Window Configurations is a feature Digidesign added in all the way back with the v7.3 release of Pro Tools. Bur it is surprising how few people use it. Using Window Configurations in Pro Tools can really help to speed up your workflow and reduce clutter. In this video Russ shows you how.

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What do you you use Window Configurations for?

To start the ball rolling here are two ways I use them for...

When I am working on the tracking and mixing for a broadcast audio post-production job, I like to see the mixer on my right-hand screen, and will also keep open a small Video window, the plug-in window for my final mastering limiter, to check I am not driving it too hard, and my loudness meter, which helps me to manage the loudness and consistency of my mix. When it comes to the final lay-off, however, I prefer to have a large Video window, but I still need to have the two plug–in windows open, which inevitably means much more of my Mix window is covered up. The beauty of Window Configurations is that if I need to stop and make some changes, one keyboard combo will switch me right back to my tracking configuration.

One of the other great features of Window Configurations is that they can be set to apply only to one or two windows. For instance, when I am editing broadcast programmes I often use Audiosuite plug-ins to modify Clips, perhaps using a high-pass filter to tame pops. Previously, I would need to go into the AudioSuite menu, scroll down and select select the appropriate plug-in. Now, there's an alternative: a Window Configuration that just opens the correct plug-in window. You can do this by opening the plug-in window, creating a new configuration, and turning off the option to Include Edit, Mix, and Transport Display Settings. I find these especially useful when using plug-ins from brands like Waves where the pluu-n is say one of the Renaissance series as its name starts with the letter 'R', it is a long way down my Audiosuite EQ menu list!