Reel Tape™ Plug-ins Version 7.4 Copyright © 2007 Digidesign, a division of Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. This guide may not be duplicated in whole or in part without the express written consent of Digidesign. Avid, Digidesign, Pro Tools, Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE, Pro Tools M-Powered, and VENUE are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. in the US and other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability are subject to change without notice. PN 9329-55486-00 REV A 03/07 contents Chapter 1. Introduction . 1 Contents of the Boxed Version of Your Plug-In . 1 System Requirements . 2 Register Your Plug-Ins . 2 Working with Plug-ins . 2 Conventions Used in This Guide . 3 About www.digidesign.com . 3 Chapter 2. Installation . 5 Installing Plug-Ins . 5 Authorizing Plug-Ins. 6 Removing Plug-Ins . 7 Chapter 3. Reel Tape Plug-Ins . 9 Reel Tape Common Controls . 9 Reel Tape Saturation . 10 Reel Tape Delay . 12 Reel Tape Flanger . 15 DSP Delay Incurred by Reel Tape Flanger . 19 Appendix A. DSP Requirements for TDM Plug-ins . 21 HD Accel Card. 22 HD Core and Process Card . 23 Appendix B. DSP Delays Incurred by TDM Plug-ins . 25 Contents iii iv Reel Tape Plug-ins Guide chapter 1 Introduction For years, engineers have relied on analog tape to add a smooth, warm sound to their record- Contents of the Boxed ings. When driven hard, tape responds with Version of Your Plug-In gentle distortion rather than abrupt clipping. Your plug-in package contains the following Magnetic tape also has a frequency-dependent components: saturation characteristic that can lend punch to the low end, and sweetness to the highs. • Installation disc • Activation card with an Activation Code The Digidesign Reel Tape plug-ins simulate the (for authorizing plug-ins with an iLok USB classic sound of analog tape by carefully model- Smart Key, not supplied) ing the frequency response, noise, and satura- • Digidesign Registration Information card tion characteristics of analog tape machines and tape formulations. Digidesign Reel Tape plug-ins are not connected with, or approved or endorsed by, the owners of the 3M, Studer, Ampex, or Quantegy trademarks. These names are used solely to identify the sonic characteristics of the Reel Tape plug-ins. This guide describes the Reel Tape plug-ins, which are all available as TDM, RTAS, and AudioSuite: • Reel Tape Saturation • Reel Tape Delay • Reel Tape Flanger Chapter 1: Introduction 1 System Requirements Register Your Plug-Ins To use Digidesign plug-ins you need the follow- If you purchase a plug-in online from the Digi- ing: Store (www.digidesign.com) using Internet Acti- • An iLok USB Smart Key (an iLok.com account vation, you are automatically registered. is also required for managing iLok licenses) If you purchase a plug-in boxed version, check – and – the enclosed Digidesign Registration Informa- • One of the following systems: tion Card for information about how to register online. • A Digidesign-qualified Pro Tools system (TDM versions of Reel Tape Delay and Registered users will receive periodic software Reel Tape Flanger require a Pro Tools HD update and upgrade notices. system with one or more HD Accel cards) • A Digidesign-qualified Pro Tools system Refer to the Digidesign website and a third-party software application that (www.digidesign.com) or the Digidesign Regis- supports the Digidesign TDM, RTAS or tration Information Card for information on AudioSuite plug-in standards technical support. • A qualified Avid Xpress, Avid Xpress DV, or Avid DNA system (AudioSuite only) • A qualified Digidesign VENUE™ system Working with Plug-ins For complete system requirements visit the Refer to the DigiRack Plug-ins Guide for informa- Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com). tion on working with plug-ins, including: • Inserting plug-ins on tracks Compatibility Information • Using Clip indicators Digidesign can only assure compatibility and • Navigating the Plug-in window provide support for hardware and software it has • Adjusting parameters tested and approved. • Automating plug-ins • Using the Librarian For a list of Digidesign-qualified computers, op- erating systems, hard drives, and third-party de- vices, visit the Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com). 2 Reel Tape Plug-ins Guide Conventions Used in This About www.digidesign.com Guide The Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com) is All Digidesign guides use the following conven- your best online source for information to help tions to indicate menu choices and key com- you get the most out of your Pro Tools system. mands: The following are just a few of the services and features available. Convention Action Registration Register your purchase online. See File > Save Choose Save from the the enclosed registration form for details. File menu Support Contact Digidesign Technical Support Control+N Hold down the Control or Customer Service; download software up- key and press the N key dates and the latest online manuals; browse the Control-click Hold down the Control Compatibility documents for system require- key and click the mouse ments; search the online Answerbase or join the button worldwide Pro Tools community on the Digide- Right-click Click with the right sign User Conference. mouse button Training and Education Study on your own using The following symbols are used to highlight im- courses available online or find out how you can portant information: learn in a classroom setting at a certified Pro Tools training center. User Tips are helpful hints for getting the most from your Pro Tools system. Products and Developers Learn about Digidesign products; download demo software or learn about our Development Partners and their plug- Important Notices include information that ins, applications, and hardware. could affect your Pro Tools session data or the performance of your Pro Tools system. News and Events Get the latest news from Digidesign or sign up for a Pro Tools demo. Shortcuts show you useful keyboard or To learn more about these and other resources mouse shortcuts. available from Digidesign, visit the Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com). Cross References point to related sections in the Pro Tools Guides. Chapter 1: Introduction 3 4 Reel Tape Plug-ins Guide chapter 2 Installation Installation Installing Plug-Ins To install a plug-in: Installers for your plug-ins can be downloaded from the DigiStore (www.digidesign.com) or 1 Do one of the following: can be found on the plug-in installer disc (in- • Download the installer for your computer cluded with boxed versions of plug-ins). An in- platform from the Digidesign website staller may also be available on a Pro Tools soft- (www.digidesign.com). After downloading, ware bundle installer disc. make sure the installer is uncompressed. Compressed files have the suffix .ZIP (Win- Installation steps are essentially the same, re- dows) or .SIT (Mac). gardless of the bundle, package, or system you purchase. – or – • Insert the Installer disc into your computer. 2 Double-click the plug-in installer application. 3 Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. 4 When installation is complete, click Finish (Windows) or Quit (Mac). When you launch Pro Tools, you will be prompted to authorize your new plug-in. Chapter 2: Installation 5 Authorizing Plug-ins Using an Authorizing Plug-Ins Activation Code Plug-ins are authorized using the To authorize a plug-in using an Activation Code: iLok USB Smart Key (iLok), manufactured by PACE Anti-Piracy, Inc. 1 If you do not have an existing iLok.com ac- count, visit www.iLok.com and sign up for an iLok.com account. 2 Transfer the license for your plug-in to your iLok.com account by doing the following: • Visit http://secure.digidesign.com/ activation. iLok USB Smart Key • Input your Activation Code (listed on your An iLok can hold over 100 licenses for all of your Activation Card) and your iLok.com User iLok-enabled software. Once an iLok is autho- ID. Your iLok.com User ID is the name you rized for a given piece of software, you can use create for your iLok.com account. the iLok to authorize that software on any com- 3 Transfer the licenses from your iLok.com ac- puter. count to your iLok USB Smart Key by doing the The iLok USB Smart Key is not supplied following: with your plug-in or software option. You • Insert the iLok into an available USB port can use the one included with certain on your computer. Pro Tools systems (such as Pro Tools|HD- • Go to www.iLok.com and log in. series systems), or purchase one separately. • Follow the on-screen instructions for trans- ferring your licences to your iLok. If you purchased a plug-in online at the DigiStore (www.digidesign.com), authorize the For information about iLok technology and plug-in by downloading licenses from iLok.com licenses, see the iLok Usage Guide. to an iLok. 4 Launch Pro Tools. See the iLok Usage Guide for details, or visit the iLok Web site (www.iLok.com). 5 If you have any installed unauthorized plug- ins or software options, you will be prompted to If you purchased a boxed version of a plug-in, it authorize them. Follow the on-screen instruc- comes with an Activation Code (on the included tions to complete the authorization process. Activation Card). 6 Reel Tape Plug-ins Guide Removing Plug-Ins If you need to remove a plug-in from your sys- tem, follow the instructions below for your computer platform. Windows To remove a plug-in: 1 From the Start menu, choose Settings > Con- trol Panel and double-click Add or Remove Pro- grams.