How best to A/B inside the box

[Ludicrous Speed]

Hi there,

Been a long time, I have searched around for suggestions on how to A/B inside the box & I am a bit stumped.

Could anyone offer a solution on how to instantly A/B between two sets of monitors using Pro Tools? I have an M-Audio FW 1814 & have one set of speakers on output 1/2 & another set on 3/4.

The thought occurs that there should be some simple way to do this within pro tools? I'm probably just missing something.

Thanks for any help you might offer.

Cheers,

- Ryan

[albee1952]

You need to break down and buy a monitor switcher. SM Pro has a cheap one but i really like the Presonus Central Station.

[cwsand]

You could set up 2 Stereo Aux channels and send your mix to both and set the outputs of one to 1/2 and the other to 3/4. You might also use an additional Master channel for both so you don't overload the aux channels. Then you'd have to mute/unmute each. The disadvantage is there would be a slight delay between switching between speakers while you move the mouse from muting one of the auxes to unmuting the other if you're working in the box.

[Ludicrous Speed]

Thanks :)

[chrisdee]

With Windows + Alt you can assign multiple outputs from each channel. First select output 1-2, then hold down Shift + Windows + Alt and select 3-4.

Then assign one master fader to each output and mute/solo to A/B.

[cwsand]

Originally Posted by chrisdee

Then assign one master fader to each output and mute/solo to A/B.

Actually you have to mute/solo on Aux tracks since Master Faders don't have mute or solo buttons.

[chrisdee]

Originally Posted by cwsand

Actually you have to mute/solo on Aux tracks since Master Faders don't have mute or solo buttons.

You are right. Sorry about that.

[cwsand]

Originally Posted by cwsand

The disadvantage is there would be a slight delay between switching between speakers while you move the mouse from muting one of the auxes to unmuting the other if you're working in the box.

I found a better way to do this so that you don't have to use the mute buttons - Go to Options-Solo Mode and choose X-OR. This way, you can just click on another Solo button and the original solo will be cancelled when the new one initiates. Gives you an instantaneous A/B comparison.