PT not behaving as expected when I launch and hold the 'n' key, to launch PB engine..

[MixerGuy]

Hi all

ProTools Ultimate, HDX-2, in a Mac cheese grater, with no interfaces connected at all, not behaving as expected when I launch ProTools and hold the 'n' key, to launch the playback engine.

The playback engine does not launch (as I want to select 'internal mac' as sound output).... instead I get an error message saying no interfaces detected.

PT 2019.5 in Sierra.

Frustrating as I want to run some basic tests and plugin installs tomorrow, and I dont currently have my Avid HD io interfaces here.

There must be a workaround.

some pref I could trash?

or a different key command?

thanks.

[Darryl Ramm]

TDM systems not worky without interfacy... behaving as expected.

[MixerGuy]

Originally Posted by Darryl Ramm

TDM systems not worky without interfacy... behaving as expected.

Isnt TDM, it is HDX completely different software and hardware.

and it is my understanding that HDX can be run with Mac as OP for sound. with no interfaces connected.

[Darryl Ramm]

Actually it is still TDM, aka TDM2 bus architecture... aka DigiLink.

TDM has two meanings, but I meant to say DigiLink.

DigiLinky no interfacy, no worky. Not working as expected.

Happy now?

[MixerGuy]

Originally Posted by Darryl Ramm

Actually it is still TDM, aka TDM2 bus architecture... aka DigiLink.

TDM has two meanings, but I meant to say DigiLink.

DigiLinky no interfacy, no worky. Not working as expected.

Happy now?

No. TDM has ONE meaning, in relation to AVID. Time Division Multiplexing.

Thanks for the help.

[Darryl Ramm]

You are also sure you can run HDX without an interface, how is that working for you?

[Rich Breen]

Pro Tools HDX rigs are perfectly capable of starting up without interfaces attached - when the 'n' key is held down at startup you will still get the playback engine dialog and you can choose a CoreAudio or built-in interface. Of course (as I'm sure the OP knows) you won't get to use the HDX cards, and your AAX DSP plugs won't show up, but the system will run perfectly fine as a native "ultimate" rig.

To the OP; are you sure there's not something going on with your keyboard/usb peripherals that's blocking the 'n' key functionality? It does behave as expected here with interfaces disconnected; 2018.12, HDX, Sierra.

best,
rich

[MixerGuy]

Originally Posted by Rich Breen

Pro Tools HDX rigs are perfectly capable of starting up without interfaces attached - when the 'n' key is held down at startup you will still get the playback engine dialog and you can choose a CoreAudio or built-in interface. Of course (as I'm sure the OP knows) you won't get to use the HDX cards, and your AAX DSP plugs won't show up, but the system will run perfectly fine as a native "ultimate" rig.

To the OP; are you sure there's not something going on with your keyboard/usb peripherals that's blocking the 'n' key functionality? It does behave as expected here with interfaces disconnected; 2018.12, HDX, Sierra.

best,
rich

Thank you Rich.... nice to hear from a professional and also polite person who actually understands the difference between TDM and HDX...

Yeah at first I had a hub in the way, and then realized that sometimes USB active hubs can strip out key commands at weird times...

I did try a different (original apple) keyboard with no hub.... still no joy.



I seem to recall that I can trash a pref that will 'confuse' the rig and then ask me at launch what PB engine to use....

perhaps I trash all prefs, and try that. Ran out of time yesterday.

As always, Rich you are a true professional. and a nice guy.

MixerGuy

[Rich Breen]

Originally Posted by MixerGuy

I seem to recall that I can trash a pref that will 'confuse' the rig and then ask me at launch what PB engine to use....

Honestly don't know *which* pref file it is, but I'd just use Pete Gates' utility to trash 'em all (there's not that many anymore) - they're in ~/library/preferences/Avid/Pro Tools. Still, it's very strange that the 'n' key isn't working... I'm slightly baffled, but Darryl's suggestion to use the keyboard viewer is a good one.

best,
rich

[Hugh-H]

Hello,

Unfortunately you found the same issue I did with the same result - a number of folks tell you N will allow you to select the playback engine but it does not under the following circumstances-
- HDX card installed
- no digilink audio interface attached

It will function as expected with a digilink interface attached.

It doesn’t matter when you press N, how long, and how enthusiastically, nor with what keyboard. Under my usual premise of “it’s probably my problem” I certainly hope someone can prove me incorrect.

http://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?t=403066

As far as I know a bug. It’s unfortunate because I want to do the same thing you mentioned- pull a system out of service, run tests and maintenance, without a digilink interface.

Hugh