Pro Tools® Glossary Version 8.1 Legal Notices This guide is copyrighted ©2010 by Avid Technology, Inc., (hereafter “Avid”), with all rights reserved. Under copyright laws, this guide may not be duplicated in whole or in part without the written consent of Avid.
003, 96 I/O, 96i I/O, 192 Digital I/O, 192 I/O, 888|24 I/O, 882|20 I/O, 1622 I/O, 24-Bit ADAT Bridge I/O, AudioSuite, Avid, Avid DNA, Avid Mojo, Avid Unity, Avid Unity ISIS, Avid Xpress, AVoption, Axiom, Beat Detective, Bomb Factory, Bruno, C|24, Command|8, Control|24, D-Command, D-Control, D-Fi, D-fx, D-Show, D-Verb, DAE, Digi 002, DigiBase, DigiDelivery, Digidesign, Digidesign Audio Engine, Digidesign Intelligent Noise Reduction, Digidesign TDM Bus, DigiDrive, DigiRack, DigiTest, DigiTranslator, DINR, D-Show, DV Toolkit, EditPack, Eleven, HD Core, HD Process, Hybrid, Impact, Interplay, LoFi, M-Audio, MachineControl, Maxim, Mbox, MediaComposer, MIDI I/O, MIX, MultiShell, Nitris, OMF, OMF Interchange, PRE, ProControl, Pro Tools M-Powered, Pro Tools, Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE, QuickPunch, Recti-Fi, Reel Tape, Reso, Reverb One, ReVibe, RTAS, Sibelius, Smack!, SoundReplacer, Sound Designer II, Strike, Structure, SYNC HD, SYNC I/O, Synchronic, TL Aggro, TL AutoPan, TL Drum Rehab, TL Everyphase, TL Fauxlder, TL In Tune, TL MasterMeter, TL Metro, TL Space, TL Utilities, Transfuser, Trillium Lane Labs, Vari-Fi Velvet, X-Form, and XMON are trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. Xpand! is Registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability are subject to change without notice.
Guide Part Number 9329-62579-00 REV A 03/10
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96 I/O-series audio interfaces 96 I/O and 96i I/O Numbers audio interface for Pro Tools|HD systems with support for sample rates up to 96 kHz. 003 family Firewire-based Pro Tools LE® au- dio/MIDI workstations, including 003®, 003 Rack, and 003 Rack+. 003 includes an integrated a control surface. A
1622 I/0 A legacy Pro Tools|24 MIX™ 16 x 2 au- Absolute Grid mode An editing mode that con- dio interface with support for sample rates up to strains movement and alignment of regions to 48 kHz. precise increments on a user-defined grid. See also Relative Grid mode. I92 I/O-series audio interfaces 192 I/O and 192 Digital I/O audio interfaces for A/D (analog-to-digital) Analog-to-digital con- Pro Tools|HD systems with support for sample verters operate at various bit-rate resolutions rates up to 192 kHz. and sampling rates, converting analog audio sig- nals to digital audio signals. 24-bit ADAT Bridge I/O A legacy Pro Tools|24 MIX digital audio interface with support for ADAT lightpipe Standard industry term for opti- sample rates up to 48 kHz. cal connection of digital audio. Created by Ale- sis, the lightpipe can simultaneously stream 882|20 An legacy Pro Tools|24 MIX 8 x 8 audio eight channels of digital audio. interface with support for sample rates up to 48 kHz. address (time code address) Specific SMPTE/EBU time code reference or reading, in 888|24 A legacy Pro Tools|24 MIX 8 x 8 audio hours:minutes:seconds:frames. interface. AES/EBU (Audio Engineering Society/European 9-pin (Sony 9-pin; DB-9) Industry standard for se- Broadcasters’ Union) Industry professional stan- rial machine control of professional video and dard for transferring digital audio between pro- audio transports, made by Sony and other man- fessional-quality audio devices. Most AES/EBU ufacturers. Refers to the DB-9-style physical ex- connections utilize an XLR-style 3-pin connec- ternal control connector found on 9-pin-com- tor to carry two channels of digital audio. patible devices. AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format) An audio file format invented by Apple Computer.
Pro Tools Glossary 1 AFL (After Fader Listen) This is a channel’s level audition Listening to, or “monitoring,” one or after it is attenuated or boosted by the fader set- more tracks or audio files. In Pro Tools, you can ting. Audio tracks, Auxiliary inputs and Instru- audition files before you load them into the pro- ment tracks are AFL in Pro Tools®. See also post- gram. There are also various ways to audition fader. takes from the Region List, the Takes List pop-up menu, and from DigiBase™ browsers. AMS (Audio MIDI Setup) Apple Computer’s au- dio and MIDI operating system, which is part of auto-created region Automatically created re- Mac OS X. For Mac users, AMS replaced Opcode gions are a by product of editing and punch re- Systems’ OMS (Open Music System) for Mac OS cording over existing regions. 9 (and lower versions of Mac OS). Automation modes Function for recording and ASIO Driver The ASIO Driver is a single-client, playing changes in volume levels, panning, and multichannel sound driver that allows ASIO virtually every adjustable parameter (including third-party audio programs that support the plug-in parameters) in Pro Tools. There are sev- ASIO Driver standard to record and play back eral different automation modes in which to through qualified Pro Tools audio interfaces. For write automation data in Pro Tools. more information, see the Windows Audio Driv- aux ers Guide.pdf. See Auxiliary Inputs. Auxiliary Inputs (Auxiliary Input Tracks) ATR (Audio Tape Recorder) A tape recorder of In any format, including a Digital Audio Tape Pro Tools, these input channels are used for (DAT) deck. send and bus returns (input only). Sends are used for output routing. audio interface Among most Pro Tools systems, auxiliary send the audio interface is a separate box that is at- See send. tached with a special cable to the audio card, or Avid Video Peripherals Avid® interfaces that inte- to a USB or FireWire port. An audio interface grate Avid video technology with Pro Tools sys- typically has analog and digital audio inputs tems. These include Avid Mojo® and AVoption and outputs, and may be equipped with level V|10™. For more information, see the Avid Video meters, level controls, and other features. Peripherals Guide.pdf. audio region A region of an audio file that is de- AVoption|V10 Video interface and software that fined nondestructively with pointers. See also re- integrates Avid® video technology with gion. Pro Tools|HD® systems. AudioSuite plug-ins Avid’s proprietary file-based, .AVI (Audio Video Interleave) AVI is a multime- non-real-time plug-in format. AudioSuite™ dia container format introduced by Microsoft as plug-ins are used to process and modify audio part of its Video for Windows technology. AVI files on disk, rather than nondestructively in files can contain both audio and video data in a real time. Depending on how you configure a file container that allows synchronous audio- non-real-time AudioSuite plug-in, it will either with-video playback. create an entirely new audio file, or alter the original source audio file.
2 Pro Tools Glossary bus (verb) To route one or more signals to one or B more destinations (either internal or external). bit depth One of two main specifications that define digital audio quality (the other is sample rate). Bit depth determines the maximum dy- C namic range possible in an audio file. Also called C|24 bit-resolution or bit-rate. A dedicated 24-fader control surface for Pro Tools systems. Includes 16 premium micro- black burst See house video reference. phone preamps, a control room monitoring sec- tion, and a line submixer. Ideal front-end for BNC (Bayonet Neill Concelman) Coaxial cable Pro Tools recording, mixing, and editing. An up- connectors used for video and synchronizer sig- dated design based on the Control|24™. nals. clipping, clipping indicator the LED at the top of Bomb Factory plug-ins Suite of compressors and each channel meter indicates a level may have other plug-ins for Pro Tools. Some Bomb Fac- run out of headroom, and is approaching clip- ® tory plug-ins are included free with Pro Tools, ping. while others are available by purchase. For more information, see the Audio Plug-ins Guide.pdf. clock reference Common “speed” reference, which various devices can use to establish syn- Bounce to Disk Mixing a segment of audio (or chronization during playback and recording. an entire session) internally to disk, without leaving the digital domain. Bit rate, dithering Command|8 A dedicated 8-fader control surface options, and other parameters are provided by for Pro Tools systems. Includes a control room Pro Tools for bouncing to disk. monitoring section. Ideal mixing controller for smaller Pro Tools rooms and facilities. breakpoint Step or level on a track’s automation playlist. Complete Production Toolkit Software option that provides additional features, plug-ins, and Broadcast WAV File (BWF) A variation of Micro- software options for music creation and post soft’s .WAV audio file format that contains addi- production for Pro Tools LE. For more informa- tional data on the title, origination, date, and tion, see the CompleteProduction Toolkit.pdf. creation time of the audio content not included in the standard .WAV file format. An important Conductor rulers A ruler that can show session feature of BWFs is their support of time stamping. data. There are three types of Conductor rulers, Time stamping allows files to be moved from called Tempo, Meter, and Markers rulers. one session to another and easily aligned to continuous controller data their original point in time. MIDI instructions that affect MIDI note parameters, including vol- browser The location where information con- ume, panning, velocity, pitch bend, and modu- tained in the databases is displayed and manip- lation. Also, the main type of instructions sent ulated. With DigiBase, files can be moved on the by MIDI control surfaces. volumes and spotted into Pro Tools sessions by drag and drop.
bus (noun) An internal routing path.
Pro Tools Glossary 3 Control|24 A dedicated control surface for DB-25 25-pin connector format, used for analog Pro Tools systems. Includes 16 premium micro- and digital I/O on HD I/O, HD OMNI, and 192- phone preamps, a control room monitoring sec- series audio interfaces, as well as ICON consoles, tion, and a line submixer. Ideal front-end for C|24 consoles, and other products. Each DB-25 Pro Tools recording, mixing, and editing. connector can pass 8 channels of analog or AES/EBU digital audio. CoreAudio The CoreAudio Driver is a multi-cli- ent, multichannel sound driver that allows D-Command A dedicated high-end work surface CoreAudio compatible applications to record for Pro Tools. Includes 8-24 channel strips and a and play back through qualified Pro Tools audio control room monitoring section. Ideal control- interfaces. For more information, see the Core- ler for recording, mixing and editing. Audio Drivers Guide.pdf. D-Control A dedicated high-end work surface for crossfade Function for fading out from one re- Pro Tools. Includes 16–80 channel strips and a gion as you fade in to another region. Crossfade control room monitoring section. Ideal control- duration is user-selectable from within the Edit ler for recording, mixing and editing. The high- window. As with fades, portions of audio for est model in the ICON series of consoles. which the crossfade function has been applied Digi 002 and Digi 002 Rack are stored in the session’s Fade Files folder. FireWire-based Pro Tools LE systems. The Digi 002® includes an integrated control surface.
D Digidesign Audio Engine See DAE™.
D/A (digital-to-analog) Digital-to-analog con- Digidesign plug-ins A suite of audio processing verters operate at various bit-rate resolutions plug-ins for Pro Tools. Some Digidesign plug-ins and sampling rates, converting digital audio sig- are included free with Pro Tools, while others nals to analog audio signals. are available by purchase. For more informa- tion, see the Audio Plug-ins Guide.pdf. DAE (Digidesign Audio Engine) Avid’s real-time operating system that provides the core func- DigiRack plug-ins Suite of free plug-ins included tionality of hard disk recording, digital signal with Pro Tools. For more information, see the processing, mix automation, and MIDI required Audio Plug-ins Guide.pdf. by Pro Tools and other Avid products. DigiTest Diagnostic application included with database Databasing is a convenient way of Pro Tools HD. DigiTest™ can be used to ensure storing, organizing, searching, and displaying that all Pro Tools|HD cards in the system are rec- information. A database file is a collection of re- ognized, installed in the proper order, and have cords that hold data. In Pro Tools, the term “da- valid TDM FlexCable connections. For more in- tabase” refers to a DigiBase database file. formation, see the DigiTest Guide.pdf. Pro Tools creates and stores database files on the system drive as needed.
DB-9 See 9-pin.
4 Pro Tools Glossary DigiTranslator Pro Tools software option, which Elastic Audio Feature in Pro Tools 7.4 and higher is used to exchange audio and video files, and that lets you quickly and easily transpose, sequences with other AAF-, MXF-, and OMF®- tempo conform, and beat match audio to the compatible applications (such as Avid editors). session’s Tempo ruler. For more information, see the DigiTranslator Eleven Rack Guide.pdf. A guitar recording and effects pro- cessing system that can be used as a Pro Tools LE dither “Noise” added to an audio signal when audio interface. down-sampling bit rates. Designed to create a Event List smoother transition at lower amplitudes. See MIDI Event List. expanded systems drop frame Refers to a variance of SMPTE/EBU Pro Tools|HD systems that time code for NTSC color video (29.97 fps) that have been expanded by adding Pro Tools|HD omits two frames (frames “0” and “1”) every cards, either directly in the computer or using minute except for every tenth minute. an expansion chassis. Expanded systems pro- vide increased track count, add to the amount of DSP (Digital Signal Processing) In audio terms, possible plug-in and mixer processing, and sup- DSP refers to manipulation of digital audio—ev- port connecting additional audio interfaces. For erything from reverberation to changes in level. more information, see the Expanded Systems Guide.pdf. DV Toolkit 2 Software option that provides post production features and other enhancements to expansion chassis Expands the capabilities of Pro Tools LE systems. For more information, see Pro Tools|HD systems by adding more external the DV Toolkit 2 Guide.pdf. PCI slots.
ExpressPro-Tools ATTO’s hard disk utility for the preparation of hard drives for Pro Tools. For E Mac OS X, a new version of this utility, Ex- pressStripe, must be used. edit cursor Flashing line that appears when you click in a track in the Edit window. Edit Decision List (EDL) List of edits, or events, F typically with each event’s respective source in and out times, source reel number, and record in fade A selection in which the volume rises or and out times. falls, typically from or to –∞. See also crossfade.
Edit insertion point Location within a track field recorder workflows Pro Tools post-produc- where you click (without dragging); also loca- tion workflows for importing and using multi- tion at which a region’s start, end, or synchroni- channel audio files and metadata recorded by zation point will be placed. field recorders. For more information, see the Pro Tools Reference Guide.pdf. Edit selection In the Edit window, this is what is highlighted in the playlist (such as a region).
Pro Tools Glossary 5 FireWire A high-speed peripheral standard capa- ble of transferring data. FireWire is commonly H used for digital audio and video devices, as well HD Accel PCI or PCIe card with additional DSP as external hard drives and other high-speed pe- for Pro Tools|HD systems. ripherals. HD Accel Core PCIe core card, which connects frames per second (fps) Number of frames that to audio interfaces and contains the DSP, for a elapse per second, as defined by the four Pro Tools|HD system. SMPTE/EBU Time Code fps standards. These in- clude: HD Core PCI core card, which connects to audio • 24 fps (for film applications) interfaces and contains the DSP, for a • 25 fps (the PAL/SECAM video standard) Pro Tools|HD system.
• 29.97 fps (the NTSC color video standard) HD I/O A multichannel digital audio interface (see also drop frame) designed for use with Pro Tools|HD systems that • 30 fps (the NTSC black and white video features extremely high quality 24-bit analog- standard) to-digital (A/D) and digital-to-analog (D/A) con- verters, and supports sample rates of up to 192 kHz.
G HD MADI A 64-channel, digital audio interface general preference A preference that affects all designed for use with Pro Tools|HD systems that sessions for the same user. This differs from a supports the Multichannel Audio Digital Inter- global preference, which is the same for all us- face (MADI) format and sample rates of up to ers. See also user preference. 192 kHz. HD OMNI Grid mode Used to align regions in tracks to the A professional digital audio interface grid or between Grid boundaries. See also Abso- designed for use with Pro Tools|HD systems that lute Grid mode and Relative Grid mode. provides a compact preamp, monitoring, and I/O solution for music production and post pro- Groove Template A template derived from an au- duction studios with support for sample rates of dio selection using Beat Detective™. Groove up to 192 kHz. templates contain information on the timing HD Process nuances and dynamics of the selected audio per- PCI card with additional DSP for formance. Groove templates can then be used to Pro Tools|HD systems. conform or impose these performance character- headroom Amount of remaining gain available istics on other audio material using Beat Detec- for a given signal before the onset of distortion tive, or on other MIDI material using the in analog systems or clipping in digital systems. Grid/Groove Quantize command. HEAT (Harmonically Enhanced Algorithm Technol- groups Linked tracks in which an action in one ogy) Pro Tools option adds analog-modeled of the tracks is mirrored in all tracks in the soft-saturated distortion to Pro Tools|HD sys- group. Groups can be created separately or tems for mixing and mastering. linked between the Mix and Edit windows.
6 Pro Tools Glossary HFS+ Disk Support option Supports recording latency Typically refers to the time it takes for an and playback of sessions directly from Mac-for- input signal to be passed to the output and gen- matted (HFS+) drives on a Windows system. The erally controlled by the hardware buffer size. HFS+ Disk Support option is automatically in- Legacy I/Os stalled with Pro Tools HD and Pro Tools LE soft- Older Pro Tools audio interfaces ware by default. (such as 888|24 I/O™ and 882|20 I/O™) that can be connected to Pro Tools|HD audio interfaces house video reference (black burst) A type of (such as 192 I/O™ and 96 I/O™) for additional clock reference signal commonly used to syn- input and output channels. Legacy interfaces chronize audio or video devices during playback can only be used with 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz ses- or recording. sions.
Legacy Plug-ins Audio plug-ins that are no lon- ger supported with current Pro Tools systems. I lightpipe See ADAT Lightpipe. ICON Series of high-end dedicated control con- soles for Pro Tools. See D-Control and D-Com- Loop Sync A dedicated clock signal for synchro- mand. nizing multiple Pro Tools|HD audio interfaces together. Loop Sync uses a Word Clock signal iLok (iLok USB Smart Key) Portable, cross-plat- based on sampling rates of either 44.1 kHz or form USB device for authorizing plug-ins and 48 kHz. As sample rates increase in the system, software options for Pro Tools systems. For more Loop Sync continues to operate at a base rate of information, see the iLok Usage Guide.pdf. 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, depending upon the higher rate. Loop Sync should be used only to chain inactive Items that have been turned off in multiple Pro Tools|HD peripherals together. Pro Tools to free up or conserve DSP. for exam- ple, when a track, send, or plug-in is inactive, its name appears in italics and the item is silent. M indexing Used by databases to obtain and main- tain the data displayed in browsers. Indexing MachineControl Pro Tools option, which pro- creates and updates a database with the latest vides many specialized features for post produc- metadata information. tion synchronization tasks including remote track arming, VTR emulation, serial time code, item In DigiBase, each row of data is referred to and other capabilities. For more information, as an item in the Items List. Items include Vol- see the MachineControl Guide.pdf. umes, Catalogs, Session files, songs, samples and loops, as well as other types of files. machine control Pro Tools functions to control or be controlled by an external transport, typi- cally a VTR or ATR.
L Marker Memory Location referenced on a time- line, typically used to store locations to impor- Lanes Multiple tracks of automation and/or tant points in a session. See also Memory Loca- MIDI controller data that can be accessed simul- tion. taneously.
Pro Tools Glossary 7 master (device) “Lead” machine or Pro Tools poses. Information transmitted over MIDI in- system in a synchronized machine arrange- cludes note-ons, note-offs, key velocity, pitch ment. Slaves follow masters. There can only be bend, and other performance data. Connections one master at any given time. are made using cables equipped with 5-pin DIN connectors. Master Fader track Governs the overall signal level of one or more audio, auxiliary input, or MIDI Editor window Dedicated editor window for instrument tracks. in-depth editing of MIDI notes and controller data. Mbox Portable USB-based Pro Tools LE system with two mic/line inputs and two outputs. MIDI Event List Pro Tools window that shows the contents of a MIDI track in a column, for Mbox 2 Family Portable USB and Firewire-based easy editing of individual MIDI events. Pro Tools LE systems with varying amounts of audio and MIDI I/O. The family includes MIDI I/O A USB-based MIDI interface. Mbox® 2 Pro, Mbox 2, Mbox 2 Mini, and Mbox MIDI Machine Control (MMC) 2 Micro. See machine con- trol. Media Composer Avid’s premier video editing MIDI Time Code application. Can be used as a video playback, See MTC. capture and conversion station, synchronised MP3 (MPEG Layer 3) An adjustable-quality au- with one or more Pro Tools|HD systems, when dio compression format developed by the used with Video Satellite option. See Video Satel- Fraunhofer Institute. lite. MP3 Export Option Lets you create MP3 files media file A file that contains actual audio, from Pro Tools sessions when using Bounce to video, or graphics data. It also contains a variety Disk or exporting a region as a new audio file. of metadata (such as file name and format). For more information, see the MP3 Option Memory Location Pro Tools supports up to 999 Guide.pdf. Memory Locations, which can include markers, MTC (MIDI Time Code) Non-SMPTE form of time Edit selections, record and play ranges, track set- code that is used by some devices (including tings, and other data. They can be viewed and Pro Tools) to send and receive timing informa- sorted in the Memory Locations window, from tion. which they can also be accessed. Music Production Toolkit 2 Software option that metadata Media files, session files, and other provides music production features and en- types of files contain their own sets of metadata, hancements to Pro Tools LE and Pro Tools which include general types of data such as file M-Powered™ systems. For more information, name, creation date, and file size. Metadata var- see the Music Toolkit Guide.pdf. ies with file type, format, and kind.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) A communication protocol designed to allow equipped instruments such as synthesizers to in- tercommunicate for control and playback pur-
8 Pro Tools Glossary online (media) Connected to and directly acces- N sible by a computer. nondestructive editing Leaves audio files intact. online (synchronization) Controlled by (or con- As you edit audio within Pro Tools, you are only trolling) another device for synchronized play- editing the regions, or “pointers,” to audio files back or recording. that are stored on the hard drive, unless you ex- plicitly choose destructive modes (during re- cording, or when using AudioSuite processing). P non-drop frame Time code that is not in drop- peak indicator frame format. In North America, the standard Indicator light designed to warn format outside of color video production or post of the possibility of clipping, which illuminates production is typically 29.97 fps non-drop as a device’s input reaches a preset degree of frame. headroom. performance volume Notation Traditional musical transcription, of- A storage volume that has ten used to visualize the composition process been designated to record and/or play back me- and provide written parts for musicians to play. dia files in a Pro Tools session. PFL (Pre Fader Listen) NTSC Video standards developed by the Na- Sometimes called a “cue,” tional Television Standards Committee. NTSC this is a channel’s level before it is attenuated or color video runs at 29.97 frames per second; boosted by the fader setting. Master faders are NTSC black and white video runs at 30 fps. Used PFL in Pro Tools. See also pre-fader. primarily in North and South America and Ja- playlist A group of regions arranged on an audio pan. or MIDI track. Nyquist frequency The highest audio frequency positional reference Common reference that that can be accurately sampled, equivalent to provides location information that various de- one-half of the sampling frequency. The Ny- vices can use to establish synchronization dur- quist sampling theorem showed that the sam- ing playback and recording. Most commonly, pling rate must be at least twice the highest fre- the information is delivered in the form of quency present in the sample in order to SMPTE/EBU Time Code. accurately reconstruct the original signal. post-fader Output from a track (typically a send) that is governed by the channel’s fader setting.
O post-roll Adjustable time for playback to con- tinue beyond the current playback or recording offline (media) Not connected to or directly ac- of a selection. cessible by a computer. offline (synchronization) Not under the control of (or controlling) another device for synchro- nized playback or recording.
Pro Tools Glossary 9 PRE A remote controllable 8-channel micro- Pro Tools M-Powered These systems include phone preamp. Features eight discrete, matched Pro Tools M-Powered software for qualified transistor hybrid mic-preamp circuits and offers M-Audio® interfaces. a pristine signal path designed specifically for Pull Up/Pull Down the Pro Tools environment, but can also be uti- Refers to the deliberate “mis- lized as a stand-alone microphone preamp. calibration” of the audio or video sample rate clock (the audio pitch) in order to compensate preamp In recording studio terminology, a cir- for a speed change elsewhere in the production cuit designed to boost relatively low signal lev- chain. The usual situation in which these rates els, such as a microphone output, up to standard are encountered is when film footage (at 24 fps) line levels of –10 dBV or +4 dBu. Many is transferred to color NTSC-standard video tape Pro Tools LE systems are equipped with micro- (at 29.97 fps). Video Pull Up/Pull Down is sup- phone preamps. See also PRE. ported in Pro Tools 5.3.1 and higher.
pre-fader Output from a track (typically a send) that is independent of the channel’s fader set- ting. Q
pre-roll Adjustable time that precedes the play- quantize To adjust MIDI note locations or dura- back or recording of a selection. tions to the nearest unit or template structure so that a particular rhythmic “feel” is achieved. ProControl A dedicated control surface that com- municates with Pro Tools by means of ethernet. QuickTime Apple’s system extension for control Features include touch-sensitive, motorized fad- of time-based events, such as digitized video ers, and a dedicated effects editing section. movies and digitized sound.
Pro Tools Digital audio workstation software that lets you record, arrange, compose, edit, R mix, and master professional quality audio and MIDI for music, video, film, and multimedia. RealAudio Audio compression scheme designed for streaming over the internet. Pro Tools Creative Collection Set of RTAS® (Real Time AudioSuite) instruments and effects plug- record Element of a database. A database is a col- ins included with Pro Tools. For more informa- lection of records. Each record represents a par- tion, see the CreativeCollection Plug-ins.pdf. ticular file (such as a media file or session file). The record contains all of the metadata describ- Pro Tools|HD These systems include ing that file, but none of the media. Therefore a Pro Tools HD software and Pro Tools|HD system record is much smaller than the actual file, and hardware. much easier to parse for information. Pro Tools LE These systems include Pro Tools LE region Within Pro Tools, a “pointer” to a partic- software and a Pro Tools LE audio interface (003, ular track selection or file. Regions can be 003 Rack, 003 Rack+, Digi 002, Digi 002 Rack, dragged from the Region List, or a DigiBase Eleven Rack, Mbox 2, Mbox 2 Pro, browser, to a track. Mbox 2 Mini, or Mbox 2 Micro hardware).
10 Pro Tools Glossary Relative Grid mode An editing mode that con- It also contains metadata about the files on strains movement and alignment of regions to which it depends (audio and MIDI files, and re- precise increments on a user-defined grid while lated data such as fades, playlists, and selec- allowing the region to maintain an offset rela- tions). Each separate project worked on should tive to that grid point. See also Absolute Grid be stored as its own session. mode. session template A Pro Tools session file whose resolving The process of synchronizing multiple parameters are preset to a user’s specific pre- devices to a common clock reference. ferred state. Any Pro Tools session may be saved as a template using the Save As command for RTAS (Real-Time Audio Suite) plug-ins Avid’s convenience of setup. host-based, real-time effects plug-in format. shortcuts Pro Tools keyboard and Right-click shortcuts that give you fast access to a wide va- riety of tasks. For more information, see your S Shortcuts Guide.pdf. sample-based Editing mode in which audio and slave Device that “follows” the master during MIDI regions and MIDI notes are snapped to the synchronization. nearest sample. Switchable in Pro Tools on a per-track basis. See tick-based. Slave Clock (or Super Clock) Avid’s proprietary hi-speed Word Clock that runs at 256x (256 sample rate One of two main specifications that times) the sample rate. It is required by describe digital audio quality (the other is bit Pro Tools|24 MIX™ and Pro Tools|24 systems to rate resolution). Sample rate refers to how fre- synchronize audio interfaces to a single, highly- quently incoming audio is sampled per second accurate clock from SYNC HD™, SYNC I/O™, during conversion from an analog to a digital USD™, or HD audio interface. See also Legacy signal. I/Os.
SCSI HBA (Small Computer System Interface and SIP (Solo-in-Place) Solo mode in which a single Host Bus Adapter) Avid’s conformed terminol- channel’s AFL signal is sent by itself to the main ogy for SCSI cards. SCSI is a type of data bus al- L/R bus. A feature on VENUE consoles. See AFL lowing for the high speed transfer of data be- (After Fader Listen) and VENUE. tween a computer and peripheral devices. An HBA is the card that connects the SCSI bus be- S/PDIF Semi-professional version of the tween the computer and peripheral devices such AES/EBU standard. Stands for “Sony/Philips as hard drives. Digital Interface Format.” S/PDIF connections use coaxial (RCA) or TOSlink optical in/out con- send An adjustable additional track output, nectors. Most S/PDIF connections carry two which can be routed to an internal bus for ef- channels of digital audio at a time. fects processing, monitoring, and submixing. Spot Audio post production process of aligning session file A work file, much like a word pro- audio events to visual events. In Pro Tools, Spot cessing document or a graphics program file. A mode lets spot regions to particular time code Pro Tools session file contains data describing events. how media files are to be played and displayed.
Pro Tools Glossary 11 Standard MIDI File Universal format that can be read by virtually any software that reads MIDI. T Type 0 is a single line sequence, type 1 is multi- TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) A technology track. that employs a networked bus of DSP chips that submix Routing multiple audio sources to an supply the processing power for Pro Tools|HD Auxiliary Input for monitor mixes, bus-master systems. control over levels, and shared effects process- TDM plug-in Avid’s proprietary real-time, nonde- ing. structive plug-in format for Pro Tools|HD and subgroup Refers to a console’s output busses VENUE systems. (stems, cue stems) in standard audio terminol- tick-based Editing mode in which audio and ogy. Also can refer to mix groups in Pro Tools. MIDI regions and MIDI notes are snapped to the See groups. nearest MIDI tick value. Switchable in Pro Tools Super Clock (256x) See Slave Clock. on a per-track basis. See sample-based.
SYNC HD A multi-format synchronization pe- time code address See address. ripheral for Pro Tools|HD systems that supports time code generation Process of creating “fresh” all major industry-standard clock sources and time code. time code formats, including HD video refer- ence, frame rates and sync formats. SYNC HD Time Scale Timebase rulers The Main Time Scale features near sample-accurate lock to time code is the Timebase ruler that determines the time or bi-phase/tach signals and a 192 kHz capable, format used for Transport functions, and Grid high-fidelity, low-jitter Word Clock. and Nudge values. The Sub Time Scale is the Timebase ruler that provides additional timing SYNC I/O A multi-format synchronization pe- reference. ripheral for Pro Tools|HD systems that supports all major industry-standard clock sources and Timebase rulers Up to five discrete strips mea- time code formats. SYNC I/O features near sam- suring different units (samples, feet.frames, ple-accurate lock to time code or bi-phase/tach minutes:seconds, bars:beats, or time code) dis- signals and a 192 kHz capable, high-fidelity, played across the top of the Edit window. low-jitter Word Clock. Timeline insertion point Location on the time- synchronization Process of having two or more line corresponding to the cursor point, and the audio, video, or other devices play and record as point from where playback or recording begins. one, at the same speed. Timeline selection A selection in any Timebase Sysex (System Exclusive) MIDI data specific to a ruler that determines the playback or record particular piece of hardware or instrument. range.
TL Labs plug-ins Suite of Trillium Lane Labs® plug-ins for Pro Tools. Some TL Labs plug-ins are included free with Pro Tools, while others are available by purchase. For more information, see the Audio Plug-ins Guide.pdf.
12 Pro Tools Glossary transfer volume A storage volume that has been designated as a Transfer Volume in DigiBase V Workspace will not be used to record or play me- velocity MIDI data parameter that describes how dia in a Pro Tools session. Volumes that are not fast or hard a key is struck and controls the vol- supported by Pro Tools for audio playback, ume of MIDI note playback. (such as network share volumes, CDs, or DVDs) will be designated as transfer volumes by de- Video Satellite Option Video add-on for fault. Pro Tools HD. A dedicated computer running Avid Media Composer® and the Video Satellite Option can be linked to one or more U Pro Tools|HD systems for synchronized video playback, capture and conversion. See Media Universe window Provides a visual overview of all Composer. tracks in a session, and can be used to quickly navigate to any location in a session. video reference signal Clock information con- tained in all video signals, which can be used as USB (Universal Serial Bus) A high-speed periph- a clock reference. eral standard. USB 1.0 is capable of transferring data at up to 12 Mb/sec, whereas USB 2.0 is ca- virtual instrument Software-based MIDI instru- pable of transferring up to 480 Mb/sec. USB is ment, often in plug-in form, that is used to re- used for many audio and video peripheral de- place or augment hardware-based synthesizers, vices. samplers and drum machines. upgrades New versions of software. For informa- voiceable track Previously known as virtual tion on how to install a Pro Tools upgrade, see voicing; total voiceable tracks refers to the max- the Upgrading Guide. For information on new imum number of audio tracks that can share the Pro Tools features and enhancements, see the available voices on your system. What’s New Guide. voices With a Pro Tools system, refers to the user preference A user-definable state for a spe- number of channels that can be played back si- cific Pro Tools parameter or system setup. Mac multaneously. has the ability to create separate preferences files VTR (Video Tape Recorder) A video tape recorder for each user. For Pro Tools database functions, of any format. these include Browser views, and parameter and search settings. See also general preference. user-defined region Explicitly defined regions W that are created when recording or importing audio or MIDI; capturing, separating, or consol- .WAV Pronounced “wave,” this is Microsoft’s idating a selection; trimming a whole-file audio Audio File Format. Can be read by Pro Tools on region; or renaming an existing region. both Windows and Mac platforms.
Pro Tools Glossary 13 waveform Means of visually representing a sound. When sound regions are imported into the Pro Tools Edit window, they can be viewed in Waveform view. Preview waveforms can also be viewed in DigiBase browsers.
whole-file audio regions Created when recording or importing audio, consolidating existing re- gions, and when processing with an AudioSuite plug-in.
Word Clock Many professional digital audio products—including open-reel multitrack tape recorders, digital mixing consoles, and digital recorders—have Word Clock (1x sample rate) connectors.
Word Clock allows Word Clock-compatible de- vices to send or receive external clock informa- tion that controls the sample rate, which in turn (where applicable) controls the play and record speed.
Z
zero crossing Point at which a wave’s amplitude crosses the center line of the waveform display. Typically, a good spot to edit a sound file is at zero crossings, to avoid unwanted artifacts.
Zoom Function used to view waveform displays within the Edit window with greater detail or more data.
14 Pro Tools Glossary
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