Maximum Performance Guidelines for Pro Tools 5.3.3 HD Systems on Windows XP

Maximum Performance Guidelines for Pro Tools|HD Systems

With Pro Tools 5.3.3 on Windows XP

32-128 track performance with Pro Tools|HD systems requires the following configuration:

* Turnkey system with Pro Tools|HD installed:
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Compatible SCSI HBA card

Total System RAM:

  • Minimum 256 MB, 512 recommended

Additional RAM is required for:

  • High edit density sessions, extensive use of plug-ins and addition of options like MachineControl (384 MB recommended)
  • Sessions larger than the default track size — 384 MB minimum, 512 MB recommended
  • Default session sizes are 64 tracks at 44.1/48 kHz, 32 tracks at 88.2/96 kHz and 12 tracks at 176/192 kHz

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.