Pro Tools 10

The recording industry is always growing and evolving with the times and the software used in the industry is no different. Earlier this year I wrote a blog comparing and contrasting Pro Tools 8 and 9. Avid has recently released its newest edition of software, Pro Tools 10. Although not as innovative as Pro Tools 9 that introduced hardware free editing along with countless other new features that added to the value of the Avid software, Pro Tools 10 has various new features that make upgrading to the new version well worth the money especially if you are still using the older versions of Pro Tools such as 7 or 8.

There are two features that caught my attention right off the bat. First, the 32-bit floating-point bit-depth audio files, which prevents your audio from dithering down to 24-bit, this process adds noise and reduces the quality of sound. The updated AudioSuite processing allows for multiple AudioSuite windows to be open at once making it easier to edit clips (regions). Aside from those two features the new clip gain element of Pro Tools is a convenient tool used mainly for the post production side of Pro Tools allows for faster more efficient sound editing and optimization. They have also introduced real-time fades with Pro Tools 10 along with a new cross-fade winder for my exact editing.

According to Sweetwater, Avid has also introduced three new plug-ins for Pro tools 10:

Channel Strip plug-in

- Taken straight from the legendary System 5 console, this flexible channel-strip-style plug-in gives you a wide range of tone-shaping power.

Down Mixer plug-in

- Which gives you amazing summing that lets you easily take a multitrack session as complex as 7.1 surround and mix it down to 5.1, 2.1, stereo, or other channel configurations.

Mod Delay III plug-in

- Which lets you add fun and creative time-based effects. Simply put, these new plug-ins alone are worth more than the price of upgrading to Pro Tools 10.


Price to upgrade to Pro Tool 10:

Pottermore Revisited (Update)

A few months ago, I posted a blog about J.K. Rowling’s new creation Pottermore. In the post I stated that Pottermore would open to the public at the end of October as was announced by Rowling herself. Yesterday it was announced that because of beta testing and the input provided by the 1 million beta testers already on the site, Pottermore’s opening to the masses would be delayed. The creators of the site are planning on implementing several new features that would improve the site and its capabilities for its grand opening to the pubic.

For those not familiar with the new concept that is Pottermore, let me reiterate what it is. The Harry Potter series is a well-known and beloved book series that captivated audiences around the world and became one of, if not the best selling series ever. According to BBC News in 2008, the books sold over 400 million copies and have been translated into 67 languages. The films have also all been ranked in the top 50 highest grossing movies of all time with the final film taking the third sport with sales of over $1.3 billion (Box Office Mojo). 

J.K. Rowling, the author, decided to implement a new FREE website that brought the books to life and lets the audience interact with the characters and become part of the story. The site includes various games that integrate with the chapters and even sorts you into a house and you gain house points (Personally, I want to be in Griffindor). You also have access to your house common room, which allows for inter-house conversations and the great hall where you can socialize with other houses as well. Since there is a logical order to the books, you must complete challenges to move on to the next chapter or book. The site also requires you to purchase (with game earned money) books and all elements needed for a year at Hogwarts including a wand, making it seem like your are really getting ready to go to wizarding school.

As if that’s not enough, the author has included never before read content including character bios, for example, how Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon met and Professor McGonagall’s childhood. The site will also be the only place to purchase digital copies of all the Harry Potter books.

It was not specified when the site would be ready and available but we do know that when it is, it will be that much better.