Avid has released the latest version of Pro Tools. 2021.3, which comes with a virtual MIDI keyboard, improvements to Dolby Atmos workflow, Dark Theme, HD Driver, Dynamic Transport, MIDI Output Assignments, Bounces to MOV file type as well as support for Apple Lossless (ALAC) and 2 free plugins for Pro Tools subscribers and support for macOS Big Sur.

Support For Pro Tools Sync X

Pro Tools 2021.3 includes support for the initial release of Pro Tools Sync X precision synchronizer.

Virtual MIDI Keyboard

A new MIDI Keyboard window has been added in Pro Tools 2021.3, which enables you to play MIDI notes from your computer keyboard. It can be found in the Window menu or opened using the shortcut, Shift+K.

Dark Theme Improvements

Based on your feedback, Avid has made numerous improvements to the Dark theme introduced in Pro Tools 2020.11. Changes have been made to the various clip states and edit selection treatment so that they are easier to tell apart. Other changes were made to improve overall visibility and usability across the entire application.

Dolby Atmos Improvements

There has been a number of Dolby Atmos workflow related changes made to Pro Tools 2021.3 including…

• Easier Setup of Stereo Objects - It’s now possible to automatically create stereo mapped objects based on the connected renderer input configuration. This can be done by selecting “Use Dolby Atmos Renderer (Stereo)” in the I/O Setup bus tab, and then clicking the default button. There is also an option for mono.

• Bed/Object Fold Down - Beds are now included in the fold-down path making it easier to monitor a rough mix when a Dolby Atmos renderer is not available.

• Always Fold Down - You can now choose to always enable the channel-based fold-down path for a Dolby Atmos mix. This is useful if you require a rough headphone mix for editorial while the main mix is fed through a renderer. It is also useful if a system does not have a renderer connected, and the mix needs to be monitored for non-mission-critical tasks.

• Faster ADM Bounces to Network Storage - A new preference has been added, called “Use Local Cache When Bouncing to Network Volume.” This significantly increases the speed of the bounce process in certain circumstances. It works by automatically bouncing to a local cache location when pointing the Bounce Mix window to a network volume. When the bounce completes, the cached file is immediately copied to the network location, and then the cache is cleared. While this was primarily designed to help bouncing to WAV (ADM BWF), it also works with WAV (BWF) when using the Single File Delivery Format option with multi-stem bounces.

HD Device Improvements

In order to support Big Sur, Pro Tools and the HD Driver have been updated to use modern interrupts (MSI). This change may also prevent or minimize conflicts with other PCIe devices on any supported operating systems. This will require a firmware update for both HDX and HD Native. The good news is that this firmware is backwards compatible with earlier versions of Pro Tools and HD drivers if needed.

Dynamic Transport Improvements

The ‘Dynamic Transport Follows Timeline Selection During Playback’ preference allows users to choose between two different Dynamic Transport behaviours…

• Enabled: When a timeline selection is changed, the playhead will immediately jump to a new timeline selection and begin to loop within the new boundaries.

• Disabled: When a timeline selection is made outside the current timeline selection, the playhead will continue to play without interruption.  Once the end of the selection is reached, the playhead loops within the newly selected range. If a timeline selection is made before the current playhead position, the playhead will not jump to the new selection.

Include Instrument/MIDI Output Assignments

A new option to save and recall MIDI Output assignments, on Instrument or MIDI tracks, has been added to Track Presets and Import Session Data.

Improved Zooming Performance on Network Storage

A new preference, ‘While loading waveforms, display in low resolution’ has been added to the Processing tab under the Misc section. 

When selected, Pro Tools will draw low-resolution waveforms temporarily to maintain performance until all the needed data is read from the cache. 

This prevents performance issues and improves responsiveness when working with network storage devices or older non-solid-state drives.  This preference is not selected by default.

Apple Lossless (ALAC)

Stereo M4A Apple Lossless (ALAC) files may now be imported and converted to the current session audio file format. This makes it easier to import files directly from your iTunes or Apple Music library.

Bounce Mix MOV Improvements

• Several stem formats have been added to the Bounce Mix window for the MOV file type. The available stem formats now include all of the following:

  • Mono

  • Stereo

  • 5.0

  • 5.1

  • 6.0

  • 6.1

  • 7.0

  • 7.1

  • 7.1 SDDS

• Audio only MOV bounce is now available.

• Bounce Mix to MOV is no longer considered a public beta.

Parallel Task Optimisation - UPDATED

The Parallel Task Optimisation is now available in Pro Tools Standard Software. It was previously only available in Pro Tools Ultimate. The default value of the preference has also been changed from ‘Off’ to ‘High.’ This preference speeds up certain actions by allowing Pro Tools to multi-thread certain tasks that appear in the Task Manager, such as Workspace indexing, waveform calculation, and Elastic Audio rendering.

Avid has released Pro Tools 2021.3.1 which included a fix because it turned out that this feature was not available in Pro Tools Standard. The 2 bugs fixed in Pro Tools 2021.3.1 are…

• The Parallel Task Optimizations preference is no longer missing from Pro Tools Software (PT-271772)

• Knife-edge automation will once again follow the edge of the clip boundary (PT-271659)

You can read more in our article Avid Pro Tools 2021.3.1 Announced - Resolves Two Critical Bugs.

Pro Tools Support For Windows 10, version 20H2

Avid has slipped a line in their Pro Tools System Requirements and Compatibility Knowledge Base article announcing that Windows 10, version 20H2 is now supported with the release of Pro Tools 2021.3.

Pro Tools Support For macOS High Sierra

With the release of Pro Tools 2021.3, Avid has dropped support for macOS 10.13.6 (High Sierra). If you can’t upgrade to macOS Mojave then we recommend that you do not upgrade to Pro Tools 2021.3

Pro Tools Support For macOS Big Sur

With the latest release, Avid has announced that all flavours of Pro Tools software, as well as Pro Tools Carbon, Pro Tools HDX, and Pro Tools HD Native hardware, can now be used with Intel-based computers running macOS Big Sur 11.2.3.

macOS 11 Big Sur Compatibility On Intel-based Apple Computers

With the release, Pro Tools 2021.3, the Pro Tools software, the included plugins, Pro Tools HDX & HD Native hardware, as well as Pro Tools Carbon are all compatible with macOS Big Sur on Intel-based computers.

However, there are some limitations that Avid are flagging up who include…

• Testing has shown that certain configurations may result in a higher incidence of playback errors. This is particularly prevalent with legacy MacBook Pros.

• Pro Tools MTRX and MTRX Studio owners need to be aware that because DADman software does not yet support macOS Big Sur, you should wait to upgrade your macOS until DADman is fully supported on Big Sur.

• You should wait until all your third-party plugins and other programs are officially supported for use with macOS Big Sur before updating to a new OS. You can check the status of your plugin and other software with our searchable macOS Big Sur Compatibility Database.

macOS 11 Big Sur Not Yet Compatible On Apple Silicon/M1 Computers

Although with the 2021.3 releases Pro Tools is now supported with Intel-based Apple computer, Apple Silicon owners need to be aware that Pro Tools software & hardware, Avid control surfaces are not yet officially supported on Apple silicon (M1) computers. The good news is that Avid is working with Apple to resolve known issues to be compatible in the future.

Advice On Upgrading To macOS Big Sur

With the release of macOS Big Sur, on Thursday, November 12th 2020, Apple retired Mac OS X (10) and replaced it with macOS 11. As the numeric change would suggest, this is probably the biggest change to macOS since Apple introduced Mac OS X roughly 20 years ago, especially when you consider the changes that come with the transition from Intel to Apple Silicon.

If you thought that the upgrade from macOS Mojave to macOS Catalina was a challenge with the dropping of support for 32-bit apps and code, then the change to Big Sur is going to more significant especially if you are coming from Mojave or earlier. That said, the creation of Rosetta 2 will help by enabling Intel coded apps and plugins to run in Big Sur on Apple Silicon computers.

If you want to learn more about how Rosetta 2 and Universal 2 will impact audio applications including DAWs and plugins then read our articles Apple Silicon - A Developer Helps To Explain The Impact and Apple Silicon - How This Will Affect You And Other Audio Professionals.

Check, Check And Check Again

We recommend that you search our database to see whether the software, and hardware that you use is compatible with macOS Big Sur yet. You should wait until all the DAW, plug-in and software brands that you use as well as peripheral manufacturers are also supporting macOS Big Sur 11 BEFORE you upgrade.

Don't Update In The Middle Of A Job

We always recommend that you leave any upgrade until you have some downtime. Experience has told us that upgrades are rarely straightforward, especially OS upgrades as they often have knock-on effects, so wait until you have time to fix the unforeseen problems.

iLok Is Supported - Other Copy Protection Systems May Not Be - Check First

PAce, the company behind iLok have given us this exclusive statement with regard to iLok and macOS Big Sur Compatibility…

“iLok License Manager and iLok services are all compatible with macOS Big Sur. We have tested extensively with the releases available since the developer releases came out. Our products currently work with Apple Silicon systems under Rosetta 2. Next year we plan to release a universal binary version that will run natively under Apple Silicon.”

Which Mac Computers Are Supported With macOS Big Sur

macOS Big Sur is compatible with most 2013 and later Apple computers, which includes some computers that are 7 years old. Here is the definitive list…

• MacBook Pro (Late 2013 and later)

• MacBook Air (2013 and later)

• MacBook (2015 and later)

• iMac (2014 and later)

• iMac Pro (2017 and later)

• Mac Mini (2014 and later)

• Mac Pro (2013 and later)

Note that Big Sur is NOT supported on the following Macs that are capable of running macOS Catalina…

• MacBook Pro (2012 and Early 2013)

• MacBook Air 2012

• iMac (2012 and 2013)

• Mac mini 2012

Pro Tools Subscribers Get Two Free IK Multimedia Plugins

The other big news from Avid regarding the Pro Tools 2021.3 release is that in partnership with IK Multimedia, Avid is giving all Pro Tools and Pro Tools Ultimate annual subscribers two plugins at no additional cost.

• With AmpliTube 5 SE you will get the sounds, feel, and vibe of legendary guitar and bass amps, speaker cabinets, stompboxes, racks, mics, and more.

• With T-RackS 5 SE, you will be able to mix and master your sound with a collection of analog-modeled compressors, limiters, EQ, reverb, tape echo, and other digital processors.

Who Is Eligible For These 2 Free IK Multimedia Plugins

This offer from Avid and IK Multimedia for AmpliTube 5 SE and T-RackS 5 SE is for Pro Tools ‘annual subscribers’. This means Pro Tools subscribers with an annual paid-upfront subscription plan or an annual paid-monthly subscription plan only.

Note that Pro Tools Perpetual Licence holders, even if you have a current upgrade plan and Pro Tools subscribers with a month to month subscription plan are not eligible for these two free plugins from IK Multimedia.

This is the first time that Avid has restricted a loyalty reward to users with a rental subscription license. It would appear from the Avid Loyalty Rewards page that all other loyalty rewards are available to users with a perpetual license and an active upgrade plan as well as all rental subscription users.

What Is Amplitude 5 SE

Nearly 20 years ago, AmpliTube pioneered single component modeling technology, going beyond the “black-box-modeling” approach of electronics.

IK debuted their Dynamic Saturation Modeling technology over 10 years ago, now IK’s Dynamic Interaction Modeling technology goes even further buy modeling the interactions and influence that each component has within the system and all of the variables that affect it. This approach is designed to produce the exact behaviour of the entire system in a non-linear and completely dynamic way.

The aim is to give you the pure authentic amp tone, you'd expect in the physical world.

Amplitube 5 SE Feature Summary

• Legendary guitar/bass gear on your Mac/PC - Captures the sound, feel and vibe of over 400 of the most sought-after guitar & bass gear ever.

• Developed with top brands & artists - Official gear from icons like Fender, Mesa/Boogie, Orange, Slash, Brian May, Joe Satriani and many more.

• Covers the entire signal chain - Stomps, amps, cabs, speakers, mics, rooms and rack FX all in one interface, all routed the way you want.

• All-in-one recording & performance studio - With an 8-track recorder + DAW, looper, tuner, practice tools and live features all in one.

• Powerful recording in your favourite DAW - Works as an AAX / VST / AU plug-in to create ‘killer’ guitar tracks anywhere.

• IK’s DIM™ and VIR™ technology has been designed to ensure AmpliTube ‘nails’ the tone and feel of every piece of gear like never before.

Learn More About Amplitude 5

Check out our article IK Multimedia AmpliTube 5 Guitar And Bass Tone Studio Updated

What Are The Differences Between V5 and 5 SE Versions?

You might be concerned that you aren’t getting everything that comes with Amplitude 5 so this table identifies the differences between Amplitude 5 and 5 SE…

What Is T-RackS 5 SE?

T-RackS 5 SE features 10 analog-modeled and digital processors designed to expand the power of your desktop-based recording rig with studio staples for every situation.

• 10 processors included

• Standalone workstation, plugin suite and single plugins for Audio Units, VST2, VST3 and AAX formats

• Custom Shop functionality lets you purchase additional modules from inside the program

• T-RackS shell allows for chaining of up to 16 processors

• Standalone integration with ARC System 3 processing

• All processors available as individual plug-ins

• 64-bit native support

• High-fidelity oversampling for high-quality audio processing through the entire signal path

• SCC™ technology coupled with IK’s unique DSM™ technology provides the most realistic software emulation of vintage gear to date

• Extremely easy to use, with style-based presets, full chain visualization, one-click single module or chain bypass, “compare” function and more

You can open the modules individually as plug-ins, for standard multi-track mixing duties, or connect up to 16 processors within the T-RackS shell to create professional effects chains, turn processors on and off, rearrange their order and perform parallel processing and much more.

Learn More

Check out our review of IK Multimedia T-Racks 5 Mastering Application & Master Match Module

What Do You Think?

There you have it, a raft of improvements including a virtual MIDI keyboard, improvements to Dolby Atmos workflow, Dark Theme, HD Driver, Dynamic Transport, MIDIOutput Assignments, Bounces to MOV file type as well as support for Apple Lossless (ALAC) and 2 free plugins for Pro Tools subscribers and support for macOS Big Sur, as well as a raft of bug fixes. Do tell us what you think in the comments below…