27 May 2021

The Future of Audio Interface-The New Pro Tools Carbon

The Future of Audio

Carbon is the new breed of Audio interfaces. This is the hybrid audio production system that features remarkable sound quality as it combines the power of your native CPU with onboard HDX DSP acceleration. Using this innovative audio interface, now you can easily push your computer to the limit when you record and mix through AAX DSP plugins along with near-zero potential monitoring – Everything in a single Carbon Pro Tool.

Let’s find out more about this incredible tool that will change the overall experience of the Audio Interface.

Smart Pro Tools integration:

It allows us to work seamlessly in creative environments and process AAX DSP plugins in real-time. which allows us to record with quality sound. Pro Tools 2020 presents an interface with a dark background that allows us to work comfortably in dim light environments.

New Hybrid Engine

The new Hybrid Engine allows users to push their CPUs to the limit when working with virtual instruments and mixing simultaneously. Allows users to record with AAX DSP plug-ins in real-time, with a monitoring latency of less than 1 ms, with the ability to easily switch with a DSP Mode button on each Pro Tools track, giving users the flexibility to choose from, when it comes to simplifying their recording and mixing workflow. So, they can focus on the music they are producing, not the tools they are working with.

Hybrid Engine maximizes Pro Tools performance by using your native CPU and HDX DSP processing at the same time. When you put a track in DSP Mode, Carbon throttles the AAX DSP plugins in real-time while your CPU plays the rest of your mix.

Characteristics of Carbon Audio Interface

- Smart integration with Pro Tools

- 1U space rack interface, with 25 inputs, 34 outputs, and 8 mic preamps

- Stereo operation (without surround) with simultaneous operation of 25 inputs at 48kHz, 17 inputs at 96kHz, and 13 inputs at 192kHz

- Front panel interface control without the need for added software

- Integrated micro talkback

- Hybrid system located between the Native version and the HDX (DSP), promising latency-free recording

- Includes DSP plugins from Brainworx, McDSP, and Purple Audio, as well as native plugins, Native Instruments, UVI, among others.

- Connection by AVB, logically it is only compatible with macOS

The next-generation Pro Tools Carbon interface is the ideal tool for producers, artists, bands. AVID has created an audio production system that captures all the nuances of audio while providing excellent performance.

Truly hybrid capabilities:

AAX DSP processing is the centerpiece of the Hybrid Engine, and it is the only plug-in architecture that provides truly hybrid capabilities. The AAX DSP offers a similar sound quality in both the native domain and HDX DSP acceleration, allowing users to toggle between DSP Mode while maintaining outstanding sound quality. It also allows music creators to disconnect Pro Tools Carbon easily to take their mixes outside of the studio or to collaborate with other creators who do not have the interface.

With its converters, dual-resolution clock, and the most transparent mic preamp design Avid has ever produced, Pro Tools Carbon has been meticulously designed so that when you hit the record button, every nuance of every performance is captured with the utmost depth, dimension, and clarity possible.

Some Feedback from the Professional Artists

Darrell Thorp, a 9-time Grammy Award-winning sound engineer for his work with artists like The Foo Fighters, Radiohead, and Beck, notes that “with integrated HDX DSP, Pro Tools Carbon offers incredibly low latency and puts it at your fingertips. I can have my AAX DSP plugins available on my recording channels and access them at any time. My way of working is extremely fast, so the fewer steps I have to think about, the better. Pro Tools Carbon speeds up the recording process. In addition, its transparent converter and the design of its preamp make it sound incredible. "

Dana Ruzicka, general manager of audio at Avid, notes that “with Pro Tools Carbon, Avid brings innovative tools and technologies like HDX DSP to a new generation of music creators around the world to capture their best performances. Pro Tools Carbon is a complete solution that offers an immense capacity for benefits without the complexities that delay music creators. Its integrated HDX DSP allows you to record with effects in real-time, practically eliminating latency, together with the highest quality inputs and outputs that we have offered allow you to record an entire band and send individual low latency monitoring mixes to each member”.

Pro Tools Carbon is ready to record any session - from a soloist to a full band:

With its four outputs for sending individual monitor mixes, eight pristine preamps, 16 channels of ADAT inputs, and a built-in talkback microphone, you'll be ready to record to any band.

Pro Tools Carbon also offers an Ethernet connection to the host computer with blazingly fast bandwidth. This connection preserves the highest possible sound quality, from input to output, and supports future workflow enhancements.

Additionally, Pro Tools 2020 features an interface with a dramatically dark background that is elegant, inspiring, and pleasing to your eyes, especially in dim light environments.