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Pro Tools TDM v5.1 Adds Integrated Surround Mixing & Other Powerful Enhancements (Click for a close-up) September 29, 2000 Digidesign today announced Pro Tools software version 5.1. Debuting at IBC and later at the AES Surrounded by Sound show, this new version is a major upgrade to the world’s leading digital audio workstation, introducing integrated surround mixing, more processing power, enhanced MIDI functionality as well as major enhancements to editing, navigation, session interchange and system integration. Pro Tools version 5.1 includes all-new powerful surround mixing, editing and processing capabilities on Pro Tools|24 MIX/MIXplus systems (with support for all currently defined surround formats up to 7.1). Version 5.1 also features stereo and multi-channel disk tracks simplifying management of multichannel audio data. Tracks now support multiple output assignments for simultaneous creation of multi-format mixes, as well as independent multichannel panning. For precision control when automating surround pan moves, a large graphical XY Panner display is provided. Digidesign’s unique integrated solution offers unrivalled flexibility in management of the new mix formats. A new I/O Setup page provides the ultimate in custom routing flexibility, with I/O setting files that can be saved for import/export between sessions and other system configurations. TDM systems now deliver the best of both worlds for effects processing. Pro Tools TDM 5.1 includes support for host-based processing with RTAS (Real Time AudioSuite) Plug-Ins, as well as MultiShell II for increased DSP power-on-demand with TDM hardware. MultiShell II, an update to Digidesign’s DSP chip sharing technology, is now supported by most Digidesign Plug-Ins and available for support by Digidesign’s Development Partners. Dave Froker, Digidesign’s General Manager, states: "Technologies such as RTAS Plug-Ins on disk tracks and MultiShell II allow us to intelligently utilize host-processing power in combination with TDM hardware’s ‘power on demand’ capabilities, while maintaining system performance and the reliability customers expect from Pro Tools." Digidesign is also previewing their new Edit Pack™ option for ProControl. Edit Pack features two touch-sensitive motorized joystick panners, a QWERTY keyboard and trackball, dedicated edit switches and encoders, and 8 channel high resolution multi-channel metering. With version 5.1, new ProControl features include comprehensive surround knob-controlled panning, support for a new touch-sensitive plug-in flip mode and support for up to five Fader Packs for 48 total faders. For a limited time, Pro Tools|24 MIX/MIXplus systems will include additional plug-ins specific to working in a surround-mixing environment. This bundle includes a new Digidesign surround metering plug-in providing a new and unique "jellyfish" energy display meter for multi-channel mixes, Kind of Loud’s Woofie Plug-In for bass management in surround systems, and Tweetie Plug-In for surround monitoring and calibration. Pro Tools’ MachineControl option has been enhanced to support slaving of Pro Tools to any 9-pin device, allowing remote triggering of playback, record and track arming. With an expanded Track Arming Profile list to recognize more industry standard machines plus improved transport control, MachineControl offers more precise command of external linear decks. Advertisement New for TDM systems is Beat Detective, a creative module within Pro Tools that will revolutionize musical audio editing. Beat Detective offers groove extraction, automatic tempo map creation, region conforming (quantizing) to the groove, and a unique ability to automatically trim the results via Edit Smoothing (includes crossfading). Beat Detective can make one performance match another and clean up audio performances while still preserving their feel. In addition, post editors working with sound effects and Foley can also make use the invaluable Edit Smoothing features. Continuing to expand the Pro Tools MIDI sequencer, version 5.1 includes a new MIDI Event List window. The single window can be used for quick and precise input and editing of all MIDI data. A unique Insert Event at Playback Location allows either notes or MIDI events to be added without a MIDI keyboard. Users can quickly navigate and edit any event without having to touch the mouse. Additional new MIDI features include individual MIDI track offsets and multi-device MIDI recording. For enhanced navigation capability, a new Universe Window is now available on TDM systems for global overview of an entire session, allowing users to simply click anywhere within the window to navigate within a session. In addition, a new Zoom Toggle feature allows you to magnify a waveform in the Edit Window and then return to your original track view. Session portability and interchange have also been improved. Version 5.1 adds the ability for manual and automatic deactivation of tracks, routing assignments and plug-ins while keeping all settings and automation. When moving a session to a different system, Pro Tools will automatically deactivate the necessary items while retaining all related data (including reference to plug-ins not installed on the current system). A new integrated Import Track feature will seamlessly transfer audio and MIDI tracks between sessions with all mixer settings, plug-ins and automation intact. Unique file identifiers will resolve file and location references when moving sessions and media between systems. Pro Tools 5.1 also supports work with offline media, allowing a session to be edited even if all the session’s audio or video files are unavailable. Integration with Avid Video workstations also benefit from Pro Tools version 5.1: Digidesign’s AVoption and AVoption|XL now allow capture, import and playback of multiple Avid-compatible video files within the Pro Tools application. The upgrade also includes limited video editing, including move, slip and copy of clips in the video track. Upcoming support for Avid Unity gives full access to Avid networked media, allowing users to seamlessly share information with other Avid and Digidesign workstations. This together with the advanced editing and surround mixing features of Pro Tools 5.1, AVoption and AVoption|XL represents an unprecedented level of integration between audio and video, and an improved workflow for sound-for-picture professionals. Pro Tools 5.1 includes many other significant new features including multiple levels of undo, automatic session saving at user defined intervals, multiple plug-in window displays; a duplicate track option which preserves plug-in instances, settings and automation; and drag and drop plug-in duplication. Pro Tools version 5.1 is expected to ship at the end of 2000. Some features are available only on particular Pro Tools systems. For more information on Pro Tools 5.1 features, compatibility, system requirements and availability contact Digidesign, an authorized dealer or visit www.digidesign.com.

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