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Avid launches consumer versions of Pro Tools audio editing suite
But in order to use Pro Tools, you need to shell out some money for supported hardware. Right now, the cheapest option is to pick up an Mbox Micro audio interface, which has an MSRP of about $279. That's not bad, considering you get a copy of Pro Tools LE, plus a high quality audio input for your computer. But it's a bit pricey for amateur audio producers on a budget.
Now Avid is releasing a new suite of consumer oriented Pro Tools product with a slightly stripped down version of the software. For $99 you can pick up either a USB microphone or a guitar interface with Pro Tools M-Powered Essential. Or for $129 you can get a 49-note keyboard that comes with the software.
Pro Tools M-Powered Essential functions pretty much like the full version. But you can only create up to 16 tracks and some of the mastering capabilities are missing. And if you really need more than 16 tracks, odds are you can justify spending the big bucks on a full version of Pro Tools.
The hardware and software are compatible with Windows XP and Vista or Mac OS X 10.5.5 or higher.
Comments
6
Subscribe to commentsScruffy BobSep 9th 2009 12:03PM
I'm having trouble finding more info on these products - do you have any direct links to them?
Brad LinderSep 9th 2009 12:04PM
It looks like Avid/Digidesign hasn't added the info to its homepage yet, but the company has told me these products should be available soon.
Scruffy BobSep 9th 2009 12:08PM
Ah, ok - I shall keep an eye out, then.
Alex MSep 9th 2009 12:12PM
Seems like a smart move on their part. And a good deal for fledgling audio recording geeks!
bkimSep 10th 2009 12:57PM
The Mbox 2 Micro only offers an analog audio output. I think the point of the device is to allow ProTools users to work on their mixes while they're on the road.
JeffSep 10th 2009 8:45PM
Personally, I believe this is a terrible TERRIBLE idea. I'm a long time Pro Tools user and a professional engineer and system designer and I'll be the first to say that there are just some people that DON'T NEED PRO TOOLS. And the fact that things like this are sold in Best Buys and Wal-Marts makes things really really tough on everyone. I'd be willing to bet that Digi's already backed up tech support line will light up like a Christmas tree and the one hour wait will turn into 2-3. I think that companies like Presonus have really taken the right approach by making a program called "Studio One" that makes getting up and running dirt easy. Same with Garageband (which can be used as a spring board into Logic). Once someone understands the basics of recording enough, then graduating into something more powerful and feature laden like Pro Tools is a great thing. But as someone who really knows and loves Pro Tools and thinks it's the best thing to happen to recording since Les Paul started playing with multi-tracking... I have to stand up and say that I don't feel that MOST people who buy this will not have a good experience (simply because they can't wrap their heads around it) and it will ultimately turn them off to recording because they will feel it is too complicated and overwhelming for them when it doesn't have to be.
I guess in short, there are more artists out there that want to record than recording engineers that want to make art. The latter already has the tools to get the job done... the former is in for a big surprise.