Today Avid has released Pro Tools 2020.3 with the long-awaited Folder Tracks, also a new updated Avid Video Engine, enabling you to be able to import non-MXF formatted videos into the latest macOS Catalina supported version of Pro Tools.

Folder Tracks

Avid has designed Folder Tracks to improve the organisation of your Pro Tools sessions and help to eliminate clutter and distractions on the screen, which ties in with Avid’s aim to continue to free your mind to work more productively without the distraction of numerous tracks and complexity on screen.

Here are just some of what you’ll be able to do with Folder Tracks in your session:

  • Organise tracks into collapsible folders (up to 8 layers)

  • Drag-and-drop tracks into folders with ease

  • Colour-code folders

  • Edit the folder itself, thereby automatically editing the “member” tracks simultaneously

  • The Basic Folder is designed for session organisation. You would put related tracks into a basic folder track so that they can be handled as a group

  • The Basic Folder Track functions include reordering tracks in and out of folders, open/close folders, and propagation of show/hide and active/inactive actions to member tracks.

  • The Routing Folder is designed to sum the audio of the member tracks. This, in addition to its organisational functionality, makes it a powerful tool for signal processing and mixing. You can convert Aux inputs in your existing sessions into Routing Folders, making it easier to take advantage of their organisational features.

  • Routing Folder Tracks allow audio signals to be routed through the folder for stem mix workflows. All Aux track functions, including inserts, sends, and automation are available on Routing Folders. Optionally, selected tracks can be automatically routed when moved into a new Routing Folder.

  • Solos and mutes on the folder will logically affect their member tracks, simplifying auditioning and mixing.

  • The Overview view on the folder timeline shows a simplified representation of all the clips on the contained tracks. It provides a bird’s eye view of the contents of each folder, serving as a visual guide for navigating and editing even when the folder is closed.

  • Edit all member tracks together as a group. Many edit commands are available when you make an edit selection on the folder’s timeline.

  • Edit selections made on folders are propagated to their member tracks, allowing one to easily edit clips across all member tracks. On open folders, all edit commands that are currently available on multi-track selections are allowed; A smaller core set of edit commands are available on closed folders and will allow users to perform many useful edits without having to open folders.

  • Use keyboard shortcuts to move tracks into new folders, open and close them, and extend edit selections to all member tracks with shortcuts.

  • Modifications keys make it easier to select folder members and open and close multiple folder combinations.

  • Folders with their nested members can be saved and imported as Track Presets, expanding the already powerful feature.

  • When sessions with folders are opened in Pro Tools versions earlier than 2020.3, Routing Folders turn into AUX tracks, while Basic Folders are simply dropped. Nesting is flattened. Avid tell us that they have designed Folder tracks so that the sound of your session will not change when opened on an older version of Pro Tools.

Folder Tracks In Pro Tools 2020

Avid has released 3 videos for Pro Tools 2020.3 covering Folder Tracks…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: Always check your system specs before updating. If you are on a current AVID support plan the installers should be available in your AVID account now.

Not on a current plan then get in touch with Mediaspec for the best deals: info@mediapsec.co.uk.

Stay safe and wash those hands.