With the release of Pro Tools 2022.9 on Sept 28, 2022 there has been a lot of talk about the integration with Melodyne, but there are also several other workflow improvements that are equally as exciting. Some of these changes include a new Quantize feature sure to help with Music Production, new timecode overlay features for Post Production, and several other tweaks that will make your day-to-day work smoother.
Among the plethora of changes introduced with the latest version of Pro Tools there are several small tweaks that help with your overall workflow and navigating around the software. Let's take a look at these changes:
Edit Window View
One of the easiest thing to recognize is in how the Edit Window view can be changed to show Docked functions such as ClipFX, Melodyne, and the MIDI Editor. In the lower left-hand side of the Edit Window you will now see buttons allowing you to quickly show or hide the Docked view. With this change, Avid has also moved where the ClipFX is shown, from the top of the Edit Window, to the bottom.
This function can also be accessed from the View Menu by going to Other Displays, or using keyboard shortcuts
- MIDI Editor: Control + Options + Shift + = (mac) / Start + Alt + Shift + = (pc)
- Melodyne: Option + 8 (mac) / Alt + 8 (pc)
- ClipFX: Option + 6 (mac) / Alt + 6 (pc)
When showing one of these views it will open at the bottom of the Edit Window as a Docked View.
MIDI Editor
Melodyne
Full Tutorial How to Use Built-in Melodyne Editor in Pro Tools: MELODYNE EDITOR TUTORIAL
ClipFX
Full Tutorial how to use Clip FX in Pro Tools: CLIP FX TUTORIAL
Quantize Controls
Another welcome change for those of use doing a lot of Music Production is the addition of the Quantize function directly in the Edit Window. While Quantize is not new, the ability to access it is greatly streamlined as you no longer need to show a separate window from the Event Menu. The Quantize view can be shown / hidden based on your need.
The Quantize Controls view can be shown or hidden from the Edit Window Menu button.
To apply Quantize simply select the MIDI date you'd like to quantize and press the Q button. You can make changes to the quantize grid, strength, or swing simply by clicking on the function with your mouse. You can also show the regular quantize window by pressing the sprocket button.
Timecode Overlay Settings
For those working on Video Post Production another welcome change is the addition of Timecode Overlay Settings that allow you to show or hide the timecode display in the video window. Often you will receive a video file that does not have timecode "burned-in" to the video. This proved quite annoying in the past as you the only way to see the timecode was to show the Main Counter window along with the video window. Now you can choose to shop the timecode overlay on the video keeping things more streamlined.
The Timecode Overlay Setting is accessed from the Setup Menu
In the pop up window, you can select to turn on/off the Timecode Overlay, along with adjustments for Size, Color, Opacity, Position, and position adjustments.
You can also turn on/off the Timecode Overlay directly on the track by pressing the button below the track name. When the button is purple Timecode Overlay is active.
AUX I/O
Another new feature that will help many of us is the addition of AUX I/O, which allows you to add any Core Audio device as extra Inputs / Outputs to your existing Playback Engine. You have you "preferred" Playback Engine, but now you can add other audio applications to stream audio between. The only caveat is that AUX I/O only works on Apple Computers running OS Big Sur or Monterey, there is no support for Windows yet. Check out the video below for an overview of how AUX I/O works:
These changes are a welcome addition to day-to-day workflow by saving time and making it easier to navigate.
If you're a current Pro Tools subscriber you can download this update from Avid Link, or by logging into your avid.com account.
Mihai Boloni
Author: Mihai Boloni
Avid Expert Certified Pro Tools Instructor
ProMedia Training, LLC
www.protoolstraining.com
888-277-0457