Preview in Context
Pro Tools lets you preview audio files in Workspace browsers while playing back a project. Tick-based audio files (those with tempo detected Elastic Audio analysis, as well as REX and ACID files) can play back in tempo, and at the corresponding bar and beat location, with project playback. Tick-based audio files audition at the project tempo when the Audio Files Conform to Session Tempo option is enabled.

Deselect the Spacebar Toggles File Preview option in the Browser menu to start and stop playback with the Spacebar without previewing in the Workspace browser. Use Command+P (Mac) or Control+P (Windows) to start and stop preview in the front-most Workspace browser during playback.