Calculating Waveform Overviews

Waveforms can be calculated using Peak or Power overviews.

To set how the Waveform view is calculated:

Choose View > Waveforms and select one of the following:

Peak

– or – 

Power

Peak

When selected, the waveform display is calculated based on the sample-by-sample peak level. Peak view is traditionally how Pro Tools calculates the waveform overview and can be used for normal or rectified views. Peak view clearly displays any clipping in the waveform.

 

Normal Peak Waveform view with Outlines

When zoomed in to the sample level, Pro Tools always displays Peak view.

Power

When selected, the wave form display is calculated according to the Root Mean Square (RMS). Power view can be used for normal or rectified views. Power view is useful for better seeing the characteristics of the audio in the waveform representation when zoomed out beyond the sample level. For mastering applications in particular, it can be more revealing of the sonic characteristics of the audio than Peak view.

 

Normal Power Waveform view with Outlines

Peak view is always shown during recording. Power waveform view is calculated and shown only after you stop recording.

Power view is not available in Destructive Punch mode or when zoomed to the sample level.