The process of sample rate conversion happens either on its own or by your preference as you can choose the algorithm that Pro Tools uses to convert the sample rate. If the file was 32 bit then the conversion would chop off some binary information – the result? Loss of quality.Īnother example is when the audio you are trying to import has a different sample rate, in which case, sample rate conversion is necessary (denoted SRC in Pro Tools). For example, if you are working on a 24 bit, 44.1 kHz session and you want to import a 16 bit, 44.1 kHz WAV, that file will need to go through the conversion in order to get a bunch of zeros and ones stuck onto it and magically turn into 24 bit audio. Shortly, it is the process of changing format, bit depth and sampling rate in order to match the session’s parameters. Selecting Default Sample Rate Conversion Algorithm in Pro Tools Of course, if the file format is not native to Pro Tools conversion is also necessary. Otherwise, your file won’t play back correctly.

Whenever you are importing audio into Pro Tools you will need to do some file conversion in order to match the file’s parameter’s to the session’s. It is important to note that out of all these there is only one video format – the only one supported – MOV. Among the formats Pro Tools can convert are MP3, BWF, SD I/II, MXF, AIFL, MWA, MOV, AAC, M4A, REX, ACID. AIFF or audio interchange file format is a file format developed by Apple that is most commonly used in conjunction with Apple devices.Īpart from these, there are many other file formats that Pro Tools can work with. You will not be able to add these to your session but you can convert to WAV or AIFF using Pro Tools. WAV is short for waveform audio file format – catchy name, right? – and is a file format created by Microsoft and IBM as a standard for audio streaming on PCs. Audio & Video FormatsĪs I already mentioned there are two formats that are native to Pro Tools – WAV and AIFF. Throughout this article, we will take a look at formats and media import scenarios. What about video? Yes, Pro Tools can play video as well – you cannot create any video or do any real editing but you can add a video to your session. Pro Tools can recognize and convert mostly all audio formats. Pro Tools is not limited to working with just these two, however. However, what about those moments when you want to drag in your favorite drum sample? There are a lot of audio formats out there and out of all, only two are compatible with Pro Tools – WAV and AIFF. Recording MIDI and audio will take you a long way when it comes to having media to play with in your session.

Pro tools use