Maximum Performance Guidelines for Pro Tools|HD Systems
For Pro Tools 6.1 and Pro Tools|HD 1, HD 2, and HD 3 Systems for Windows XP
These computers are qualified to provide up to 128-track performance and full Pro Tools functionality with Pro Tools 6.1:
- HP Workstation xw8000
- Dell Precision Workstation 650
- IBM IntelliStation Z Pro - model 6221
- Compaq Evo Workstation W8000
Click on above links for important information about each CPU, including known issues with early HP xw8000 models.
Turnkey system with Pro Tools|HD installed:
- Carillon AC-1/HD
INT: Carillondirect.com | US: Carillonusa.com | CAN: Carilloncan.com
Compatible SCSI HBA card
System RAM Requirements
- 512 MB minimum required
- 1 GB (1024 MB) or higher recommended
1 GB or higher recommended for sessions with:
- Large amounts of audio, large DSP engines, high edit density, or large DigiBase databases
- Options like MachineControl and DigiTranslator 2.0
More RAM increases overall system and Pro Tools performance
Pro Tools-Qualified Hard Drives
As with all Pro Tools systems, drive performance depends on a number of factors, including track count, edit density, and the use of crossfades or processing like Beat Detective. For sessions with high edit density, we recommend the following configurations. Testing has been conducted using Digidesign's DigiDrives. Performance with other drives may vary.
SCSI Drives—Approximate Track Counts:
|
SCSI Drives
|
44.1/48 kHz
|
96 kHz
|
192 kHz
(No Chassis) |
192 kHz
(With Chassis) |
|
4
|
128
|
64
|
24
|
16
|
|
2
|
64
|
32
|
12
|
12
|
|
1
|
32
|
16
|
6
|
6
|
When using QuickTime movies with Pro Tools|HD systems, for reliable performance of 16 or more audio tracks, audio drives should be connected to a compatible SCSI HBA card, with video drives connected to a separate SCSI bus or IDE/ATA bus.
Apple QuickTime 6.0.2 or Higher Recommended
- Required only on systems using video
- AGP graphics card with 16 MB or more video RAM required for movie playback
- Available at www.apple.com/quicktime
Dual Monitor Systems
Pro Tools does not fully support true Windows "Separate Resolution" video modes for Windows systems with more than one VGA output. On systems with a dual port VGA card, the QuickTime Movie window displays an empty white box instead of the QuickTime Movie. However, Pro Tools fully supports dual monitor modes where Display Settings are routed to multiple monitors by the Windows operating system to create a single desktop. Consult your video card driver’s documentation on how to use dual monitor VGA cards without using "Separate Resolution" modes.