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How to Connect an Avalon VT-737 SP to Pro Tools

The VT-737SP by Avalon is a high-end, vacuum tube--based analog pre-amp. Instruments such as electric guitars, keyboards and other electronic instruments, as well as microphones for vocal input, can be run through the VT-737SP. Because it is an analog device, it cannot be connected to Avid's Pro Tools without an audio interface that can convert an analog signal to a digital signal. All of Pro Tools's native audio interfaces --- for example, the MBox or the 003 family of interfaces --- can do this. You will need one in order to connect the VT-737SP to Pro Tools.

Things You'll Need

  • Pro Tools--compatible audio interface
  • Link cable
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn off your Pro Tools audio interface and the VT-737SP, if they are on. It is generally safer to connect and disconnect cables when electronics are switched off.

    • 2

      Connect the "line out" end of a link cable to the outlet labelled "OUTPUT LINE" on the back of the VT-737SP.

    • 3

      Connect the "line in" end of the link cable to one of the "Line Input" slots in the back of your audio interface. On some Pro Tools--compatible audio interfaces, the "mic" input may double as a "line input." This will be indicated somehow by the labelling. Using a "Line Input" slot will bypass the audio interface's pre-amps (if any) and replace them with the VT-737SP's input.

    • 4

      Connect your microphone or instrument to the correct input on the VT-737SP. The microphone input is on the back of the unit and is labelled as such. The instrument input is on the front and is also labelled.

    • 5

      Turn on the VT-737SP. Because the VT-737SP is a vacuum-tube pre-amp, it is good practice to allow it to warm up for about 15 minutes before use. However, this is not necessary, and it will not harm the VT-737SP to begin using it immediately.

    • 6

      Turn on your Pro Tools audio interface, and ensure that it is connected to your computer. This is usually done with a USB or FireWire cable.

    • 7

      Open Pro Tools. You will now be able to access the VT-737SP in Pro Tools. It will function in the same way a pre-amp from your audio interface functions within Pro Tools.

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