Pro Tools 2023.6 update was released on June 8 2023; Avid has introduced new features and workflow improvements including Track Markers, enhancements to MIDI editing, changes to Surround Sound and immersive Dolby Atmos workflow and mixing capabilities, improved Media Composer interoperability and much more.

Pro Tools software update 2023.6 is now available to download from your Avid account. Let's take a look at these new features:

NEW FEATURES IN PRO TOOLS 2023.6

Track Markers

One of the most requested features has been the addition of Track Markers. Similar to traditional Timeline Markers, these new Track Markers allow you to mark a point in time directly on a track. These markers live on their own lane directly below the audio clips, and they have a dedicated track display option. Additional changes include support for Media Composer Track Markers. Pro Tools sessions generated with Media Composer (2022.12 or later) will carry track markers, marker color, and comments.

Track Markers can be added using the default "Memory Locations" window, or you can use the Keyboard Shortcut: Command + Enter (mac) / Control + Enter (pc)

Furthermore, they allow you to append Comments to the Track Markers which can be toggled into view via the new Markers Control. The Track Marker can display either the name of the Marker, or the Comments.

Marker Controls view displaying Name

Marker Controls view displaying Comments

Track Markers For Music Production:

Track Markers For Post Production:

You'll notice some changes when you create a new Memory Location with the addition of "Marker Properties" and Color settings. Also, the Window now shows you which type of Marker is present by displaying either Marker Ruler, or the Name of the Track.

MIDI Enhancements | Event Operations Window

For heavy MIDI users you'll appreciate the new streamlined Event Operations Window. This new window view condenses all of the functions you need in one convenient window, as opposed to changing windows.

• All available functions are now displayed in a single window as expandable sections, improving the visibility of all functions
• Each function has its own Apply button, allowing different functions to be applied much faster
• Parameters have been reorganized to be more logical, and inconsistencies of wording between sections have been addressed
• Note: All legacy Event Operations shortcuts will continue to work

Dolby Atmos Improvements

Pro Tools 2023.6 introduces new track and bus widths to Pro Tools Studio and Ultimate, which now add support for:

• Pro Tools Studio adds 5.0.2 through 7.1.6.
• Pro Tools Ultimate adds 5.0.2 through 9.1.6 and 4th through 7th order Ambisonics

These new formats allow for smoother monitoring of Atmos mixes in Pro Tools. It is now easier than ever to pass-through signal from the Dolby Renderer, or Import Re-Renders. The new Ambisonic formats were added to keep up with the demands of modern video game and virtual reality requirements. As computers become faster there is greater opportunity to offer higher spatial resolution immersive audio. 7th order Ambisonics offers 64 channels of spatial resolution.

The new track formats have opened the door to more re-render formats. It’s now possible to bounce Binaural, 2.0, 5.1, 7.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.4, and 7.1.4 re-renders directly from Pro Tools Studio and Ultimate. Pro Tools Ultimate can also bounce 9.1.6 re-renders. Additionally, Pro Tools Studio and Ultimate can now generate 96kHz ADM BWF files for delivering higher sample-rate mixes.

Additional Improvements

For a detailed list of all new features check out the What's New Guide HERE

Mixed Video Files: MXF and Quicktime Video (Pro Tools Studio & Ultimate Only)

Previously you could only have MOV or MXF video on a given video track.

MIDI Editor Window

The MIDI Editor Track list now shows only the relevant track types. Making a selection in the Edit Window now determines the zoom level of targeted MIDI Editors.

TAB to Automation Breakpoint Preference

New preference allows you to turn on/off the ability to Tab to Breakpoint

Guided Audio Device Setup

Helps new users setup their Audio Playback Engine settings to make sure it's using correct audio interface

Surround Monitoring for Pro Tools | Carbon

Increases the ability of Carbon to monitor Surround Sound up to 7.1.2 (up from 5.1)

These welcome changes are sure to help you personalize your projects and extend your ability to work with more complex sessions. According to Avid this is just the start of new things to come, especially for Track Markers. We'll eagerly wait to see what the future has in store.

You can download Pro Tools 2023.6 now. Go to your Avid Link, or login to your account and snag this update.

Author: Mihai Boloni
Avid Expert Certified Pro Tools Instructor
ProMedia Training, LLC
protoolstraining.com

888-277-0457

Mihai BoloniCreative Director & Avid Expert Pro Tools instructor

Mihai has made it his life's work to help others in the audio industry. Mihai gained experience as an audio engineering Full Sail Instructor in early 2000's and joined ProMedia in 2002. He is now regarded as one of Avid's leading and most experienced, in-demand Instructors and Pro Tools technical consultants for complex studio configurations. Corporate clients include MTV, PBS, NBC, Telemundo, The Voice's Chief Engineer Mike Bernard, Atlanta Public School System, countless professors from leading Universities, CNN, Turner Broadcasting, and the top producers, artists, and engineers in leading studios and record labels. For over 20 years, Mihai has continued to work as an Audio Engineer, Record Producer, Songwriter (ASCAP), Dog Lover, and Expert Level AVID Certified Pro Tools Instructor.