track function. A time saver for sure, but not as useful as something like “Folders” in Reaper which I use often.
16. VCA faders and automation. I’d love to have this. It’ll cost me big bucks to get it.

So it looks like my options are:
Hold steady with my already working system. I haven’t run into any serious limitations of PT8+MPT2+Reaper. It works, sounds good and makes me money.
Make the upgrade for $50/useful feature.

New code means new bugs. I’ve never had the best of luck with Pro Tools. Bugs seem to find me. The upgrade will also make me tempted to buy a new audio interface, I’m more likely to get a second interface rather than a replacement so the cost is not deferred by selling used gear.

I don’t feel like I really need to upgrade, but I do remember how good it feels to have the latest toy. My mixes likely aren’t going to sound better directly due to the upgrade.

Ugh, I’m no closer to deciding. NOT doing something doesn’t feel like making a decision, just putting it off for another day.

Posted in Commentary; Rants and Jokes, Pro Tools, Software | 15 Comments »

Pro Tools 9 is out!

And it’s a game changing announcement. I watched the live announcement along with nearly 1200 others and it was exciting to say the least. Two of the most requested features have been unlocked in this new version, and at a surprisingly low price. If you missed the presentation you can watch the replay here – http://www.livestream.com/aesavid

I’m not going to even attempt to cover everything, just the essential info on this major change.

Highlights

• Open hardware options, use any audio interface from any brand including the built-in mic, speakers on a laptop
• Automatic Delay Compensation
• I/O limit increased from 18 to 32 for Native systems
• Core Audio and ASIO driver implementation
• One installer for all versions and options
• More tracks of all types
• More buses (256!) and new type of bus
• Music Production Toolkit and DV Toolkit features now included – Multitrack Beat Detective, Timecode, OMF etc
• Replaces LE and M-Powered versions
• EUCON integration for Euphonix control surfaces
• New Complete Production Toolkit bundle 2 which bridges the gap between Pro Tools 9 (native) and Pro Tools HD 9 (for HD TDM and HD Native systems)
• A Pro Tools HD 9 license includes a Pro Tools 9 (native) and Complete Production Toolkit licenses allowing you to unplug from your TDM rig and keep working
• New Panning depth options (aka pan laws)
• Works on Snow Leopard and Windows 7 ONLY (this is a good thing)
• So much more

Check out the comparison and compatibility chart: http://www.avid.com/US/products/family/Pro-Tools/compare

Read the What’s New in Pro Tools 9 document (pdf): http://akmedia.digidesign.com/support/docs/Whats_New_in_Pro_Tools_v90_69545.pdf

Read the Pro Tools 9 Reference Guide (pdf): http://akmedia.digidesign.com/support/docs/Pro_Tools_Reference_Guide_v90_69548.pdf

This update does not improve performance of the RTAS format or add any new MIDI features and Pro Tools is still a 32 bit application. There’s still a ways to go but this update has drop kicked the competition in the face and proved that AVID actually are listening to the wants and needs of Pro Tools users.

THANK YOU AVID!!

Buy Full version Pro Tools 9 software (if you don’t currently own a Pro Tools system): http://shop.avid.com/store/product.do?product=307036370313696

Buy Pro Tools 9 Crossgrade from LE or M-Powered: http://shop.avid.com/store/product.do?product=324639693075136

Buy Pro Tools HD 9 Upgrade (for current HD users): http://shop.avid.com/store/product.do?product=307036370308416

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Posted in New Product Announcement, Pro Tools, Software | 6 Comments »

Introducing PT Tuts – Essential Pro Tools Training

PT Tuts is an awesome new Pro Tools training course created by Chris Bryant. This is a complete and comprehensive training product for absolute beginners to intermediate Pro Tools users.
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Click to watch video
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Key Features

• Hours of Pro Tools Training Videos
• Access to Member Community
• Text Based Articles
• Illustrated Tutorials
• 165 Page QuickStart PDF Guide
• QuickStart Tutorial Pro Tools Sessions
• Membership Bonuses
• One Year Membership

Chris gave me a chance to see the first few modules of his course and it did not disappoint! I’ve seen over a hundred hours of online Pro Tools training and this is among the very best in quality. Large, clear videos with clean audio; excellent clear narration by Chris; and a ton of content covering everything you need to know. One great aspect of this course is that the massive amount of content is not just dumped on you. Each week new articles and videos are unlocked giving you time to learn and really understand each concept before moving on.

Now because I’ve  seen over a hundred hours of PT vids, went through a year of training including ProSchool 110 certification and 5 years of almost daily use, this particular product doesn’t give me a lot I haven’t seen before. It’s aimed at beginner to intermediate users, I’m probably closer to the Guru status at this point. Having gone through all that, I’ve got pretty high standards when it comes to PT Training, this product is in another league above the rest. I wish this was available a few years ago as a supplement to my PT training in school, this is actually much better than what I paid hundreds more for. I’m being as honest as possible here.

I recommend this course for:

• New Pro Tools users (less than 1yr frequent use or 2yr occasional use)
• Anyone that wants a solid foundation of knowledge for Pro Tools Operation
• Anyone that’s NOT interested in becoming an engineer, but needs to know Pro Tools
• Anyone thinking about going to recording school and wants a jump start on PT (I wish I had this when I was in school)

At the regular price of $129, I’d say this is a fantastic deal. At the current introductory special price of $97 (or 3x $39), well it’s a no-brainer!

If you’re thinking of signing up for this course please purchase through these links as they will help support AudioGeekZine, otherwise go to pttuts.com

Multipay Monthly $39

All Access Membership $97

If you have any questions about the course leave a comment below.

Posted in New Product Announcement, Pro Tools, Review, Video | 1 Comment »

Serious bug for Pro Tools LE guys on Windows

It’s been discovered that Pro Tools LE 8.0.4 places the recorded audio EARLIER than originally played. not just a few samples but up to 5000 samples early!

This was reported in August and there is no official fix for it yet.
Effected are Windows 7 and XP users
Mboxen, 003 series, 002 series
Pro Tools 8.0.4 only
Using the beta drivers for 8.0.4 with 8.0.3 works, but you may be trading one bug for another.

Eleven Rack is not effected. Does not apply to OSX users or M-Powered users.

45+ page thread on the DUC
http://duc.digidesign.com/showthread.php?t=279955
Digi says a CS update to fix this is in testing, for legal reasons they cannot give a date. It’s been 6 weeks so far.

How to duplicate this test:

For all interfaces (003/003R, 002/002R, Mboxen, Eleven, etc):

* create a session with 1 click track, and 2 mono audio tracks
* bus the output of the click to the first audio track, arm the track and record it for 8 bars or so.
* disarm the track.
* mute the click track
* make sure you can hear the recorded click on playback
* connect a microphone to an available analog input
* set the input of the second track to the input with the mic attached
* put your headphones near the mic
* Arm the second audio track
* record.

For the interfaces with multiple outputs (003/003R, 002/002R, etc):

* create a session with 1 click track, and 2 mono audio tracks
* bus the output of the click to the first audio track, arm the track and record it for 8 bars or so.
* disarm the track.
* mute the click track
* make sure you can hear the recorded click on playback
* set the output of the first track to one of the analog outs
* set the input of the second track to one of the analog ins
* patch a cable from the output you chose to the input you chose.
* Arm the second audio track
* record.
Now zoom in and examine both waveforms. What do you see?

Posted in Commentary; Rants and Jokes, Pro Tools, Software, Windows | No Comments »

The Pro Tools Studio List

The always awesome AIR Users Blog has started a new service. They’re creating a page listing all the Pro Tools equipped studios. Listing your studio is free. Whether you have an Mbox or massive HD7 rig, if you do professional work with your Pro Tools studio, get on this list.

Info from the AIR Users Blog:

Posted in New Product Announcement, Pro Tools | No Comments »

Pro Tools & Windows 7 optimization

I recently switched from Windows XP to Windows 7 64 bit. The install went surprisingly well considering my usual bad luck with this sort of thing. While there was a lot of reinstalling of software the experience overall was very positive and far less stressful than I feared. Win7 looks and feels and works a lot nicer than XP did with the same hardware so I’m really satisfied. Windows 7 64 bit is strongly recommended. Whether you need more RAM now or not, this is the way forward and will be the standard.

Note – I also updated my MacBook Pro to Snow Leopard, which was even easier but leaves very little to talk about as everything works perfectly as is. If you have questions feel free to ask.

I know some people are hesitant to upgrade, so here are my tips for making the transition.

Pro Tools

Pro Tools 8.0.4 is the first version to be officially compatible with a 64 bit Windows system. When this was announced I knew it was my cue to finally ditch ancient XP for good. At this time there is no full installer for 8.0.4 so unfortunately the installation takes quite a while. Pro Tools 8.0.0 (the retail dvd version) will not work correctly with Windows 7.

The Process is recommended in this order:

• Completely uninstall any previous versions if applicable
• Download and install Pro Tools 8.0.3 Full installer from your AVID account. Do not run Pro Tools yet.
• Download and install Pro Tools 8.0.4 Update
• Optional – Install additional Toolkits (Music Production/DV/Complete Production)
• Make sure ALL your plugins are up to date

Pro Tools should work well at this point. If it does not or you desire improved performance continue to the optimization steps below.

Note – Pro Tools 8.0.4 is 64 bit Windows compatible but is NOT a 64 bit application. For this reason Pro Tools will install to the Program Files (x86)  folder.

Optimizing Windows 7 for Pro Tools

Note- These tips are with Pro Tools in mind but will improve the performance of ANY DAW you use.

1 – Windows 7 Optimizations and Troubleshooting – Here is AVID’s guide for setting up Windows 7:  http://avid.custkb.com/avid/app/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId=349411&NewLang=en

I personally don’t find it all necessary and didn’t follow all of it on my system like disabling graphics effects, disabling other devices. I actually need internet and the internal sound card often while using Pro Tools for realtime collaboration, lessons or tech support. I did do the USB Power thing. Power settings are set to always on exept monitors which turn off after 10 minutes. This is the official guide, if you need tech support this is what they assume you have already tried.

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2 – Microsoft Hotfix Fix311388 – This hotfix has been recommended by a few PT 8/win7 users. I’ve installed on my system with no issues before or after. For some this made a world of difference. Recommended if you use either a firewire audio interface or firewire hard drive (or plan to).
http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb%3Ben-us%3B981613&x=10&y=14

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3 – W7 x64 optimzations for 8.0.4 – I went through and applied the tweaks in here, but found my internet stopped working and had to revert it all. You can read through the thread but I would skip the the tips in the original post. The best bits of the thread are the next 3 below http://duc.digidesign.com/showthread.php?t=277438

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4 – Ultimate Windows Tweaker – Later in the thread user Shan recommended Ultimate Windows Tweaker. It adjusts windows options easily http://www.windowsvalley.com/ultimate-windows-tweaker-v2-1-released-download-now/

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5 – SMART – Shan also shared another great tool for registry tweaks, I use the “tweaked settings” option. One click to apply general system optimizations. http://www.thewindowsclub.com/smart-a-utility-for-tweaking-windows-7-vista-xp-services

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6 -  Menu delay utility – Absolutely install this, removes the delay between clicking a button and the menu appearing in all of Windows. This tiny thing allows you to work faster.  http://duc.digidesign.com/showpost.php?p=1635574&postcount=33

Extras

You can set up a key command to launch any program. This is something I started to do to make my life easier.

Here is how I did it for the M-Audio Profire control panel.
- Start>Control Panel find M-Audio ProFire. Right-click and choose ‘create shortcut’ Close the control panel explorer window.
- Go to your desktop and find the new shortcut to the profire control panel. Right click and choose properties
- In the ‘shortcut key’ entry box enter the key command you want to launch the control panel. I use ctrl+Alt + Num 0
- Apply and close the properties window.

I’ve also set this up for my media player and the Sounds control panel to quickly switch the default device.

I also find it handy to have a link to the DAE folder on the desktop to check the plugins and unused plugins folder from time to time.

“C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Digidesign\DAE”

That’s about it at this point, I’ll update the post if I come across any more tips. Everything is working great (other than the slow scrolling bug) on my end, I dare say the best any version ran on the same hardware. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Posted in Pro Tools, Software, Tutorial, Windows | 1 Comment »