When I posted on the Pro Tools v8.0.3 I referred to a problem with the Eleven plug-in...Late Breaking Technical Alert — Eleven Rack with Pro Tools LE 8.0.3 We are investigating a late breaking issue found with the initial release of Pro Tools LE 8.0.3 for Windows. On Windows systems (XP, Vista, Win 7) with Eleven Rack and Pro Tools LE 8.0.3, a Runtime error can occur after creating a new session. In some cases, Pro Tools quits without saving the session. Given the possibility of losing session data, we recommend that Eleven Rack users on Windows DO NOT update to Pro Tools 8.0.3 until we are able to resolve this issue and make a fix available.Digidesign have worked late and have released a new version of Eleven... Eleven Rack Update for Pro Tools 8.0.3 — Downloads & DetailsWho Should Use This Update?Even if you do not use an Eleven Rack, this update is recommended for all Pro Tools HD, LE, and M-Powered version 8.0.3 users on Mac and Windows to provide session compatibility with other users that may have an Eleven Rack.What's Fixed in This Update?Runtime error, access violation, crash, and possible session corruption with Pro Tools 8.0.3 and Eleven Rack (Item #121196)The Eleven Rack Update for Pro Tools 8.0.3 resolves an issue in which Pro Tools 8.0.3 (HD, LE, or M-Powered) with Eleven Rack could experience a Runtime error, access violation, or crash after creating a new session. In some cases, Pro Tools would quit without saving the session.On Mac, problems with the appearance and use of the Eleven Rack user interface window in Pro Tools were also seen in some cases.The Eleven Rack updates for Pro Tools 8.0.3 systems require previous installation of Pro Tools 8.0.3 HD, LE, or M-Powered on Mac or Windows:Pro Tools 8.0.3 — Downloads & Details

Hi folks, I would just like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2010. I may drop in the odd post over the holiday season but normal service will be resumed around 4th Jan 2010. Thanks again for your support and I look forward to hearing from you in the new year. Mike.

I have just received an email from Will Holiday... Hi Mike, I read your pro tools blog a lot, it's one of the best. I noticed a bug in pro tools 8. When in the fade dialog, and the fades are unlinked, the waveforms are drawn incorrectly when you start moving the fades lines around. (Pic attached). I can't find anything on the web about this. I wanted to see if you or anyone else knows about it, and if there was some kind of solution. Thanks, and keep up the awesome posts. and here is his picture... Thanks Will for this. So I did some checking both on line and on my own system and sure enough on my HD rig I found this... I also did a search on line both in the DUC and the Anwersbase and only found two references, one from Will flagging it up on the DUC here and also another user mrsticks also flagging it up... The fades dialog box allows control and manipulation of crossfades. In PT 8 the views of waveforms do not correspond to the movement of the fade lines when unlatched. (This is a feature I use often.) The "B" side of the fade actually decreases visually while you try to increase it. The audio is not affected but it makes creating the fade more difficult because the visual is incorrect. It will be interesting to see what develops...

Keyboard shortcuts have been with Pro Tools from the start. The number of shortcuts in Pro Tools has grown as the software has developed. Obviously the more shortcuts you know the better, because the less you move your mouse and so the more productive you become. The Keyboard Focus commands are a real step forward for single-key operations when the [a...z] focus mode in the Edit window is selected by clicking on the a-z button just below the zoom buttons in the Edit Window in Pro Tools 7 or at the top of the Edit window vertical scroll bar in Pro Tools 8. These are available to use on all Windows and Mac based Pro Tools systems with only a few timecode related limitations on the LE systems. Good news for those who work with both Windows and Mac based systems that unlike some other shortcuts the Keyboard Focus shortcuts are the same for both Mac and Windows systems. You may find it helpful to have at least sight of a qwerty keyboard as you read this as the commands are grouped together in areas of the keyboard to make them as intuitive as possible. Alternatively if you like what you see here you may want to buy a Pro tools keyboard with the shortcuts on it or alternatively a sticker set to go on your existing keyboard... There is a ‘pain barrier’ to go through to get the Keyboard Focus shortcuts into your way of working but rest assured it will be worth it. Perhaps go through the learning curve with a project where the deadline isn’t too pressing. So lets start the series with some Zoom Functions... Zoom Level 1-5 - alpha keys 1 to 5 By using the numbers 1 to 5 above the letter keys (not the number pad) you can access the 5 preset horizontal zoom settings that are 5 buttons just below the zoom buttons in the Edit window (see fig 1). To set these presets adjust the horizontal zoom to suit and then Command+Click on the Mac, or Control+Click on Windows, the appropriate button to save the preset. Zoom Toggle - E This will zoom an edit selection (Highlighted selection on a track not a timeline selection) to the width of the edit window. If you press E again it will take you back to the previous zoom setting. Centre Edit Selection Start – Q This will put the start of an edit selection in the centre of the edit window. Center Timeline End - W This will put the end of an edit selection in the centre of the edit window. Zoom Out Horizontally – R This is the same as going up to the toolbar and clicking on the zoom out button. Zoom In Horizontally – T This is the same as going up to the toolbar and clicking on the zoom in button.

Source Elements the makers of Source Connect have released a file compression app that is specifically designed for audio files and session.... Source-Zip solves a specific problem: you need to send your audio session to another location, but you don't have the time it takes to send such a large file. Source-Zip compresses your audio session and all its accompanying files for quick and easy transfer over the internet. Source-zip creates a self-extracting file that you can email or ftp to someone quickly, and once unzipped it recreates your session files exactly as they were - including all meta-data that applications like Pro Tools need to recognize the files, and any other files that were zipped along with your audio. Here is the demo video... There is a fully functional demo downloadable from here and when you can't live without it after the 7 day trial is up then you can buy it for $48.

I reported here that Digidesign had released the Mac versions of Pro Tools 8.0.3. They have now relased the Windows versions as well...Pro Tools 8.0.3 Updates for Windows — December 17, 2009For Pro Tools 8.0.3 details and downloads, see the following pages:Pro Tools HD 8.0.3 Update for WindowsPro Tools LE 8.0.3 Update for WindowsPro Tools M-Powered 8.0.3 Update for Windows There has been an issue with Eleven and PT 8.0.3LE...Late Breaking Technical Alert — Eleven Rack with Pro Tools LE 8.0.3We are investigating a late breaking issue found with the initial release of Pro Tools LE 8.0.3 for Windows. On Windows systems (XP, Vista, Win 7) with Eleven Rack and Pro Tools LE 8.0.3, a Runtime error can occur after creating a new session. In some cases, Pro Tools quits without saving the session. Given the possibility of losing session data, we recommend that Eleven Rack users on Windows DO NOT update to Pro Tools 8.0.3 until we are able to resolve this issue and make a fix available.and  you will still have to wait for the M Power updaters... Not Yet Available — Coming SoonPro Tools M-Powered Essential 8.0.3 Update for WindowsPro Tools M-Powered Essential 8.0.3 Update for Mac OS Xalso no point going to your dealer for an update disc, this is a download only update... Please Note: The Pro Tools 8.0.3 Updates are only available by download. You will need to use a broadband connection to download the update for your system. If you are not able to download on your Pro Tools system, you can download the update from any broadband connection, then transfer the update to your Pro Tools system.

There has been a thread on the DUC about jerky video problems in Pro Tools 8. I have covered this issue here and here. Well buried in the v8.0.3 notes is that 8.0.3 fixes  these problems and confirmed in the DUC thread by this post from Digidesign Tech Support...The 8.0.3 update has fixes for the Quicktime issues in this thread...!  Let me know what you find please...

Esus asked on this thread on the DUC, Do I need a Mojo?I've been struggling with this for a while, to no avail--so hopefully someone on here can give me some direction. I'm trying to send QT video from my Pro Tools sessions to an external (composite) monitor, primarily for ADR. I've tried sending one of my monitor outputs, which kinda works, but it takes the monitor away and screws up the resolution. I'm guessing I have two options now. One is to try a scan converter, which I can resize the picture and still split the signal between my VGA monitor and the composite monitor, or get a Mojo.If I go the Mojo route, I'll have to get one second-hand (eBay). If so, what do I need, and what should I look out for? I don't need to capture video or show HD files, just send the video to the external monitor.  I'm on a G5 dual 1.8GB Mac, running PT 7.4 on an HD2 system.tom_lowe replied...The Canopus ADVC110 is the cheapest alternative to a Mojo that doesn't require scan converters and is fully qualified by Digidesign. You do have to compensate for the FireWire delay, but a rough (and Digidesign recommended) idea of where to start is around 18 quarter-frames.infiniteloop added.......but the Mojo hogs a whole firewire bus. Major bummer.reichman added...The ye olde Aurora Fuse-X works perfectly in that configuration, provided you stay in 10.4.x and have PCI-X slots. Almost no latency, and able to work with all Quicktime codecs. On the other hand, no further support.If you upgrade to a MacPro, the Blackmagic card is great.Ian Palmer said...The mojo wont actually play some codecs very well. My system (G5, Tiger, HD2 7.3) has a mojo which will slow to outputting about 1 frame a second after 10 minutes using H264. Mp4s just wont play smoothly.If you go the way of the Mojo then I'd recommend using MPEGStreamclip to convert any files you have to DV. Besides DV will give you the least strain on the system overall. It takes a short while but is worth it overall for smooth playback.Craig F added...The mojo wont actually play some codecs very well. My system (G5, Tiger, HD2 7.3) has a mojo which will slow to outputting about 1 frame a second after 10 minutes using H264. Mp4s just wont play smoothly. Intraframe codes kill all Pro Tools rigs, they plain suck.Nathan W. suggested..I use a Gefen 1:4 HDMI splitter, 1 HDMI in to 4 HDMI out. Works pretty good. You need a DVI-D to HDMI adapter linked to a satellite LE system (you gotta get DV Toolkit 2 for timecode on the le system) using DVCProHD. I like the Gefen because there's hardly any delay. Gefen support is good too. DVCProHD doesn't work very well unless you're using a satellite LE system, this is esp. true with the new protools 8 systems. There's a few bugs though including the "white bar" where you try to fit the video to screen using a 1920X1200 resolution but it doesn't fit the entire screen perfectly.Phill. asked...Sorry to be thick here, but is DV25 the Same as DV Pal and DV NTSC? We use Canopus boxes to output the video to various monitors and projectors, but as I understood it the Canopus will only accept DV Pal at 720x576 or DV NTSC at 720x480.Is there any way to output the picture to the firewire port but also have it on one of the Mac monitors?Frank Kruse replied to Phill....1) Also DV PAL 24fps is fine. WIll generate the ghost-frame on the fly.2) no.tigas came back...Frank, are you saying that the Mojo or the Canopus will generate the ghost frame? That's not our experience.We run most files we receive through MPEGStreamclip (batch-mode to DV25) to use with our Mojos. Besides, there are two rooms that do not have Mojo, and those have a DV bridge.There's no point in complaining about the size of DV files any more, unless you're forwarding them to someone else - but in that case, send them copies of the H264. Storage is really cheap nowadays - it's not external 9GB SCSI drives any more.But, a real reason not to use Mojos is that you basically lose the internal Firewire bus. We've never been too successful in making a second FW bus work properly. That means copying external sessions into internal storage before use. Big time-waster. My experience tallies with Tigas. I find that although DV files are large they put much less load on the computer than compressed files like H264 files.

 Minnetonka have announced a new version of their ProLogic II plug-in....Provided as a cross platform plug-in suite, SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II is now a unified encoder and decoder for: Pro Tool Mac + Windows VST Mac + Windows Standalone Mac + Windows Now all on one ilok license! With an all-in-one installer, users can choose when and how to use SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II, giving you powerful multi-platform deployment at no additional charge. For example, the very same license of SurCode for Dolby Pro Logic II on Pro Tools will authorize both the standalone product, on Mac and Windows, along with instances on any VST host. LtRt downmix - full compatibility Encode and Decode simultaneously in real-time Multi-DAW, multi-instance support Flexible license handling Licensed - Use Dolby logos and trademarks on content produced with this plug-in or application Perfect compliment to SurCode for Dolby E

Digidesign have announced the immediate availability of updater installers for v8.0.3 for Mac OS X and that 8.0.3 for other platforms will be available soon. Also full web installers for the Mac version should be available in about a week.Pro Tools 8.0.3 — Downloads & Details December 15, 2009 — In our ongoing effort to provide you with the best experience possible, Avid has released Pro Tools 8.0.3, a free software update that provides many fixes. Pro Tools 8.0.3 is a free update for all Pro Tools 8 owners. Version 8.0.3 supports the following operating systems:Mac OS X 10.6.1 – 10.6.2 (Snow Leopard)Mac OS X 10.5.5 – 10.5.8 (Leopard)Windows XP (Home or Professional, 32-bit)Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (32-bit)Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (64-bit) – Pro Tools M-Powered Essential onlyWindows 7 (32 and 64-bit) – Pro Tools M-Powered Essential only (Pro Tools HD, LE, and M-Powered can be used on Windows 7 as a public beta)Please Note: Pro Tools 8.0.3 software (and higher) does not support some retired products:Original MboxExpansion|HD ChassisMacintosh PowerPC ComputersPlease read the EOSS (End of Software Support) Announcements for more information.Pro Tools 8.0.3 Updates for Mac OS X — December 15, 2009For Pro Tools 8.0.3 details and downloads, see the following pages:Pro Tools HD 8.0.3 Update for Mac OS XPro Tools LE 8.0.3 Update for Mac OS XPro Tools M-Powered 8.0.3 Update for Mac OS XNot Yet Available — Coming SoonPro Tools HD 8.0.3 Update for WindowsPro Tools LE 8.0.3 Update for WindowsPro Tools M-Powered 8.0.3 Update for WindowsPro Tools M-Powered Essential 8.0.3 Update for WindowsPro Tools M-Powered Essential 8.0.3 Update for Mac OS XWhat they have fixed and left behind makes interesting reading...Edit Tool Selection via Keyboard Shortcuts is Inconsistent (Item #88083)In previous versions of Pro Tools, it was easy to accidentally hit the same keyboard shortcut twice and inadvertently switch between Edit Tool types. You can now enable Edit/Tool Mode Keyboard Lock in the Options menu to avoid this. When checked, this option locks the ability to change tool types (for example, to change from the normal Trimmer to the Scrub Trimmer) via keyboard shortcuts. However, tool types can still be changed via the mouse or right-clicking, and you can also still switch between tools (such as switching from the Grabber to the Trimmer) via keyboard shortcut. This option affects the following Edit and Tool modes: Grid, Zoom, Trim, Grabber, and Pencil. DigiBase Databases are Created on Every Volume Seen, Regardless of Designation (Item #117627)Beginning in Pro Tools 8.0.3, Digidesign Database files for each volume are now stored on the system drive only, in the location: /Library/Application Support/Digidesign. The benefits of this change are that Pro Tools will no longer write database files on all mounted volumes, volumes can be ejected from the OS while Pro Tools is running, and it resolves potential corruption issues that could occur when changing read/write permissions on some shared storage systems. With this new behavior, in order to maintain a volume's index when moving a drive from one system to another, make a copy of the volume's Digidesign Database file from the location mentioned above and place it in the same location on the second system before launching Pro Tools on the second system. Alternately, a volume's index can be re-created on the second Pro Tools system. Old Digidesign Database files located at the root level of your volumes can be safely deleted with Pro Tools 8.0.3, although users sharing hard drives with older Pro Tools systems may wish to keep the older Digidesign Database files. “Don’t Show This Again” Option Added to Some Error and Warning Dialogs (Item #119037)Pro Tools 8.0.3 adds a new “Don't Show This Again” option to some common error and warning dialogs. By checking this box in the error dialog, Pro Tools will no longer post that specific dialog or warning. Once checked, this setting is saved with the system. The list of dialogs which have been chosen can be cleared/reset at anytime in Setup > Preferences > Display by clicking the Reset button next to Reset “Don't Show This Again” Settings.Shortcuts for Certain Functions Not Operating (Item #119423)Keyboard shortcuts to toggle Remote Mode on/off, and to toggle LTC generation on/off, have been added.• To enable/disable Remote Mode, press Ctrl+Opt+Cmd+J (Mac) or Ctrl+Win+Alt+J (Windows).• If using an ICON, use the 9-pin Remote switch.• To enable/disable LTC Generating (GEN LTC), press Ctrl+Cmd+J (Mac) or Ctrl+Win+J (Win). Preference for QuickTime Playback Priority No Longer Needed (Item #117243)The Preferences > Operation setting for QuickTime Playback Priority has been removed (contemporary CPU performance makes it no longer necessary). Sound Designer 2 Session file format (Mac only)  Due to our adoption of a more modern disk subsystem, Pro Tools 8.0.3 will no longer support the Sound Designer 2 (SD2) Session format on Mac. Pro Tools will no longer have the ability to create new SD2 sessions, and you will be prompted to convert legacy SD2 sessions to WAV on open (the same behavior which occurs on Windows-based Pro Tools systems). Pro Tools will still be able to preview SD 2 audio files, import and convert them to a supported format, and bounce/export to SD2.The last item although now a major surprise will be a pain for Mac users with SDII sessions archived away. It will mean it will take longer to get an old session back up and running.

A while back SonicPete asked an interesting question in this thread on the DUC...Is there a way to display my timecode counter via my Video out Firewire (using Mojo)?  I occasionally work with QTs without any timecode burned in and I need to display the TC counter to voiceover artists. Is it possible to get the "Big Counter" to show up through my Video Firewire out?Pro tools 7.4 HD192 interfaceSYNC interfaceMojoJFreak replied....don't know about the firewire output, but if you have a 2nd monitor for the artist, then you can output big counter on that monitor instead of the main monitor. not what you asked, but a good workaround nevertheless...Frank chipped in saying...Not possible with a mojo but with the video running on a DVI-out. But the sync has a TC-burn-in feature when you route the composit-signal through it. Check the sync i/o manual for how to set this up.kptkar suggested a different tack...Insert Time Code text with QTSyncI looked at QTSync here back in April. FajitaTone then also suggested...composite out of mojo to video in of Sync, video out of sync to TV video in.Enable burn-in window in sync prefsselect generate TC, put PT onlineyou now have burn in on the display and not permanently in the movie.

Here is a thread from the DUC for all you PC users..djkrayz asked….I am looking into purchasing a SFX Database program for my home setup which is Pro Tools 8 LE on a Windows 7 PC. From my research I have come across:BaseheadNetmix ProSoundminerI have used Netmix but it was pretty buggy from my experience and that was on an HP with XP installed on it.I have used Soundminer on Mac and that is a smooth and clean program, but I am wondering what it is like on the PC.Any recommendations or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.mix109 replied…Dont have any experience with NetMix,but IMHO BaseHead on both ProTools and Nuendo systems,works and plays along really wellNoiz2 added…When I was looking a few years back NetMix had some issues and wasn't very fast. Haven't tried Basehead (I think it's Windows only? - and I'm on a Mac). Soundminer has been great. Very fast and flexible. It's also becoming somewhat of a standard in post. Good support and it's developed by folks who actually edit sound. Sorry to sound like an ad, but I am a very happy customer.That said I'm on a Mac and on Windows YMMV.Brandonx1 added…When I was looking a few years back NetMix had some issues and wasn't very fast. Haven't tried Basehead (I think it's Windows only? - and I'm on a Mac). Soundminer has been great. Very fast and flexible. It's also becoming somewhat of a standard in post. Good support and it's developed by folks who actually edit sound. Sorry to sound like an ad, but I am a very happy customer.That said I'm on a Mac and on Windows YMMV.I use soundminer on windows 7 64 bit and it's working well. I've used others like netmix and came running back to soundminer.Henchman simply said…Save yourself a pile of dough and get Basehead.Brandonx1 came back….Soundminer isn't that much more and you can be learning the software most post houses are using.Djkrayz came back and said…Thanks for the feedback I am gonna try and see if there is a demo available for Soundminer for Windows and give it a shot.S0und80v advised…I would actually take Henchman's advice, i've heard Soundminer isn't that great on a PC and is a bit buggy.

This is an interesting thread that has been on the DUC recently and relates to the best way to use Izotope's RX noise reduction software. Do you use it as an RTAS /AudioSuite plug-in or do you use it in stand alone mode, and if so, how do you get files back and forth between the Izotope application and Pro Tools.... abayman65 asked…Wondered if anyone can help. I read a thread a while ago about using the standalone version, and workflow within Pro Tools - but couldn't find it!Ive been consolidating clips within Pro Tool then dragging the file into Rx. What I hoped it would do is update the file in Pro Tools once Id processed and saved it in RX - it doesn't update, so I have to save a copy and then import the new file. (which is a pain in the ass!). Anyone shed any light on a better way of working Rx and Pro Tools together. (without using Rx as TDM or RTAS but as standalone)?ThanksOriginalscottyg replied…Here is a workflow I developed for myself, maybe it will help.This workflow is more suited to unsupervised dialog cleanup type sessions because it can be a bit time consuming, especially when closing and re-opening large PT sessions. Also, this only works with mono files as RX will load in dual mono files, but insists on saving them as interleaved for some reason.1. Create a sub-folder inside your session folder called RX Pre-Process Backups.2. Identify the parent file(s) you would like to process in the PT region list.3. Close the Pro Tools session4. Drag a copy of these files from your Audio Files folder to the RX Pre-Process Backups folder.5. Open RX standalone and open the files to be processed from the Audio Files folder.6. Process the files as you wish in RX standalone, then save, but do not Save As.7. The newly processed file should be in the Audio Files folder, and the un-processed backup of the file should be in the RX Pre-Process Backups folder.8. Delete the Fade Files from your PT Fade Files folder.9. Re-open your PT session, select Re-generate missing Fade files without searching.10. All regions derived from the processed parent file should playback with the correct processing.11. To see the processing reflected in the waveform overview, select those regions in the timeline or the parent file in the region list and select Recalculate Waveform Overview from the Region List drop-down menu.Hope this helps. It saves me a lot of time when I have many regions derived from the same parent files. Plus I get to use RXs spectrograph when using Hum Removal, which I find very helpful.Jimlongo added…When dealing with dialog, I usually just export the region as a file to the desktop (or some folder). Open it in Rx and Save. Then just drag the fixed file back into my Protools session. Might have to copy some automation, redo some fades, but you don't have to close the session. Does require a way to monitor Rx.Felix Rost posted…1. select and consolidate/duplicate the desired audio in PT.2. open FINDER, locate the audio files folder of your session, sort by modification time, you'll find your consolidated file there.3. Drag file to RX, fix it, save or close file4. the region in PT now reflects your changes. recalculate waveform if you needMatt-o- added…I assume, as I work exactly as you describe, and experience the same problem, it could have something to do with the disk-cache.- When you close and open the session, after modifying the file in RX, ProTools opens correctly the altered file.- When you duplicate the file a 2nd time, it reflects the changes, also when you create a fade.- Although the recalculation of the waveform works visually, the playback still plays the original - which leads me to the assumption it could have something to do with the disk-cache. I switched the disk-cache to the lowest setting, but could not find out till now, when the file no longer plays back from the cache, but is read newly.Originalscottyg responded…Just to clarify, it is not totally necessary to close the PT session, but if you leave it open, you may not hear your changes right away unless you trash the fades files and the wavecache file. I am not sure what the result of trashing the wavecache while the session is open would be.That being said, I would not use this workflow on a large feature mix. It does, however, work really well for doing Documentaries and other projects where there are a lot of regions scattered throughout the timeline that are from the same parent file, as all regions will be updated by processing the parent file once in RX standalone.

I am an audio dubbing editor & mixer and a Digidesign Pro Tools specialist with a growing experience in 5.1 surround. I work in radio, TV sound, and 'new media' and I am committed to high quality in all areas at an affordable price.

Vedat has announced on the WaveRider thread on the DUC that v1.4.3.1 is now available... It's a free upgrade to existing users. This version brings Snow Leopard compatibility and a minor modification to low level handling.More major improvements are on the horizon. I wonder what the major improvements are. He is clearly not put off by Waves' Vocal rider.

The 25% discount is valid until 
December 31, 2009.The Analog Code® Vitalizer® plug-in is available for MAC and PC in all main formats: TDM, RTAS, VST and AU. A VENUE version is already available, too! In December, you can save $50 off the purchase of any Power Suite 5, Master Restoration, or Tube Saturator plug-ins by using the following coupon code in Wave Arts online store: CPN2654324128 • Save $100 on Power Suite or Master Restoration with this code: CPN7923406806 • $100 off Custom Couple: (select any two Power Suite plug-ins): CPN3192573475 • $100 off Custom Trio: (select any three Power Suite plug-ins): CPN8461695690 This sale does not apply to upgrades or educational discounts. $50 individual plug-in discount applies to plug-ins priced $99.95 or higher. Happy holidays from Wave Arts ! 

Flux have a stunning set of special offers this winter, take a look....Flux:: Pure Series Plug-ins ( Promotion -50% )Pure Compressor II, provides a wide range of compression from ultra clean subtle compression, to effect-like classic heavy pumping. It's all up to your artistic choices, not to the technical limitations!Pure Compressor II, Product PagePure DCompressor II, allows you to restore the original dynamics of a sound and  reverts your signal to a more natural state. A very useful tool when working with heavily compressed material.Pure DCompressor II, Product PagePure DExpander II, enhances the low levels of the processed material and with Flux:: Angel's Share algorithm the organic character is maintained even during heavy processing of the material.Pure DExpander II, Product PagePure Expander II, produces a wide range of expansion processing from subtle expansion to hard noise-gate. Flux:: exquisite Angel's Share algorithm allows you to remove unwanted noise or reverberation without adding any undesired processed character to your sound.Pure Expander II, Product PagePure Limiter II, provides transparent limiting, a dramatic increase of the average audio level can be achieved without damaging the perceived audio quality. Unless you use it as a special effect, Pure Limiter should always be the very last stage of your audio processing chain.Pure Limiter II, Product Page Flux:: Pure Pack Bundle ( Promotion -50% )The Pure Pack bundle contains all the five Pure Series plug-ins in one single bundle offered at an unbeatable price considering the quality and the range of plug-ins included.Pure Pack, Product Page Flux:: Epure II EQ ( Promotion -50% ) (Available in TDM version too)The Epure II, a five-band equalizer providing the most superior quality achievable in digital equalizing processing. Up to eight channels and four MS encoders/decoders all routable using an internal I/O matrix.Epure II, Product Page Flux:: Mastering Pack ( Promotion -30% ) The Flux:: Mastering Pack bundle features Solera II Dynamics Processor, Epure II EQ and Pure Limiter II.The Mastering Pack plug-ins are used in the daily work of a lot of professional mastering engineers around the worldMastering Pack, Product Page Flux:: Recording Pack ( Promotion -30% )The Flux:: Recording Pack Bundle features Epure II EQ and all of the Pure Series plug-ins, making a truly versatile and comprehensive set of eq and dynamics processors providing you with you the best recording and mix tools for each task at a very advantageous price.Recording Pack, Product Page

I always remember the hardware version of this plug-in with affection when I worked at The Cutting Rooms in Manchester. I would often use it to open up a mix and spend some time trying to recreate one unsuccessfully. When now it would look as if I don't as it is now available as a plug-in.  This is from the press release...Sales start: December 7, 2009Download your demo version now:SPL DEMOS & DOWNLOADSThe Analog Code® Vitalizer® plug-in is available for MAC and PC in all main formats: TDM, RTAS, VST and AU. A VENUE version is already available, too!The Vitalizer is a unique and comprehensive tool to add character and life to any music production. All different models together, the hardware version was sold more than 30.000 times. Now we have transferred this legendary, patented filter technology for sound optimizing to the digital domain. Using the latest component modeling methods, the unique Analog Code sound quality is simply amazing.Special FeaturesPatented technology for automatic sound optimizingVery easy to useBass, mid and top end processingUnmasking of overlapping soundsAdjustable soft and tight low frequency soundsIdeal sounds patterns for electronic sounds/genres Mono, stereo or multi-channel operationApplicationsSuitable for recording, mixing, mastering or playbackProcess single tracks, sub groups or sum signalsAdd presence and transparency to mixesEmphasize the sound character of instruments Create impressive sounding lowsSeparate several low signals effortlesslyIncrease loudnessRestore old recordingsGive intensity to sound effects (samples)Improve spatial impressionSales start: December 7, 2009Download your demo version now: SPL DEMOS & DOWNLOADS

Nucelat has created this great thread which they are updating as folk post comments. Well worth bookmarking it and checking back as it gets even better.Pro Tools video Output options:1. QuickTime to desktop monitor (1st or 2nd monitor port, with or without DVI-video adapter)System requirements:Any Mac or PC with a secondary DVI or equivalent monitor outputPROS: Cheapest solution. Low latency. Good quality when DVI or VGA is used. Handles most codecs quicktime can play back. CONS: You only have one monitor left for Pro Tools. Uses CPU for video decoding, thus less power available for other tasks (such as RTAS). Output only. Does not output a native video signal: may cause visible tearing due to refesh rate not equal to frame rate. (see Post #2)PRICE: Adapter 19 US$ from Apple + cablefor example:http://store.apple.com/us/product/M8754G/Ahttp://store.apple.com/us/product/M9267G/ANote: If you're on a Mac Pro or G5, you could use a Matrox DualHead2Go on your primary DVI output to connect one more monitor, but it's not approved by Digi. 2. Canopus converter (ADVC110 is the most popular and approved by Digi)System requirements:Any Mac with Firewire port (Firewire 400). FW 800 to FW 400 adapter cable may be needed. Should be used in a dedicated Firewire 400 bus, not in the same bus as interfaces or audio hard disks.PROS: Cheap hardware. Controlled latency (about 18 quarter frames) . Captures SD analog video in DV format as a bonus (using third party application). Frees CPU from video decoding. CONS: Mac only. Video must be available in DV format. SD only. Composite or S-Video output only. Irregular and unpredictable sync (see Post #2)PRICE: about 200 US$http://www.grassvalley.com/products/...ssional_family3. Avid MOJO SDISystem requirements:Any Mac or PC with Firewire port (Firewire 400). FW 800 to FW 400 adapter cable may be needed. Must be used in a dedicated Firewire 400 bus, not in the same bus as interfaces or audio hard disks.PROS: Direct Compatibility with Avid video files (MXF). No latency with avid video. Captures video directly into Pro Tools session in sync. Frees CPU from video decoding. CONS: Quite Expensive. SD only. Struggles with codecs other than Avid's.PRICE: 2500 US$http://shop.avid.com/store/product.d...888651148247524. Digidesign Video Satellite LESystem Requirements:Main system must be Pro Tools HD. Needs a second computer dedicated exclusively to video output. Connects to the main PT system via Ethernet.Secondary computer could be a Mac Mini, but then you're stuck with the drawbacks of desktop video quality. For best performance, secondary computer should be a Mac Pro with a Decklink HD card. (see Post #2)PROS: Dedicated, stable, scalable and flexible solution from Digidesign. Frees main CPU from video decoding. CONS: Relatively Expensive, hassle of second computerPRICE: Mac Mini+ Mbox micro + Video Satellite = aprox. 1200 US$PRICE: Mac Pro + Decklink HD +Mbox Micro+ Video Satellite = aprox. 4200 US$http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?...4&itemid=366825. Avid Video Satellitehttp://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?...00&itemid=6362Please see Post #6 http://duc.digidesign.com/showpost.p...29&postcount=66. Chase video deckSystem requirements:Pro Tools System with Machine Control abilility and of course a pro video deck.PROS: You can use professional deck for direct playback and layback. No capture or conversion needed.CONS: Very specific workflows. Tape-based, linear. Additional wear of deck heads. Downside when editing: forward-selecting to picture is not possible because PT only outputs positional info when selecting backwards. (Post #8)PRICE: You don't want to know the price of a digibeta deck.Notes:The Rosendahl Bonsai Drive can be used as a standalone non-linear VTR, eliminating the drawbacks of tape-based decks. SD only.7. Blackmagic PCI CardSystem Requirements:Any Mac Pro with a free PCI-e slotPROS: Very good price/performance. Digi approved solution. Accepts all Quicktime-playable codecs. Very good video quality. Controlled latency.CONS: It uses CPU Power for video decoding. Does not capture into Pro Tools or handle Avid video, unlike Mojo.PRICE RANGE: from 200 US$ (Intensity) to 1000US$ (Decklink HD Extreme)http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/8.Virtual VTRThird party software installed on a secondary Macintosh computer for dedicated video playback and recording."Can be externally controlled via Midi, Sony 9-Pin protocols or TCP/IP, and can also synchronise playback, chasing timecode, even in multi-channel configurations."PROS: Basically the same as Video Satellite LE CONS: Basically the same as Video Satellite LE, Mac OnlyPRICE: Software is around 1000 US$http://www.virtualvtr.com/vtrgeneraloverview.html-Please someone elaborate if inaccurate-I hope that this will serve as a useful reference for all PT users that need to output video.

Sonnox left behind the Sony Oxford Restoration Bundle when they parted from Sony to become Sonnox. I really rated the Sony Oxford Restoration Bundle as you can read here and here in my reviews for Sound on Sound. Well clearly those nice people at Sonnox have been busy behind closed doors developing their own Restore Bundle and it is out now. This from their web site... Sonnox Restore is a suite of three plug-ins - Oxford DeClicker, Oxford DeBuzzer and Oxford DeNoiser - designed to accurately restore audio recordings that are impaired. Restore represents a quantum leap beyond previous restoration plug-in technology with its advanced algorithms and novel features that allow fast and extremely effective removal of pops, clicks, crackles, scratches, hum, buzzes and extraneous background noise from virtually any recording. Capable of exceptionally high quality audio repairs, the three plug-ins are intuitive and easy to use, with each interface providing detailed graphical feedback, benefiting the user by saving time which of course is critical in the post-production process. They have also produced this promotion video too... Also there is news for owners like me of th Sony Oxford Restoration bundle... If you are the registered owner of any of the following Sony Restoration Tools licences, Sonnox offers the opportunity to surrender your Sony Restoration Tools licence in exchange for a Sonnox Restore licence, for a discounted price. PTLRESTG2 iLok licence name "Oxford Restoration - RTAS" PTLRESTG3 iLok licence name "Oxford Restoration Native" PTLRESTG4 iLok licence name "NATRESTG4" NATRESTG4 iLok licence name "NATRESTG4" The full retail price of the Sonnox Restore is £1,195 (GBP) and the discounted price when accompanied by the surrender of a Sony Restoration Tools licence is £895 (GBP) This exchange offer is available until February 28th 2010