Dolby E Encoding in Pro Tools
Scope
How-To for Encoding a File In Pro Tools.
Description
Note: When in doubt, stick with the factory defaults. Also note that the Write menu allows for 16 or 24 bit WAV files. 24 bit files are require for a full eight channels of carriage in the Dolby E essence. 16 bit WAV will only carry 6 channels rather than the full eight.
Once the encoded audio is produced, it gets laid back into the timeline. If you simply want to lay it back to tape, first configure your layback deck to accept AES in "data mode," if available, so it doesn't process the stream, which would corrupt the Dolby E essence. The output from the deck can be patched back into Pro Tools and a decoder can be applied to QC what's going to tape. Do keep an eye on the decoder's CRC error display and confirm that the embedded metadata is as expected. Please take a quick look at the user manual for more discussion of this, particularly about session frame rates and session start times...
Very important: This all assumes that an AES/EBU Master Clock, referenced/genlocked to your house video sync generator, is directly feeding (no pass-throughs, T connections or chaining) all AES/EBU devices in your room and, all those AES devices are set to External Word Clock/Word Sync mode.
Requirements, Steps, Etc.
- Open the SurCode for Dolby™ E Encoder from the AudioSuite menu.
- In Pro Tools, select your audio across multiple tracks in the timeline.
- Set the output file name & select a location to write the output file using the Browse button.
- Edit required metadata for your program if necessary.
- Set your Input Routing
- Click on the “Encode” button. This is the bottom left button located at bottom right.
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