Answer/Explanation:
When powering up a Pro Tools system, the recommended component to turn on first is the audio interface or audio hardware.
Here's why:
1. The audio interface is responsible for converting analog audio signals into digital data that can be processed by the computer. It acts as the bridge between the physical audio inputs and outputs of your system and the Pro Tools software.
2. By turning on the audio interface first, you ensure that it establishes a stable connection with your computer before other components start initializing. This helps prevent any potential communication issues between the audio interface and the computer.
3. Once the audio interface is powered up and connected to the computer, you can then proceed to turn on other components, such as external MIDI controllers, mixers, or any other peripheral devices that you may be using in your Pro Tools setup.
4. It's important to follow the specific startup sequence recommended by the manufacturer of your audio interface, as different models may have slight variations in their power-up procedures. Consulting the user manual or documentation provided by the manufacturer can provide more specific instructions for your particular audio interface.
In summary, when powering up a Pro Tools system, it is generally recommended to turn on the audio interface or audio hardware first. This allows for a stable connection to be established between the audio interface and the computer, ensuring proper communication between the two components.