____________ Recording _____________



Pro Tools features non-destructive recording, which provides much more flexibility than linear, tape-based systems.
Features such as Loop Record, QuickPunch Record, Multiple Playlists, and multiple I/O configurations make quick work of previously laborious processes.
You can record multiple takes (destructively or non-destructively) onto multiple tracks (up to 128 tracks at a time) and work with up to 256 virtual tracks. All takes are automatically named and stored in the Regions List for future use; regions can then be renamed as you see fit. Even if you delete them from the Edit window, they can be easily retrieved in the Regions List. The same applies to MIDI. You can record MIDI in nearly the same way you record audio. Once your system is properly configured, you simply record-enable one or more tracks from one or more MIDI devices and you're ready to go.

____________ Editing____________

Editing tools feature trim audio and MIDI regions, hand-draw any type of automation data , time-compress and expand regions, move, cut, copy, paste, separate and duplicate regions, scrub audio, zoom into and edit waveforms at the sample level, set and locate memory settings with single click and he list goes on ...
Beat Detective utility is a multi-track rhythm analysis and repair software intelligently corrects compromised timing in performances that have strong transient points, such as drums, bass and rhythm guitar. Beat Detective allows the user to define a tempo map from a performance, conform the performance, and then customize it. The result is a series of automatic edits that produce a smooth, natural sounding and very "musical" performance.
The Strip Silence utility works over multiple tracks, eliminates audio material below a user-definable threshold for gating out unwanted audio quickly and efficiently.
Many other useful editing operations have recently added, including multiple undos, Tab to Transient for creating easy loops, a Universe Window overview that allows you to quickly move to any point in your session, and Auto Save capabilities that save your session at user-defined intervals.

_____________ Sequencing ______________

Pro Tools takes a much more user-friendly approach to MIDI sequencing by making MIDI an intuitive extension of its audio features. The idea is to provide all the power you need, and at the same time, make MIDI as natural and comfortable to work with as audio.
The majority of Pro Tools MIDI functions appear in a single window (the Edit window). Instead of constantly opening, closing and reshuffling multiple views, you are able to do all your work in a single location. You can manipulate every aspect of your MIDI data, and you can do it right alongside your audio with total sample accuracy. Additionally, breakpoint automation and region-based editing all work in the same way for both MIDI and audio. This simple design eliminates many of the typical dissimilarities between MIDI and audio, and allows you to put all of your concentration into mixing and editing your project as a single entity.
Pro Tools offers a true, separate mute capability for MIDI data (without affecting volume automation) and all the normal options from graphic controller editing, piano roll display, up to 128 MIDI tracks, and editing options like quantization, transpose, split notes, change velocity and duration, Event List editor.

_____ Processing _____



Pro Tools software supports four plug-in formats: TDM, RTAS, AudioSuite and the new HTDM. TDM, the first and most powerful real-time plug-in architecture , uses the dedicated DSP chips on the HD cards installed in your computer. The benefits of off-loading DSP to dedicated hardware are near-zero latency, easy DSP expandability, the ability to use more professional quality plug-ins like Reverb One. The second plug-in format, RTAS (Real-time AudioSuite), uses the host processing capabilities of your computer. HTDM Plug-Ins provide all the logistical functionality of standard TDM Plug-Ins, but, like RTAS Plug-Ins, they allow for all theprocessing to be done on the host.
The last Pro Tools plug-in architecture is AudioSuite. These file-based plug-ins allow you to preserve all your DSP power by applying the effect/processing uniformly across an entire audio file, or section of audio. Although you can't automate the parameters of AudioSuite Plug-Ins like you can with RTAS, HTDM or TDM, AudioSuite is perfect when you want to free up DSP, or apply static processing over an entire file.
With Pro Tools, you can free up DSP by deactivating and reactivating plug-ins, sends, or I/O channels depending on your usage needs. The settings remain saved so you can always see what you've deactivated and return to them at any moment.
Additionally, Digidesign's chip-sharing MultiShell II technology allows different plug-ins to share the same DSP chip.
Thanks to third-party plug-ins developers a wide range of reverbs, compressors, amp and microphone modelers, pitch correction tools, spectral analyzers, sound design tools, near-zero latency virtual analog synthesizers like the Virus TDM plug-in, are available. You can even stream third-party software synthesizer output directly into Pro Tools mixer using DirectConnect. This digital streaming technology allows audio outputs from a software synthesizer or sampler to appear as inputs in Pro Tools. Up to 32 discrete channels from the host application are supported.

_____ Mixing _____

With ProTools HD you could build a mixer with over 100 channel strips, five mono/stereo inserts and sends per channel, 64 internal busses, and 64 tracks of record/playback supported by advanced automation capabilities: from faders, panning and mutes to sends, inserts and plug-ins. The Digidesign Audio Engine (DAE) yields 24-bit automation resolution and near-sample accuracy for volume and send automation.
The 24-bit mixing resolution shouldn't be confused with 24-bit audio resolution. With a 24-bit mixer, Pro Tools features "steps" of automation resolution that can reach into the millions. The result is ultra-smooth fader moves during your mix.
In addition, automation can be graphically edited against waveform displays at ultra-high zoom levels, so you can see and execute precise placement of mutes or other changes. You can mix in every popular surround format (including LCRS, 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1) and work in several surround formats at the same time by assigning multiple outputs and send destinations for each audio channel, and create multiple mixes in parallel. Pro Tools supports stereo tracks for simplified grouping and editing.
Pro Tools sessions could be also considered 'portable'. Because a vast majority of professional-level studios use Pro Tools, anything you create with your Pro Tools system is completely transferable to nearly every other professional studio environment out there. The benefits of being able to open your mix virtually anywhere in the world with complete recall of all settings cannot be overstated.





_____ Mastering _____

Mastering is generally the final step in the audio production process prior to manufacturing and distribution. When you master your project, you create audio files that are ready to be transfered to CD-R, DAT or a myriad of other analog or digital media. Pro Tools supports a real-time "bounce to disk" feature that reads all automation information, allows incorporation of various outboard gear into the mix, and provides you with mono, stereo, or surround output, ready to be mastered.

MasterList CD by Digidesign creates Red-Book standard CD masters that can be used as the direct source for glass mastering by many CD duplication facilities worldwide. MasterList CD also enables you to create one-off reference discs playable on any commercial CD player.

On-line Distribution

The Pro Tools software also allows you to distribute your music over the Internet in MP3 or RealAudio format.
The MP3 format is the most popular audio compression and Internet streaming technology today. Pro Tools offers the ability to bounce your files to this format using the MP3 Export option. MP3 Export is based on the superior compression algorithms from the Fraunhoffer Institute, giving you the best sound quality available.