Avid have announced the launch of the latest version of Pro Tools, delivering an array of new features that extend the DAW’s capabilities for music and post-production users alike. The headline feature is ARA2 support for plug-ins from iZotope, Synchro Arts and Sound Radix, but the update also brings with it a pair of new MIDI effects plug-ins, Dolby Atmos enhancements, Memory Location improvements and more.
ARA2
Thanks to the newly implemented ARA2 support, Pro Tools now boasts enhanced integration with a wider range of third-party plug-ins. Users of iZotope RX Spectral Editor can now work with the plug-in directly from the Pro Tools Edit window, and the same functionality also extends to Synchro Arts RePitch, VocAlign and Revoice Pro. The release also lines up with an update from Sound Radix, whose Auto-Align 2 and Auto-Align Post 2 now feature ARA2 compatibility with Pro Tools. Those with active subscriptions and upgrade plans will receive iZotope RX Spectral Editor and Synchro Arts RePitch Elements as part of the update.
MIDI Plug-ins
The MIDI plug-in line-up has been expanded thanks to a pair of new MIDI plug-ins from Mixed In Key: Captain Chords Lite and Human Lite. The former allows users to create chords in any key with control over inversions substitutions and passing tones, while the latter helps to add a more organic feel to quantised MIDI parts.
Other Enhancements & Improvements
Avid have also implemented numerous improvements to existing features, extending the DAW’s functionality and tackling a number of user requests. While adding the ability to filter out inactive tracks in the Import Session Data dialog, the company decided that a more drastic change was due, and set about redesigning the interface and providing a more comprehensive set of filtering options. The work also opened up new possibilities in the Edit window, which now boasts a larger selection of show and hide choices, as well as the ability to expand lanes that contain automation. As you might expect, all of the commands can be assigned to keyboard shortcuts.
Those working in Dolby Atmos benefit from new monitoring and custom live re-render formats, including a Stereo Direct option which makes it possible to audition a stereo representation of a mix without going through cascaded downmixes, and the ability to assign Binaual settings directly from the Edit and Mix windows. The Renderer window has also been kitted out with new settings for fundamental Dolby Atmos controls, and it’s now possible to bounce, commit and freeze signals from within the internal renderer.
Since Track Markers were introduced in Pro Tools 2023.6, continually improving the DAW’s Memory Location and Marker functions based on user feedback, and have refined the system to prevent certain key commands from targeting the Memory Location window instead of the Edit window, alongside a number of other adjustments that improve navigation.
There’s plenty more, too, and a full list of the changes can be found on the Resource Centre section of the Avid website. The company have also said the following regarding their recent updates:
Hopefully you have noticed some trends in our releases lately. We’re doing our best to deliver value as it becomes available, instead of waiting years for something that comes with all the bells and whistles. Not only that, but we are keeping a steady eye on the features we release and making needed adjustments along the way. We realise that it can be worrying if a new feature doesn’t include a desired piece of functionality, but hopefully this shows that each release is not the end. Thank you all for your continued support and feedback.
Compatibility
Pro Tools 2024.6 is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or above, and Macs running macOS 12.7 through 14.5.
Pricing & Availability
Pro Tools 2024.6 is available now, and is a free update to all users with an active subscription or a perpetual license and an active Upgrade Plan.
