can you use a pen tablet with PT?

[Alex Rodriguez]

Hi,
Can you use pen tablets with a mac with PT? I mean for drawing level automation, or graphic mode autotune editing?
How do they work?
Will they show the pen superimposed on the Pro Tools screen so I can use it instead of a mouse?
Any feedback from somebody actually using it and how would be great.
Anything to keep in mind when looking for it, besides saying OS 10.3.x compatible?
Thanks

[Slim Shady]

It would work, but only work like a regular mouse would, no extra "superimposed pen" yadda yadda.

[Alex Rodriguez]

Thanks, Slim,
Have you used it? Is it worth?

[Slim Shady]

No, haven't used it, I just know that Digi hasn't written any code into PT to support tablet pens. I used to work at a store that sold tablets though, and the return rate on them is very high, so in general I think most people don't like them, find them difficult to use or maybe they just don't work that well.

[andrewSF]

I've tried tablets a few times, and while they take some getting used to I found them fairly comfortable for a lot of things. Unfortunately I found it very, very challenging to use them with Pro Tools (also Digital Performer). I have a couple of friends who love them (that's where I've tried them), so it's a very personal thing. I like my Logitech marble mouse better than anything else I've tried, but some people hate those. Different strokes for different folks. Best thing is to try it for yourself. Just make sure you can return it if it doesn't work out.

[barstool719]

I have a Wacom pen tablet that I use for drawing with Illustrator and Flash. Ive used it once or twice out of curiosity with PT, but Im just more used to using the mouse for it.

The pen is very useful for drawing, if you can get used to how it moves.

[sunrise music]

I use my wacom tablet as a mouse replacement for nearly everything, occasionally supplementing it with a kensington trackpad. I love using the pen with music apps, it's great riding faders, etc.

As for drawing things like automation, yes it works fine. I don't have autotune so can't attest to that, but PT automation, no worries. It comes out like a mouse would in terms of what you see. I occasionally get a few odd things happening when zooming, but I'm using leopard and my wacom is an Intuos I, so I figure the issue is somewhere between the two of those (though of course I have the latest driver), especially since Leopard's not officially supported with PT yet.

[sunrise music]

Edit: I should clarify that this is using the zoom tool, where it suddenly might zoom all the way out or in. Doesn't affect anything else.