ProTools with wireless headphones + Bluetooth codecs
 

So, here's the issue.

I do a lot of travelling, so to improve my workflow, I bought some Bluetooth headphones for non-critical monitoring and simple admin tasks in ProTools.

- On the phone they work perfectly.

- On the MBP they work with every single app..... except ProTools.

After a bit of troubleshooting I've discovered the following problem.

Pro-Tools forces the headphones to use the lower quality (SCO) codec which is designed only for voice communications. This means 8Khz mono audio ie not usable....

As soon as I quit ProTools, the phones switch back to the standard (SBC) code ie 44.1khz stereo.

Some have suggested adjusting the settings with the X-Code Bluetooth Explorer app, but this didn't work for me.

Essentially, ProTools refuses to recognise the stereo codec, and forces my sessions in 8Khz which obviously means none of them will open.

Anyone got any suggestions for forcing PT to recognise the standard codec?

PS please don't bother trying to troll me and tell me to buy a pair of wired headphones. I've had a PT rig since the late 90s. I just need to get the Bluetooth working... that's all ;)

Re: ProTools with wireless headphones + Bluetooth codecs
 

What are you choosing as the Playback Engine in PT’s?

Re: ProTools with wireless headphones + Bluetooth codecs
 

I've tried lots.

Aggregate device.

PT Aggregate.

The Bluetooth device itself.

The headphones happily play in stereo until I boot PT, and then, no matter which playback engine is selected, the phones always switch to mono 8Khz.

I've never had problems like this before, I connected PT with other Bluetooth devices, speakers, but these headphones are giving me loads of problems!

Re: ProTools with wireless headphones + Bluetooth codecs
 

Here’s a different suggestion.

Download the trial version of Loopback by Rogue Amoeba and route Pro Tools through that with the destination being the Mac output which you say works with the headphones. This layer in between might allow it to work.

It’s a handy app that lets you route all manner of audio between apps and interfaces. Kind of like a virtual patchbay for your Mac.

It will introduce a bit of latency, but if your just mixing etc. it should be fine.


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Re: ProTools with wireless headphones + Bluetooth codecs
 

Hey Sardi,

You're a legend. It works!

I actually had Loopback installed a while ago but took it off for some reason.

I reinstalled it and PT is happily singing along with my BT cans.

Much appreciated :D

Re: ProTools with wireless headphones + Bluetooth codecs
 

Hey Hillofbeans - Welcome to the Community !!

Sardi is a really savvy Member here and have help me and others many many times when we were stuck or just needed advice.

Appreciate that Sardi and Thank you for what you add here :-)

Re: ProTools with wireless headphones + Bluetooth codecs
 

OK, so it works......

....however it costs $120 to enable the full version.

That's a lot of bucks to pay just to get my headphones working.

Any other suggestions that don't cost an arm and a leg?

Re: ProTools with wireless headphones + Bluetooth codecs
 

Good to hear.

It’s a very handy app. Actually, all the stuff they make is really handy and clever. Super useful audio utilities.


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Re: ProTools with wireless headphones + Bluetooth codecs
 

Wow! That’s very kind of you to say.

Thank you. :)


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Re: ProTools with wireless headphones + Bluetooth codecs
 

Not sure what version of MacOS hillofbeans is on but could try Soundflower which is the open source tool that I believe Rogue Amoeba had taken over support for and now incorporate in products like Loopback? :)