Minnetonka have released a Dolby E Encoder and Decoder plug-in that supports a number of digital audio workstations including Pro Tools.This from the Press Release...SurCode for Dolby E Encoder is now shipping for Pro Tools workstations and provides faster than real-time Dolby E encoding directly from the timeline. Dolby Metadata can be generated, imported or used from templates, all via a simple user interface.SurCode for Dolby E Encoder and Decoder are available as an AudioSuite or RTAS plug-in for Mac or Windows Pro Tools Workstations, while SurCode for Dolby E Decoder is also available for qualified VST hosts (such as Nuendo, Pyramix, Fairlight or Sequoia). All available formats are part of the one Encoder or Decoder license.SurCode for Dolby E Encoder and Decoder is a complete Dolby E application suite and provides quick processing and management of file-based Dolby E assets and metadata on your digital audio workstation or to and from tape.Features:Faster than real time encodingWrites Dolby E WAV files and supports all Dolby metadataInput Frame Rates: 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97 & 30 fpsSupports all Dolby E encoder program configurations including 5.1 + 2Dolby E bit depth: 24, 20 or 16 bitFlexible channel routing, per-program configurationDolby E Metadata import: browse or drag & drop from WAVE files containing DBMD chunk or XML filesDisplay and update Dolby E and per-program metadataActivation: PACE ilok (not included), one license per instanceYou can also read a Dolby E FAQ on their site.SurCode for Dolby E Encoder retails for $3,495, but is also part of a bundle that includes both SurCode for Dolby E Encoder and Decoder for $5995.These do appear to be expensive plug-ins on the face of it but when you compare them to the price of the Dolby hardware they replace it doesn't seem so bad.

I don’t know about you but I find it really annoying when I have a Waves plug-in open and start to make settings changes I can’t use some of the keyboard commands like Tab! Well there is a solution, well in fact two solutions.Hit the Return key on the keyboard once and it will take the focus from the plug-in window and bring it back to the main Edit window so you can use Tab etc.The other option is to use the Esc key but in both cases remember to only hit the Return or Esc key once. If you hit the Return key again it will take you back to the start f the session! If you hit the Esc key again it will revert to its normal mode of toggling round the Tools.

Digidesign have announced that Pro Tools 8.0cs2 updates for all versions of Pro Tools 8.0 are now available for download from the Pro Tools CS Updates page in the Support section.From the technical bulletin….In addition to previous fixes from Pro Tools 8.0cs1, Pro Tools 8.0cs2 includes the following:All Platforms (HD, LE, M-Powered, Mac & Windows)Fixed: Regions were inadvertently deleted and Pro Tools crashed when opening sessions which had their session start time changed. You may have seen any of the following errors prior to the crash: "Could not complete the close session command because basic_string::_S_create" or "Bus error" in thread "Main Thread", at address 0x0."Fixed: Crash when moving an automated plug-in from inserts F-J to inserts A-E while the automation lane for one of the plug-in's parameters is visible.Fixed: When using inserts F-J, plug-in automation written to one plug-In will overwrite other automation or be erased. Previously existing automation was overwritten (or erased if the "Plug-In Controls Default to Auto-Enabled" preference was checked) after saving, closing and reopening the session.HD & LE Only (Mac & Windows)Fixed: With a surround send, pan automation got stuck in one channel on playback when sends were assigned to a bus sub-path and used the "follow main pan" function, send pan automation may have got stuck and not play back dynamically. This applies to Pro Tools HD users, and Pro Tools LE with Complete Production Toolkit users only.Fixed: Avid video playback was offset by pre-roll amount when Pro Tools was online, when chasing time code and simultaneously playing back Avid video via Mojo, Mojo SDI, or AVoption|V10 hardware, setting pre-roll in Pro Tools would cause picture to be offset by the pre-roll amount. Additionally, video playback would stop before the end of the video clip.HD, LE, M-Powered Mac OnlyFixed: Magic ID error when sessions were opened. In certain cases sessions would not open due to the following error: "Could not complete the Open Session command because magic ID does not match while translating Session Window Config." This error was more likely to occur in tandem with very large track counts (~100) and long (>1 hour) recordings.Fixed: Mouse offset and general GUI problems with third party plug-ins such as Addictive Drums or UVI Workstation would not function correctly under Pro Tools 8. Mouse clicks were vertically offset and parts of the plug-in GUI would not draw correctly.HD Mac OnlyFixed: Logic 8 crashes when DAE and Pro Tools HD hardware were used. Logic Pro 8.x would unexpectedly quit when attempting to record audio via Pro Tools hardware and DAE.It is nice to see that they have picked up on the problems reported on the DUC regarding the GUI problems with some third party plug-ins that I commented on back on 22nd January 2009.It is also interesting that they have even fixed a Logic related issue. Well with all these fixes I am off to download it, what about you?

Hitachi have announced they have acquired Fabrik the company whose brands include G-Tech that focuses on content creation professionals and the A/V market; their products cater to Mac users, with FireWire connectivity and product designs that complement pro Mac models. From the press release… Fabrik’s business will continue intact and form the core of Hitachi GST’s newly-formed external storage business. Hitachi GST will fully support the G-Technology and SimpleTech product lines, building upon their success and differentiation in the market. The combined company will also leverage operational, technical and product development resources, distribution channels and global reach to accelerate delivery of a full portfolio of traditional hard drives, solid state drives and branded personal and professional storage products.It is interesting that Hitachi who acquired the IBM drive business back 2003 has now bought Fabrik giving it access to the retail drive market something Seagate has done by buying Maxtor in 2005. I do hope that Hitachi don’t mess with the G-Tech brand and range as they are one of my preferred drive options for Pro Tools as they have Oxford chipsets in them and a reasonable warranty support.

Smart AV has announced that it's latest Tango software now controls Pro Tools.There was understandably quite a bit of interest when this unit first came out but it largely passed me by as until now it didn’t support Pro Tools.The biggest plus for it is that it has a touch screen as well as hardware controllers.From the press release….The powerful large touch screen interface of Tango with its user configurable Virtual Editor, combined with the power of MonARC makes Tango the most powerful and effective third party controller for Protools.Says Joe Narai, Smart AV CTO, "Like all 3rd party developers we have had to battle the limitations of the HUI/Protools interface, but in the circumstances we are very pleased with what we have achieved. Certainly initial customer feedback is very positive"Tango has the latest touch screen technology as well as the unique ARC Technology developed for the Smart Console. Tango controls Pyramix, Nuendo, Logic, and Cubase direct as well as Protools through HUIA combination of Features, Technology, Ergonomics, and Quality that will blow your mind, but not your budget. At an introductory price of US$7,990 Tango is real value for the audio professional and home user alike. We have combined patented ARC Technology with a huge 22" wide (16:9) touch screen to produce the most versatile and intuitive workstation controller yet.See this video to get a feel for how it works. I am not sure I would call just short of $8,000 as something that won’t blow the budget but looking at the video it does seem to be possibly a useful tool. I would want to know how well the Pro tools integration is especially when you bear in mind that Digidesign have removed the support for non Digidesign controllers. The drivers for them is in the Unsupported folder on the installer discs and it would appear if the Tango uses the Mackie profile to interface with Pro Tools. We will see if I can get my hands on one and see how well it works with Pro Tools.

I reviewed this software back in May 2006 in Sound on Sound and it was clearly going to be an excellent replacement for ISDN for handling remote sessions as long as you have a good internet connection with good bandwidth. It has come on since them and it would be good to see how well it performs on my ‘domestic’ internet connection now. This is from their latest newsletter…Source-Connect 3.1 is a major feature update to the ultimate solution for perfect quality, low latency, IP based, real-time collaborative recording for connecting remotely. The introduction of Source-Connect 3.0 with Auto-Restore and Auto-Replace overcame the quality issues that IP streaming can encounter, while simultaneously delivering vastly superior audio quality compared to ISDN. The 3.1 update makes the entire process easier and even more reliable. Included with this update is Source-Connect Pro for Pro Tools and Source-Connect Standard for Pro Tools, Audio Units and VST. All versions of 3.1 are fully compatible with each other and backwards compatible with Source-Connect 3.0, however we highly recommend that everyone update to version 3.1. This update is free to all current users.NEW FEATURES INTRODUCED WITH 3.0New Restore feature insures flawless recordings regardless of internet congestionNew Replace option automatically replaces/conforms edited timeline audio from the real time codecNEW FEATURES INTRODUCED WITH 3.1Export session. You can now export an entire session as an mp4 or wavAuto-Restore and Replace over VPN is now available.Massive overhaul of 3.0, including stability and ease-of-use feature updates.For more info about Source-Connect 3.0For more info about Source-Connect 3.1

EditingUse 'Command+E' to place a 'spice' at the cursor position.Also use 'Command+E' with a 'selection' to separate it into a region with one click. Use 'Command+T' to delete everything else around it as far as the next region boundaries. Great foe when you want just one clip from a larger region.'Shift+Tab' highlights from the cursor position to the next region boundary to the right.'Alt+Shift+Tab' highlights from the cursor position to the previous region boundary to the left.'Return' takes the cursor back to the beginning of the session. 'Shift+Return' highlights from the current cursor position back to the beginning of the session.'Alt+Return' takes the cursor to the end of the session. This is great for checking the duration of the session.'Alt+Shift+Return' highlights from the current cursor position to the end of the session.For more tips on Shortcuts take a look in my Sound on Sound articles.Hidden Keyboard Shortcuts in Pro ToolsUsing The Keyboard Focus shortcuts in Pro ToolsCreate Your Own Pro Tools Shortcuts and Macros

Plug in SettingsWhen you get a good plug-in setting remember to save it in the Root Settings folder for future use in other projects.Running out of steam...Even now processing power can be at a premium. If so then use a TDM version to audition the plug-in, then copy the settings to the clipboard, remove the TDM plug-in and highlight the regions you want to process and open the same plug-in as an AudioSuite version and paste the settings across and hit the Process button. For some more tips on getting the last drop out of your system take a look at my article on this in Sound on Sound.

Adrian Pennington from The Broadcast Magazine has reported on how consumer demand for a greater auditory experience to match high-definition visuals is helping to drive the rise of 5.1 multichannel audio. Although this isn't a specific Pro Tools related article it does highlight the growing use of 5.1 audio content especially with HD content. The article has been 'dumbed down' a little for general consumption but is of interest never the less.

TC is offering three new collections of these plug-ins especially tailored to the way you work while also offering you exceptional value for money along the way.The first collection, although called The Mastering bundle, is the most appropriate for us Pro Tools for Media folk and has the tools we are likely to want to use. It includes the MD3 Stereo Mastering package for the ultimate in mastering, Brickwall Limiter (see my review on TC's Brickwall Limiter in Sound on Sound); Unwrap for stereo to 5.1 upmixing (see my review of TC's UnWrap in Sound on Sound); and Master X3, the virtual incarnation of the industry standard TC Electronic Finalizer.The other two bundles are The Production bundle and Studio Complete.For more info on all these bundles go to the TC Electronic site.

Hi Folks, Its half term here in the UK this week so I am having some family time. Normal service will be resumed at the end of the week.Mike.

The BBC have just announced a second 5.1 dubbing suite, called "The Blue Threatre" following on from the first called "The Red Theatre" This is to support a growing demand for 5.1 mixing and to support the BBC’s HD channel requirements.A Digidesign Pro Tools HD system and an Icon D-Command control desk have been installed and the new 5.1 sound suite will connect to the existing second and fourth floor editing network as well as the East Tower Pro Tools suite, enabling full media transfer capabilities without the use of tape.In addition, a track laying room is also being upgraded to Pro Tools, enabling production teams to benefit from a complete integrated digital sound workflow. This facility, as well as providing standard track laying services, will also enable productions to deliver 5.1 on tighter budgets by providing a stereo to 5.1 upmixing service.For more information to to the BBC Post Production website.

I came across this video when I discovered that Waves have their own channel on YouTube. It is an interesting trick that could be used to soften an entry on an atmos as well as getting into a music clip.

Pro Sound News Europe have announced that Jed has left Digidesign amongst a sizable list of departures from other companies in the Pro Audio world at the end of January. From the article…. The departure of Jed Allen from the role of European sales director of Digidesign took many by surprise. As part of Digi's core team these past few years, he is widely perceived to have played a pivotal role in bolstering the company's presence in both studio and live markets, not least with regard to the VENUE live sound production environment. I have known Jed from the days when he was working for Digidesign UK with Chas Smith who went on to cover all international sales and marketing responsibilities for Digidesign and then Vice President and General Manager, Avid Video. Jed, on the other hand, became Manager of Digidesign UK and then more recently as Sales Director for Europe. I too am surprised that Jed has left and as yet it seems that Pro Sound News Europe are the only ones with the story.

On our site we have a range of free Pro Tools related help guides from a media perspective, like...Pro Tools basics, Importing CDs into Pro Tools, Burning Audio CDs with ToastOS X system maintenance. They are all downloadable in PDF format.Others in the pipeline are...Pro Tools Basics v8Importing into Pro Tools from flashcardsImporting into Pro Tools from iTunesPlease use the Comments to make suggestions for new guides or suggestions to make the existing ones better, Thanks.

You can now get a limited range of Waves products on interest free payment terms over 24 months. It is a great offer but a shame the range of products it is available on is so limited.Gold NativeSilver to Gold Native upgradeRenaissance Maxx TDM to Gold TDM upgradeDiamond Native to Mercury Native upgradeNever the less in this credit crunch time it is a relative pain free way of getting some more Waves plug-ins.For more info see this on the Waves Site.

RSI is often caused by frequent use of computer equipment and refers to several different medical conditions, which give the sufferer pain in the nerves, tendons and ligaments of the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, shoulder, neck, back and foot.I have come across a website dedicated to helping people of all abilities use computers. The Keytools website includes information for individuals and organisations, from preventing and treating repetitive strain injury (RSI) to advice on complying with the Disability Discrimination Act.The site includes a Flash introduction to RSI, alongside other videos, as well as information about common conditions associated with RSI.

This is a stunning piece of software from a small outfit called Raw Material Software, that mimics a broadcast PPM a plug-in and works, stand alone, VST plug-in or as a RTAS plug-in and all for £50. Take a look at PPMulator, there is even a free trial option so you can make sure it works for you The plug-in not only supports the ‘BBC’ scale but these other scales and metering standards that are in use around the rest of Europe too. IEC 269-10 Type I : Nordic N9IEC 269-10 Type I / DIN 45406IEC 269-10 Type IIa : BBC scaleIEC 269-10 Type IIb : EBU scale There is a guide on how to use PPMulator Plus in Pro Tools on our site.

Name TracksAlways name your tracks. It helps to keep track of what goes where and also helps to name files and regions more clearly as Pro Tools default region names are based on the track name. Name Regions.Always always name your regions as soon as you finish recording them and before you start editing it as you can't rename a file once you have started editing it. Re-naming trick You can't rename a region whilst it is recording, however you can rename it whilst you are recording the next one! I/O Settings Use I/O Settings so your inputs, outputs & busses are labelled with something useful.

When I need to deliver audition mixes or final mix files I use Apple's MobileMe service and a piece of software called FileChute.When I am done I drop the file into FileChute which zips up the file and uploads it to my MobileMe space and creates a link which I copy into an email to the client. All they have to do is click on the link in the email and that initiates a download of the file. Works superbly and the files are on 'my server' space and I have control over them.