ProAudio Review - February 2009 - (Page 22)

exceptional-sounding amplifier emulator. Also included are MAudio’s Torq LE DJ software and an impressive 8 GB collection of pro-quality loops from Big Fish Audio. MIDI Significant as the changes in the user interface and improved audio performance are, they don’t overshadow the improvements to the MIDI Editor window. The MIDI Editor windows can show MIDI data and automation data for Auxiliary Input, Instrument, and MIDI tracks and, like the Edit Window, it provides the ability to show additional lanes, allowing MIDI controllers, velocity, and even automation data to be simultaneously viewed and edited. This window redefines PT8 sequencing, putting it on the level of what is offered by current versions of Logic and Digital Performer. While the ability to edit MIDI has been a part of Pro Tools since version 5 nearly a decade ago, PT8 is the first time that MIDI data can be graphically edited beyond the restrictions of a track lane in the Edit window. PT8 not only allows the MIDI Editor to be opened in a window, but it can also be incorporated into the Edit window for users who prefer to edit their MIDI and audio in the same window. Now, in addition to toggling between the Edit and Mix windows by pressing [apple] [=], you also have the option of opening the MIDI Editor window either by pressing [ctrl] [=] or by double-clicking a MIDI region. The PT8 MIDI Editor window is very much like the familiar piano-roll style editor, so users familiar with this type of editing should quickly feel right at home. The PT8 notation function makes use of many of Sibelius’ features including the use of the Opus music fonts, which makes the notation quality very high. When working in the MIDI Editor, enabling the Notation Display button on the editor’s toolbar allows the notes to be edited as notation. This provides a linear view of the score with the notes running from left to right and keeping any rulers or lanes being displayed in line with the notation. The score can be printed from within Pro Tools or the session can be exported as a Sibelius (.sib) file for further finessing in Sibelius. In Use Pro Tools 8 installation, on both my studio and mobile rigs, was a breeze and after six weeks of use, I’ve found the new GUI to be a welcome addition. It is pleasing to look at and far less fatiguing at the end of a long day. Being such a substantial visual upgrade, I was surprised at how quickly I adapted to the new look and feel of my primary studio tool. Unfortunately the new software seems to be a bit of a CPU hog in comparison to version 7.4 and using Rewire makes it even worse. This said, I would still trade a little CPU power for the added power of PT8 any day. [“We don’t consume more CPU (plug-in instance counts are the same),” offers Digidesign in rebuttal, “but the new UI architecture still needs some performance improvements. We’re already working on those.” — Ed.] Another PT8 feature that I’ve found to be extremely useful is the ability to open a session with all of the plug-ins deactivated, 22 ProAudioReview | February 2009 www.proaudioreview.com http://www.proaudioreview.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of ProAudio Review - February 2009

ProAudio Review - February 2009 Contents From Razor Slice To Mouse Click Hot Gear At Winter NAMM ’09: Studio Prioritizing Good Acoustics In Tough Times Digidesign Pro Tools 8 Allen & Heath ZED-R16 Analog Mixing Console Mike Rivers Nevaton MC Series Studio Condenser Microphones FMR Audio Really Nice Series Pre-Amp and Dynamics Modules Mojave Audio MA-201 FET Condenser Microphone Genelec 6010A and 5040A Powered Loudspeaker and Subwoofer Massey Plug-Ins De:Esser Hot Gear At Winter NAMM ’09: Live White Space Regulation: What It Means To Us Recording Live Sound Summit Church in Fort Myers, Florida Bag End P-Crystal R Loudspeaker Mark Olson & Gary Louris’ “Turn Your Pretty Name Around”

ProAudio Review - February 2009

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