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Pro Tools' interface has been given a facelift.

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What else is new?

Inevitably, some new features are HD-only (improved ICON implementation say). However, the following are new to all versions of Pro Tools 8: increased waveform resolution (16-bit) and a choice of waveform styles; increased audio file size limit (3.4GB); support for QuickTime HD and SD formats (Mac-only); an option to open sessions with the plug-ins deactivated; new session templates; improved sound quality for Elastic Audio; pitch transpose of Elastic Audio regions; 10 inserts per track and a new Universe session overview bar.

The two most interesting additions are the new track compositing features and also track automation controller lanes. Pro Tools already allows you to handle multiple takes using playlists. This system has been extended to include a playlists track view that displays all your playlist takes in individual lanes. This can be created automatically if you're recording in loop mode, but you can also drag in previous takes from the region list.

Each region can then be edited, soloed and copied to a master playlist. There are various other options including region rating (one to five), and matching and filtering to find regions with similar attributes – all fives, say. It's all very reminiscent of Logic's Swipe Comping but, dare we say it, a lot more thorough.

Lanes also make an appearance within PT8's automation. In addition to switching the standard track view to show automation, you can use the lanes tab to add and remove automation and MIDI controller lanes. These are freely assignable to any automatable parameter or controller and you can resize them or shift them up and down just like normal tracks.

In use

Apart from the improved graphics, the first thing you notice about PT8 is the inclusion of session templates. At start up you can choose templates from categories such as Songwriter, Record + Mix and Music. These get you started down the path to, say, a recording, mixing or MIDI programming session. Some of the writing templates even include MIDI patterns within the Edit screen.

One of Pro Tools' strengths has always been its simple interface. Keeping things to two main screens – Edit and Mixer – is a longstanding feature. Adding both MIDI and Score windows changes that dynamic a bit, and that begs the question of how to arrange your working space?

This was something that dogged Logic and eventually Apple opted to copy Ableton's workspace approach. For PT8 we chose to split the screen, with Edit at the top and MIDI or Mixer at the bottom. Toggling windows using the key commands seems to work pretty well.