Configuring & Controlling Pro Tools

Question 1

What dialogue box would you use to optimise Pro Tools’ host-based (RTAS) processing?

Answer 1

Playback Engine.

Question 2

How should you set the Hardware Buffer Size for recording?

Answer 2

Use low settings - Reduces monitoring latency.

Question 3

How should you set the Hardware Buffer Size for mixing?

Answer 3

Use high settings - Allows for more audio processing and effects.

Question 4

When should you enable RTAS Engine error suppression?

Answer 4

If frequent RTAS errors are interrupting your creative workflow.

Question 5

When should you make sure RTAS Engine error suppression is NOT active?

Answer 5

During a final mix.

Question 6

Why should you keep the CPU Usage Limit to 80% or lower when using Error Suppression?

Answer 6

Enabling RTAS Error Suppression with a CPU Usage Limit of 85% or higher may cause a slowdown in background CPU tasks, slow screen redraws, and potential unrecoverable overload of the computer.

Question 7

What dialogue box would you use to configure the hardware settings and controls for your connected audio interface(s)?

Answer 7

Hardware Setup.

Question 8

How would you specify the default sample rate for Pro Tools to use when you create a new session?

Answer 8

Select the desired sample rate in the New Session dialogue box.

Question 9

What footswitch functions are available for 003? (2)

Answer 9

Record punch-in/out.

Playback start/stop.

Question 10

Where do you select the footswitch function?

Answer 10

Hardware Setup.

Question 11

Name some control surfaces that are available for use with Pro Tools 9.0. (3)

Answer 11

Command|8.
003.
C|24.

Question 12

What is the difference between a control surface and an ICON worksurface, such as D-Control or D-Command? (2)

Answer 12

ICON worksurfaces add a level of functionality and control that cannot be accessed through the software alone. ICON also affords a level of visual feedback and customisation that cannot be duplicated on screen.

Question 13

What Pro Tools systems support ICON worksurfaces? (3)

Answer 13

Pro Tools + Complete Production Toolkit 2.
Pro Tools HD|Native.
Pro Tools HD.

Question 14

What kinds of switches and controls are available in the channel strips of a control surface such as the 003? (3)

Answer 14

Motorised, touch-sensitive faders.
Motion-sensitive rotary encoders.
Mute and solo buttons.

Question 15

What are the Arrow keys on a control surface such as the 003 used for? (3)

Answer 15

Banking the tracks displayed on the control surface.
Nudging the tracks displayed on the control surface.
Zooming in/out in the onscreen Edit window.

Question 16

How can you change the way the Arrow keys function?

Answer 16

Select function from Display switches above Arrow keys.