DirectConnect™ Adds Synthesis & Sampling Power to Pro Tools

September 27, 1999 -- Digidesign's DirectConnect™ TDM plug-in marks the next step in sampling/synthesis integration for Pro Tools. DirectConnect allows up to 32 separate audio channel outputs from any host-based application, such as software-based synthesizers or samplers, to be independently routed, recorded, processed and mixed within the Pro Tools TDM mixing environment. This capability will be introduced in the form of a DigiRack plug-in, and included at no additional charge with every new Pro Tools system purchase.

DirectConnect provides a 24-bit audio path from a host-based application into Pro Tools, allowing the audio outputs of these applications to take full advantage of the fidelity and power of the Pro Tools TDM-based mixing environment, including complete automation and processing. A number of Digidesign Development Partners, including Bitheadz, Koblo, PropellerHeads, and Native Instruments, have announced DirectConnect-compatible versions of their host-based synths and samplers.

Along with today's SampleCell II Plus sample playback card and the upcoming Access Virus TDM plug-in, DirectConnect is a key enabler in fulfilling Digidesign's vision to make Pro Tools a synthesis and sampling powerhouse within a truly integrated audio production system. Pro Tools TDM-based systems now combine sampling, synthesis, sound design, MIDI sequencing, audio recording, editing, mixing and effects processing in a single environment. Planned availability for the DirectConnect TDM plug-in is late '99 for Mac OS, with Windows NT support to follow in mid '00. In addition to free bundling with Pro Tools TDM systems, it will be made available at no charge to customers through www.digidesign.com.

In addition to DirectConnect for TDM-based Pro Tools systems, a Real-Time AudioSuite (RTAS) version of DirectConnect will be released for Pro Tools LE host-based mixing systems, such as Digi 001 and Digi Toolbox XP. DirectConnect for these systems will be included with new shipments in early '00 for Mac OS systems, with Windows 98 support to follow in mid '00. The RTAS version of DirectConnect will be made available at no charge to current purchasers of Digi 001 and Digi Toolbox XP. DirectConnect for TDM-based Pro Tools systems and RTAS will be supported by Pro Tools v5.0 and Pro Tools LE v5.0, respectively.

For more information, visit Digidesign at www.digidesign.com.