This past week Avid released the latest Pro Tools update, 2021.6. With this release comes a host of new features including Hybrid Engine for HDX with 2048 Audio Tracks, increased I/O, support for the Apple M1 chip, customizable themes, automatic delay compensation for side-chain, Quicktime improvements, and much more.
Over the past few months Avid has teased us about the release of the latest version of Pro Tools. A few days ago they finally released this much hyped update and threw in some extra features we were not expecting. The biggest news is the new Hybrid Engine for HDX which expands on the already powerful capabilities of the top-tier system. However, there are a many other improvements that apply to all Pro Tools users including support for the newer Apple M1 chip found in the new Mac Mini, iMac, Macbook Pro, and Macbook Air. Below is a list of new features and improvements with Pro Tools 2021.6
You can download the update through your Avid account, or you can install directly through Avid Link.
Hybrid Engine For HDX
The most anticipated new feature for Pro Tools has been the Hybrid Engine, first introduced to CARBON a few months ago. Now that same technology is available to use for all HDX users. Simply put, the Hybrid Engine is an integrated hardware-software environment that allows you to switch seamlessly between the HDX DSP Card, and the Native CPU of the computer. It allows the system to intelligently share resources between your computer and the DSP card giving you the most powerful Pro Tools system so far. Watch the video below to learn more about how this new system works.
Increased Track and I/O Capabilities
Another exciting feature of the new Pro Tools release is the increased Audio Track count, as well as greater Input / Output capabilities. This will come in handy for lots of people that were needing more of what Pro Tools had to offer without having to spend the money on an HDX system. These increased track counts spread to all Pro Tools versions, regular and ultimate. Pro Tools now supports a total of 256 Audio Tracks, and Ultimate supports 2048 total tracks! These tracks are also no longer dependent on the Sample Rate setting, as they are available at all settings. Along with the increase software capabilities Avid has also doubled the total number of Inputs / Outputs from your interface, for a total of 64. This is a huge positive for many of us that need more than 32 In/Out, but don't need to go with an expensive HDX solution.
Apple M1 Support
With the release of 2021.6 you can now run Pro Tools First, Pro Tools, Pro Tools Ultimate, and Pro Tools Carbon on the latest Apple M1 Silicon Chip computers. Many of you have been waiting on this feature so you can take advantage of the incredible power and capabilities of these latest Mac computers. The only thing to note is that there is no support yet for HDX, or HD Native systems.
Customizable UI Theme
Not long ago Avid introduced UI Themes, with the ability to go between Classic and Dark mode. Now you can customize the look and feel of both themes, along with not having to restart Pro Tools once you change. Along with these improvements comes the ability to save you favorite layouts to instantly recall at the touch of a button. Check out the video below to see the new features in action.
Side-Chain Automatic Delay Compensation
Another exciting new feature is the addition of Automatic Delay Compensation for Side-Chain Inputs, which was previously only available on HDX systems. Side-Chain is a technique used in mixing where the audio signal of one track triggers a plug-in on a different track. This is used heavily in Music, and Post production, to help dial in the perfect mix. Check out the video below to see this in action
With so many new features that will help your workflow make sure to download your copy of Pro Tools 2021.6 through your Avid account, or Avid Link.
If you would like to attend our instructor-led live or live-online courses in Pro Tools and preparation for official Pro Tools Certification, feel free to call our offices at 888-277-0457 or visit our website at protoolstraining.com. Classes available nights, weekends and daytime, including beginner through Expert Level Certification in Music and Post Production. Courses include 101, 110, 201, 210M, 210P, 310M, 310P. ProMedia Training is the #1 Avid Pro Tools Official ALP Training Center in the U.S in number of students trained and certified. International Students welcome to our instructor-led, live online courses.
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Mihai Boloni
Author: Mihai Boloni
Avid Expert Certified Pro Tools Instructor
ProMedia Training, LLC
www.protoolstraining.com
888-277-0457