Dan, James and Julian chat through issues from the week's news as well as the usual tips, tricks and questions answered.New Podcast Sponsor - zplaneWe have new podcast sponsors and it’s going to be a different brand each month. So to kick us off, thanks to zplane who are supporting the podcast this month. This week we want to highlight Elastique Pitch v2. If you haven't come across Elastique Pitch it is the real time pitch shifting solution for RTAS, VST, AU and AAX. Powered by zplane's élastiquePro pitch shifting engine. In the second edition, they have added a feedback delay and the infiniSTRETCH function of the new élastiquePro v3 engine. Source Connect NowAs you may know, we are spread out around the UK & Europe when we record the podcast. In the past, we have used a variety of internet based solutions so we could hear each other.  We have settled on Source Connect Now which gives us ISDN equivalent quality audio using a Chrome browser, no software to install. You can get a free account from Source Elements. CompetitionsWin 1 of 5 Copies Of Regroover Essential By Accusonus - Enter and be in with a chance of winning one of five copies of Regroover Essential by Accusonus - worth $99  Win All the SoundBits Sound Effects Libraries - We are offering the chance for one lucky person to win all the SoundBits sound effects libraries. 3 more lucky people will win 5 SoundBits libraries of your choice, as runners up prizes.DealsSave Up To 25% On Leapwing CenterOne And DynOne Plugins - Buy one of these plugins and you can save an exclusive 20% off and get them for £119. Or buy them both together for £222 and save 25%.  New Deals from our Partners section on this pageThis Week’s Featured Pro Tools Expert InterviewIn this week’s featured interview James Ivey hosted the Celebrity Panel portion of the Music On A Mac event run by Jigsaw24 and held at their Pro Audio centre in Golden Square, London.  This Pro Tools Expert Podcast Extra Interview is a recording of the celebrity panel and Q&A section of the event in front of a live audience. Talking Points Kindly Sponsored By Universal AudioUntil March 31st 2017 you can save up to $500 on UAD-2 DSP accelerators, buy a UAD-2 OCTO Satellite Thunderbolt, USB, or PCIe card save $500, or buy a UAD-2 QUAD Satellite Thunderbolt, USB, or PCIe card save $300. Studio Monitors - What We Use Running Studio Business From Home - 5 Tips For Minimising Stress Community Feedback Kindly Sponsored by RSPE Audio SolutionsRSPE are having a PMC Listening Event With The Award-Winning MB3-XBD and BB6-XBD Studio Monitors on March 30th 2017 when you can join special guest Peter Thomas, founder, visionary, and owner of PMC Speakers as they launch PMC's newest active studio monitors. There will also be presentations by key PMC users from the scoring and composing industry. Names to be announced shortly. The MB3-XBD and BB6-XBD are the next generation of PMC’s Main Monitor series loudspeakers, featuring all new amplification, upgraded drivers, re-engineered cabinets, and PMC’s signature Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) technology. Listening to these two PMC “Big Boys” is an experience to remember! Entry is limited, so we recommend you signup asap. Javier Coloma has enjoyed our reviews on Trinnov and Sonarworks and he would also like our view of the IK Multimedia ARC.Questions From The CommunityNigel Alker is having problems with the Loopmasters library on his Windows Pro Tools system, can we help?Pascal Magdinier would like our view on interfaces and which one to choose. He has a Digidesign 192 but what about UA or Apogee? Will they have any effect on his mixes?Laurence Teixeira works in post and having upgraded from Pro Tools 10 to 12, is also considering upgrading to Pro Tools 12HD software only. He is considering Pro Tools HD Native as well, what are our thoughts and advice.Michael Allen is having problems when bouncing to disk to get stereo files.Find Of The WeekDan

On Thursday March 9th, Pro Tools Expert Technical Editor, James Ivey hosted the Celebrity Panel portion of Mac Music On A Mac event run by Jigsaw24 and held at their Pro Audio center in Golden Square, London.  This Pro Tools Expert Podcast Extra is a recording of the celebrity panel and Q&A section of the event in front of a live audience. The Celebrity PanelTim Bran is a record producer and writer know for his work with The Orb, Transmission and more recently with London Gramma and Birdy. He was also one of the founders of "Rocket Network" which after acquisition by Digidesign / Avid went on to become Digi-Delivery and now is Cloud Collaboration. Steve Mackey was the Bass player for Sheffield band "Pulp". He is now a producer working with bands and artists just as M.I.A and Florence and the Machine. Walter Mair is an Ivor Novello nominated and Telly award winning film and TV composer whose work can be heard on Ronaldo, Blood Orange and Glue.The Recording00:00 Intro00:18 Introduction to the event02:06 What were your first experience of the Mac computer?05:48 What was the first Mac you paid for with your own money?10:00 What Macs are you using right now and what software are you running with it? 15:50 What audio interfaces are you running?27:50 If you could invent an audio application what would it be? 33:06 Q&A38:50 Thanks and sign off. 

Mike, James and Peter chat through issues from the week's news as well as the usual tips, tricks and questions answered.New Podcast Sponsor - zplaneWe have new podcast sponsors and it’s going to be a different brand each month. So to kick us off, thanks to zplane who are supporting the podcast this month. This week we want to highlight their amazing PPMulator which in the early days was simply a plugin replacement for the BBC PPM meter used a lot here in the UK and Europe as well. But now PPMulator covers a range of different meter standards as well as Loudness metering and the PPM emulations and is a cost effective solution for a wide range of users. You can check out Mike's review on the PPMulator XL. Source Connect NowAs you may know we are spread out around the UK & Europe when we record the podcast. In the past we have used a variety of internet based solutions so we could hear each other.  We have settled on Source Connect Now which gives us ISDN equivalent quality audio using a Chrome browser, no software to install. You can get a free account from Source Elements. CompetitionsWin a seat on the PureMix Pro Tools Advanced Editing course starting on March 20th. Until March 18th pureMix are offering the chance to win a seat on their upcoming online Pro Tools Advanced Editing Course. This course will run over 4 weeks and is designed for intermediate to advanced Pro Tools users. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the entire Pro Tools editing environment and features such as Strip Silence, Playlist Comping, Beat Detective, Elastic Audio, Groove Templates and more. But don’t delay as this competition finishes on March 18th Win 1 of 5 Copies Of Regroover Essential By Accusonus - Enter and be in with a chance of winning one of five copies of Regroover Essential by Accusonus - worth $99 Win All the SoundBits Sound Effects Libraries - We are offering the chance for one lucky person to win all the SoundBits sound effects libraries. 3 more lucky people will win 5 SoundBits libraries of your choice, as runners up prizes. DealsSave Up To 25% On Leapwing CenterOne And DynOne Plugins - Buy one of these plugins and you can save an exclusive 20% off and get them for £119.Or buy them both together for £222 and save 25%.  New Deals from our Partners section on this pageThis Week’s Featured Pro Tools Expert InterviewIn this week’s featured interview James Ivey talks to community member Tom Lowe about the new Sennheiser Ambeo VR Microphone. Talking Points Kindly Sponsored By Universal AudioUntil March 31st 2017 you can save up to $500 on UAD-2 DSP accelerators, buy a UAD-2 OCTO Satellite Thunderbolt, USB, or PCIe card save $500, or buy a UAD-2 QUAD Satellite Thunderbolt, USB, or PCIe card save $300. Over 50% Of Mac Pro Tools Users Polled Say They Are Ditching Their AppleCommunity Feedback Kindly Sponsored by RSPE Audio SolutionsRSPE has an ever-growing selection of analog and digital synthesizers, both new and vintage. If you’re looking for the newest synth on the market or an obscure vintage piece, then perhaps contact our friends at RSPE... Knut Breistein has been in touch to highlight the irony, in his eyes, that you have to subscribe to our premium content to watch a tutorial about a free feature in Pro Tools.Marco Niccolai has let us know that he finds the text on the blog too light.  Thanks for your feedback, we continue to improve the look and usability of the site.Dustin Patterson has come back to us to let us know that he has got to the bottom of Pro Tools hard crashing on him. His problem was that Winthrust doesn’t play nicely with Pro Tools.Scott Vanderbilt would like to thank us for adding a Podcast menu item to the site navigation. Since that we have also changed the menu structure will be doing more to help you find content on the site.Questions From The CommunityHarry Brown asks if Pro Tools is still accessible to blind users and can someone just use a microphone to control Pr

James, Julian and Alan chat through issues from the week's news, what they saw at BVE 2017, as well as the usual tips, tricks and questions answered.New Podcast Sponsor - zplaneWe have new podcast sponsors and it’s going to be a different brand each month. So to kick us off, thanks to zplane who are supporting the podcast this month. Check out their new ElastiqueAAX time and pitch manipulation plugin for Pro Tools. The plugin interface has been designed to allow quick and intuitive interaction with all parameters for maximum control. élastiqueAAX is an offline Audio Suite plugin, therefore allowing to apply time-stretching and pitch-shifting much faster than real-time and we will have a review coming shortly. Source Connect NowAs you may know we are spread out around the UK & Europe when we record the podcast. In the past we have used a variety of internet based solutions so we could hear each other.  We have settled on Source Connect Now which gives us ISDN equivalent quality audio using a Chrome browser, no software to install. You can get a free account from Source Elements. CompetitionsWin a seat on the PureMix Pro Tools Advanced Editing course starting on March 20th. Until March 18th pureMix are offering the chance to win a seat on their upcoming online Pro Tools Advanced Editing Course. This course will run over 4 weeks and is designed for intermediate to advanced Pro Tools users. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the entire Pro Tools editing environment and features such as Strip Silence, Playlist Comping, Beat Detective, Elastic Audio, Groove Templates and more. But don’t delay as this competition finishes on March 18th Win 1 of 5 Copies Of Regroover Essential By Accusonus - Enter and be in with a chance of winning one of five copies of Regroover Essential by Accusonus - worth $99 Win All the SoundBits Sound Effects Libraries - We are offering the chance for one lucky person to win all the SoundBits sound effects libraries. 3 more lucky people will win 5 SoundBits libraries of your choice, as runners up prizes. DealsSave Up To 25% On Leapwing CenterOne And DynOne Plugins - Buy one of these plugins and you can save an exclusive 20% off and get them for £119.Or buy them both together for £222 and save 25%.  New Deals from our Partners section on this pageThis Week’s Featured Pro Tools Expert InterviewIn this week’s featured interview is Pro Tools Expert Technical Editor James Ivey’s chat with Rich Nevens from Avid shot in the Steampunk demo suite at Jigsaw24 in London's Soho. Rich is currently the Director of Strategic Solutions which he explains means he looks after customer focused solutions in mainly the control surface area of the business. Talking Points Kindly Sponsored By Universal AudioUntil March 31st 2017 you can save up to $500 on UAD-2 DSP accelerators, buy a UAD-2 OCTO Satellite Thunderbolt, USB, or PCIe card save $500, or buy a UAD-2 QUAD Satellite Thunderbolt, USB, or PCIe card save $300. Event - Make Music On A Mac  - On March 9th Jigsaw24 will be hosting their first audio event of the year entitled “Mac (“Make”?) Music On A Mac” at their London Soho base. Your MC for the evening will be none other than our very own Pro Tools Expert Technical Editor James Ivey.  There will be a question panel with industry professionals and a chance to check out some of the latest and greatest gear in their Steampunk demo suite.  A Post BVE 2017 ReflectionThe Avid MTRX is now available for sale now and we can see the different modules, features, pricing etc. See our overview video and article When Will You Replace Your Apple Mac Pro Tools Computer? - Poll Community Feedback Kindly Sponsored by RSPE Audio SolutionsKevin Olusula, part of the acappella group, Pentatonix, recently chose the ASC AttackWall as the acoustic treatment in his home studio. The AttackWall is a portable, modular acoustic environment that eliminates the room and creates a reliable, repeatable, and accurate so

Mike, Dan and Peter chat through issues from the week's news as well as the usual tips, tricks and questions answered.Groove 3 Videos That Grabbed Our Attention This WeekOur friends have Groove 3 have a wide range of Pro Tools tutorials so if you want to learn more about Pro Tools then check out the Pro Tools tutorials from the team at Groove3. Source Connect NowAs you may know we are spread out around the UK & Europe when we record the podcast. In the past we have used a variety of internet based solutions so we could hear each other.  We have settled on Source Connect Now which gives us ISDN equivalent quality audio using a Chrome browser, no software to install. You can get a free account from Source Elements. CompetitionsWe don’t have a competition running this month but do check out the competitions from our partner brands in the partner section on the Win page. So far we have... Win Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 & £3,000 Of Music Production SoftwareWin A Copy Of Antares Auto-Tune EFX 3 with pureMix - Ends March 2nd DealsSave 20% On Sonarworks Speaker & Headphone Calibration ProductsNew Deals from our Partners section on this pageThis Week’s Featured Pro Tools Expert InterviewIn this week’s featured interview is as a result of James’  taking a trip up to Culver City, just before the NAMM show 2017 to the home of Sony Studios and location of The Bakery, belonging to Eric Boulanger.  They talk about how Eric got into mastering, the story of the cutting lathe, customised gear and much more. Talking Points Kindly Sponsored By Universal AudioUntil March 31st 2017 you can save up to $500 on UAD-2 DSP accelerators, buy a UAD-2 OCTO Satellite Thunderbolt, USB, or PCIe card save $500, or buy a UAD-2 QUAD Satellite Thunderbolt, USB, or PCIe card save $300. MPE Support - Are Pro Tools Users Missing Out On The Future Of MIDI?Why I've Simplified My Recording And Mixing WorkflowCommunity Feedback Kindly Sponsored by RSPE Audio SolutionsRSPE Audio Solutions are proud to announce they are now the exclusive US reseller for Non-Lethal Applications Video Slave 3. If the Avid Video Engine isn’t cutting it for you, contact RSPE to learn how Video Slave 3 greatly improve your workflow Dustin Patterson had contacted us asking for help with system crashes with an Mbox 2 and Pro Tools 12. Even after changing his interface and downgrading his OS he is still having problems, do we have any advice?Questions From The Community Sponsored By Create ProIf you would love to “Pimp” your older Mac Pro 4.1 or 5.1 up to today’s specification but you just don’t know where to start then you should check out this post of the Create Pro Blog. They have designed upgrade paths for your machine depending on the type of work you do. Be that audio, video or high-end graphics. Alek Tahora would like our advice on recording screen capture and he has audio routing problems using Pro Tools 10HD, can we help?Reg was working on a location recording and for the 1st 4 scenes accidentally had the frame rate on his Sound Devices 688 set to 24fps instead of 25fps. What can he do to resolve this mistake? If you need to pitch correct then check out Alan’s comparison review of Avid’s Timeshift, X-Form and plan’s Elastique Pitch V2.Victoria Wysopal would like our recommendations for some books to help learn how to use  control surfaces in a music studio as well how to mix and produce music.Modern Recording Techniques from Amazon USModern Recording Techniques from Amazon UKDan’s tutorial on using an Avid C24 control surfacePureMixGroove3Garrett Miller is having problems with Pro Tools QuickTime Server not responding and also Kernel_Tasks taking a lot of CPU power. There is a thread on the DUC about the Pro Tools QuickTime Server issue and then an article on the Mac Rumours forum and a video on YouTube.  But these involve ‘hacks’ so take care and we cannot be responsible if this go wrong.Find Of The WeekMike - Somu plugin

In this Pro Tools Expert Podcast Extra Interview, Mike Thornton catches up with TV sound supervisor Rob Ashard to see how he has taken to the loudness workflows two years on from their introduction in the UK. Rob worked at London Weekend Television working his way through from floor sound, OB Comms, studio and OB Grams, and then Sound Supervisor. In the "good old days" he did Sport, Drama, Sit Coms, and Light Entertainment in both studio and OB situations when they followed most shows through into the audio dub. Since 2004 Rob takes responsibility for mixing TV Shows either in studios, trucks, or derig situations, also supplying crews, and if necessary, equipment. He specialises in Light Entertainment shows with live audiences, working on many major ITV and BBC productions like Graham Norton, Ant and Dec's Takeaway, I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here, The Last Leg, Ninja Warrior, Get Your Act Together, Dancing On Ice and Celebrity Juice He also has a portable audio dubbing rig as well as a transportable audio control room centred round a Yamaha desk and an Antelope interface. We sat down for a chat after the live transmission of the first in the current series of The Last Leg... 0’00” Intro 0’29” So we have been doing loudness in the UK for 2 years now how have you been finding the transition to the loudness workflows? 1’50” At the beginning of the loudness workflows here in the UK, you and I discussed the issue of dialog anchor levels changing between shows, has that concern panned out in reality after 2 years? 6’59” Where do you sit on using calibrated monitoring? 7’57” Where are you on Loudness Range? 9’39”  For the shows that are not live or as-live that do go to a dub are you disappointed with comes out of the other end? 12’51” We mentioned Ninja Warrior UK, how do you get on with the Arena where it’s shot? 16’56” So tonight’s Last Leg show is the first of a long series? 17’30“ You also have got Graham Norton on at the moment, what else is in the diary? 22’05” Thank you.

Just before the NAMM show 2017 Pro Tools Expert, Technical Editor James Ivey took a trip up to Culver City, home of Sony Studios and location of The Bakery. The mastering studio belonging to Eric Boulanger.   Check out the story page on Pro Tools Expert to see pictures that directly relate to the interview that James and Eric recorded post NAMM. To get the most out of this article listen to the podcast and enjoy the pictures as they relate to the conversation. 

Russ, James and Julian chat through issues from the week's news as well as the usual tips, tricks and questions answered.Groove 3 Videos That Grabbed Our Attention This WeekMASCHINE Know-How: Sampling - Sami Rabia covers the Sampling features found in MASCHINE, along with creative ways to use them.  Beginner's Guide to Amp Plug-Ins - In this video tutorial series, William Sprawls shows newcomers the world of virtual amp plug-ins. Learn what you need to know to get started, and how to effectively use different types of amp simulations. Source Connect NowAs you may know we are spread out around the UK & Europe when we record the podcast. In the past we have used a variety of internet based solutions so we could hear each other.  We have settled on Source Connect Now which gives us ISDN equivalent quality audio using a Chrome browser, no software to install. You can get a free account from Source Elements. CompetitionsWe don’t have a competition running this month but do check out the competitions from our partner brands in the partner section on the Win page. So far we have... Win Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 & £3,000 Of Music Production SoftwareDealsSave 20% On Sonarworks Speaker & Headphone Calibration ProductsNew Deals from our Partners section on this pageThis Week’s Featured Pro Tools Expert InterviewIn this week’s featured interview James Ivey talks to Paul Drew and Greig Watts about their company DWB Music and the songwriter's camp they run at Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, Holland. Talking Points Kindly Sponsored By Universal AudioUntil March 31st 2017 you can save up to $500 on UAD-2 DSP accelerators, buy a UAD-2 OCTO Satellite Thunderbolt, USB, or PCIe card save $500, or buy a UAD-2 QUAD Satellite Thunderbolt, USB, or PCIe card save $300. Pro Tools Product Road Map - Are Avid Giving Us Some Clues HereOur First Studio Microphones - What Was YoursSong Writer's Block - Tips From A Blank PageCommunity Feedback Kindly Sponsored by RSPE Audio SolutionsRSPE Audio Solutions are proud to announce they are now the exclusive US reseller for Non-Lethal Applications Video Slave 3. If the Avid Video Engine isn’t cutting it for you, contact RSPE to learn how Video Slave 3 greatly improve your workflowGraham Buttle has emailed to tell us that Thomas have the Avid HD Upgrader and Support plan for 375 Euros which with current exchange rates is cheaper than the UK price of £360.Questions From The Community Sponsored By Create ProIf you would love to “Pimp” your older Mac Pro 4.1 or 5.1 up to today’s specification but you just don’t know where to start then you should check out this post of the Create Pro Blog. They have designed upgrade paths for your machine depending on the type of work you do. Be that audio, video or high-end graphics. Bob Derkach is have problems locking Pro Tools to Persons Studio One. Can we help?Benjy Johnson was having CPU Spiking, but changing preferences fixed it except for older sessions when there were problemsJean-Philippe Béliveau is having problems with problem recording his operatic singing without distortion and low level.Carlos Novais with MacBook Pro is a little sluggish especially as he needs to run other software on it as well, he would like to know if he can Pro Tools on an external drive? Check out this video from Russ HughesFind Of The WeekRuss - McDSP EC300 - I have got a pre-release copy - its awesome.James - A little trick to help store your patch cables. Find an old 1” or 2” tape real from the old day & strew it to the side of a rack or other vertical  surface. Hang cables. I found 1 on eBay for £12. I did have to unwind the tape by hand!Julian - Softube TSAR-1R Reverb plugin 

James, Dan and Alan chat through issues from the week's news as well as the usual tips, tricks and questions answered.Groove 3 Videos That Grabbed Our Attention This WeekVocal Production Masterclass - If you use vocals in your music, Marcus Huysken's Vocal Production Masterclass leaves no stone unturned, covering everything you need to know to produce world-class vocal tracks that will make your productions legit. Source Connect NowAs you may know we are spread out around the UK & Europe when we record the podcast. In the past we have used a variety of internet based solutions so we could hear each other.  We have settled on Source Connect Now which gives us ISDN equivalent quality audio using a Chrome browser, no software to install. You can get a free account from Source Elements. CompetitionsWe don’t have a competition running this month but do check out the competitions from our partner brands in the partner section on the Win page. So far we have... Win Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 & £3,000 Of Music Production SoftwareWin Professional Mastering And Release For Your Dance Track With pureMixDealsSave 20% On Sonarworks Speaker & Headphone Calibration ProductsSave Over 60% On Pro Sound Effects Hybrid Library 2017 Until February 16thNew Deals from our Partners section on this pageThis Week’s Featured Pro Tools Expert InterviewThis week’s featured interview is me talking to LA-based composer and sound designer Matt Hawkins about his work for film and TV, his rig and his thoughts about making sure you get paid for your work in the industry. Talking Points Kindly Sponsored By Universal AudioUntil March 31st 2017 you can save up to $500 on UAD-2 DSP accelerators, buy a UAD-2 OCTO Satellite Thunderbolt, USB, or PCIe card save $500, or buy a UAD-2 QUAD Satellite Thunderbolt, USB, or PCIe card save $300. Do You Read Plug-in Manuals? Screw Perfection - Capture The Soul Of Music Community Feedback Kindly Sponsored by RSPE Audio SolutionsRSPE Audio Solutions is your source for complete pro audio systems. From home studios large and small, to professional recording studios or post production facilities, RSPE has the expertise and equipment to build your dream studio and save you time and money. See a few of RSPE’s previous studio builds. We have been getting a number of questions for the podcast that are better placed getting in touch in the brand concerned. Our other problems is some of you don’t give us enough info to be able to help you with your problem.Michael Heslegrave asks if we could post a video showing the Persons Faderport 8 in HUI mode with Pro Tools. Good news Mike, we have done it already, check out Russ’ video here.Questions From The Community Sponsored By Create ProIf you would love to “Pimp” your older Mac Pro 4.1 or 5.1 up to today’s specification but you just don’t know where to start then you should check out this post of the Create Pro Blog. They have designed upgrade paths for your machine depending on the type of work you do. Be that audio, video or high-end graphics. Marcos Cesar asks, how he can hear the audio out from a Pro Tools on a Mac onto a Windows laptop.Greg Johnson would like to know how to handle the latency with a Tascam US20x20.Daniel Cabrera has problems with importing AAFs from Zaxcom and Media Composer with the clip names getting through to Pro Tools.Fionn Lucas is looking at expanding his Pro Tools 10HD system as he has hit the 256 track limit, what can he do?Find Of The WeekJames - Teknosign 2 Channel Mic Pre…… Review to follow.Dan -  EZmix 2 By Toontrack - Simple yet very effective - 15 Minute Mix Challenge Returns Alan - Elastique Pitch by Zplane, makers of the wonderful PPMulator - review to follow 

Mike, Dan and new boy Peter Barter chat through issues from the week's news as well as the usual tips, tricks and questions answered.Groove 3 Videos That Grabbed Our Attention This WeekLast week Groove3 launched a new live chat feature that gives you real-time help regarding questions about their products and services, and advice on deciding what videos are right for your needs and are ready to help you during their normal business hours of 9AM to 6PM CST Monday through Friday to assist you.Source Connect NowAs you may know we are spread out around the UK & Europe when we record the podcast. In the past we have used a variety of internet based solutions so we could hear each other.  We have settled on Source Connect Now which gives us ISDN equivalent quality audio using a Chrome browser, no software to install. You can get a free account from Source Elements.Sonnox Community AwardWe have brought the Sonnox Community Award back after a break. Many of our members work hard to create a positive and supportive community of Pro Tools Experts and we think that kind of attitude should be recognised and encouraged.   With all of that in mind we would like to reward those in the community who go the extra mile to help others - be that with a helpful comment, link or video that they share with the community. So in conjunction with the great team at Sonnox we’re reintroducing the Sonnox community award. The winner, chosen by the PTE team will win a plugin of their choice from the native Sonnox Elite Collection and this month’s winner is  Alvin Burrell.CompetitionsWe don’t have a competition running this month but do check out the competitions from our partner brands in the partner section on the Win page. So far we have...Win Antelope Audio Zen Tour InterfaceWin Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 & £3,000 Of Music Production SoftwareDealsSave 20% On Sonarworks Speaker & Headphone Calibration ProductsSave Over 60% On Pro Sound Effects Hybrid Library 2017 Until February 16thNew Deals from our Partners section on this pageThis Week’s Featured Pro Tools Expert InterviewThis week’s featured Pro Tools Expert Interview is from NAMM 2017 where Pro Tools Expert, Technical Editor James Ivey talks to Steven Slate about the new Virtual Recording Studio package which includes the VRS-8 Thunderbolt audio interface and the ML-2 small diaphragm microphone.Talking Points Kindly Sponsored By Universal AudioUntil March 31st 2017 you can save up to $500 on UAD-2 DSP accelerators, buy a UAD-2 OCTO Satellite Thunderbolt, USB, or PCIe card save $500, or buy a UAD-2 QUAD Satellite Thunderbolt, USB, or PCIe card save $300. NAMM 2017 - Everyone Using MacBook Pros - Where Are The Workstation Computers? Do You Use The DFA Option When Mixing? Poll  Community Feedback Kindly Sponsored by RSPE Audio SolutionsOur friends at RSPE Audio are Avid Pro Tools Specialists, so if you are based in California and you have any questions about Pro Tools Software or Hardware upgrades, then contact RSPE for expert service and the best prices.Stefan Stieber discovered that East West (Soundsonline) don’t allow users to sell their products and transfer the license and wanted to know as a community what we think about this.Questions From The Community Sponsored By Create ProCreate Pro posted a cool blog called “The Mac Through The Ages - From 1987 To Present Day” This is well worth checking out - it reminded me how far computing technology power has come in the last 30 years.Axel Zachary had problems with files in 3 of a set of 8 Pro Tools sessions where files on an external drive that show on his Mac based home system, don’t appear on a Windows 10 studio system, and would like us to explain why this might be happening.Find Of The WeekMike - Dirac Live and minDSP, its a very interesting product that sits between Sonarworks and Trinnov. Review to follow.Dan -  Blue Cat Audio MB-7 v3 & Pat