Digidesign on Wednesday released Pro Tools 7 for Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE and Pro Tools M-Powered systems. Changes to the audio software include new music creation tools, such as Instrument Tracks, as well as non-destructive real-time MIDI processing and the ability to work with industry-standard REX and ACID files. In addition, performance was optimized to increase RTAS plug-in counts by as much as 150% on multi-processor computers.
Other improvements include the ability to group any combination of audio and MIDI regions together in arrangements, new region looping capabilities and groove input quantization, which alters the feel of MIDI tracks as theyire recorded. A new Zoom Toggle button provides quick access to an editor view mode while the new Link Track and Edit Selection options simultaneously apply track-level commands across multiple tracks.
Pro Tools 7 runs on Mac OS X v10.4 or Windows XP. Digidesign offers a variety of upgrade options through its resellers, including special deals available until Dec. 20. Free upgrades are available for those who purchased new Pro Tools|HD or Pro Tools LE systems, or upgrades to Pro Tools TDM 6.9.x or Pro Tools LE 6.9.x, on or after Sept. 1, 2005. The developer said it will contact Pro Tools M-Powered customers directly with upgrade information.