Pro Tools 11 or 12 Purchase Advice

[Mathematics]

I use Live and DP to get everything done. Those two DAWs have not failed me; however, I need to run some plugins that don't work on the Windows version of DP and Live but they do on in PT for Windows. Integrating a Mac in my workflow is going to cripple my efficiency so I have to stick with Windows. Besides...I'm not buying DSP hardware twice.

Some people advice against PT12. What's up with that?

[pekbro]

I think the main problem with Pro Tools is Avid, evil empire and all...
Under windows its especially important to make sure your using qualified hardware
as it tends not to play well with others.

Its also likely not the best bang for your buck in the windows DAW camp.

I like it a lot though, I find it deceptively simple and elegant. IMO PT 12
is a marked improvement over 11.

For me it was the first DAW I really ever used, so its a bit like a comfort food thing...
I suggest you try the demo (11 only), or spring for a month of PT 12 via sub to check it
out before you go buying it outright.

-Cheers

[whyterabbyt]

Some people advice against PT12. What's up with that?

Difficult to say without context. Unfortunately some people just have a deparate need to validate their own choices by putting down the alternatives. Because its pretty much a defacto standard in a couple of industry niches, it attracts a lot of inverse snobbery.

There's no one size fits all, obviously, and PT has served an awful lot of people well in making an awful lot of music and sound. In general, I'd say that PT is less aimed at being a composition environment than some alternatives, but makes up for it as a production/post-production environment. I find it very elegant and streamlined for audio-based work in particular.
The plugin thing sounds a bit unfortunate. I use a couple of other DAWs too and Im fine with getting VST plugins to run in PT, but the other way round is a bit insurmountable.

You can sign up and get access to the free version, so I guess its that cliche of saying 'try it for yourself' to see if it fits. Since you're already familiar with other DAWs, picking it up should be really fast; I can get someone completely inexperienced in working with audio up and doing basic recording and editing in less than an hour.

[Mathematics]

Its also likely not the best bang for your buck in the windows DAW camp.

I totally agree, there are other DAWs that give you much more bang for your buck...Sonar being one (and I guess Reaper but that is out of the question)...and as whyterabbyt mentioned, it definitely serves well in post. For that reason alone, is why I am looking at PT

I've used PT in the early days of its existence but not since, and after using 8 for a little when it came out, and now tinkering with First, I have to admit, the AudioSuite integration is quite the selling point for me. I've looked at Sonar for its VST3 support, as suggested in another forum, and really gave it a good chance . However, it has many tools and features for which I already own a full Suite application to accomplish that same task. For example, Sonar comes with Melodyne Essential, but I own Melodyne 4 Editor. The Platinum version of Sonar has Vocalsync but I use Vocalign. I think Vocalsync has its advantages but I don't want two vocal alignment tools. Now, there are a few tools/plugins worth having varieties of, such as Compressors, and Analog Emulators: tube saturators, console emulators, etc., at least for me.

I originally decided that I wanted a DAW that supported VST3 but now I am re-thinking that because most plugin developers that produce VST3 also produce AAX (PC). Right now, Mac is out of the question even though its integration in my workflow would definitely be a solution, but I discovered it will introduce many added inconveniences. My first choice was Cubase because of its maturity and features that DP doesn't have and tools that neither Live and DP have, so I almost pulled the trigger on that until I discovered how seamless certain post production operations were with PT. For example, Izotope RX and Vocalign as an AudioSuite plugin; this should satisfy putting PT in context. It's so much easier and effortless in PT, not that it can't be done with Cubase but since I am expecting to do more audio-based manipulation and not MIDI, I'd rather get something that favors post production audio tasks. I do like the individual CC per note manipulation on Cubase but I can do that by adding another channel...so I can live without that.

So, I guess I'll be looking at PT12 in that case. Apparently your current Pro Tools license entitles you to use of previous versions. Is that really true?

I have to admit...Avid is so unclear for certain aspects of their licensing and customer support leaves very little to praise about. The answers are very much like eBay sellers: "We can do TOO", "We handle licenses", "Don't you see it? It's right there.", "I don't know.", "No one here knows." It's almost like they and Nuance came from the same mother. Btw, Nuance makes Dragon Naturally Speaking, a speech recognition software. It's okay software, but in addition to the similar answers you get from Avid, their customer support treats you like you just stole something and are calling for the 1,000,000,000th time that day, even after you verify your identity with a checklist that includes: Name, home address, phone number, email address, date of purchase, price you paid, and the dealer that sold you the software. Yea...I'm not even exaggerating. Now, they don't do that all the time but it's happened twice out of the three times I called them for assistance. That one time I called, they didn't ask about the dealer, just everything else.

[whyterabbyt]

Apparently your current Pro Tools license entitles you to use of previous versions. Is that really true?

Unless things have changed in the last 4 weeks, you'll currently get licenses for PT12, 11 and 10.

[Mathematics]

Now that is good news. Thanks for your prompt responses WR.

[pekbro]

You definitely receive lic's for 10 and 11 with PT 12.

Getting your hands on them might be a different story however, if they weren't previously
tied to your account. Best to question them about this ahead of time
if its an issue for you.

-Cheers

[Mathematics]

So, I bought an unused activation code. Upon activating, I received, the current Pro Tools 12 as well 11, 10, and 2016...whatever that is. Also in my Avid account, I found 3 plugin packs, 1 year Upgrade/Update and Support plan, and a $100 voucher to some online training course - I guess that's good if this is your first DAW.

My advice? Before I answer that, let me just say that I did quite a bit of research, probably more than I should have but I'm used to digging for information. Avid doesn't do transfers anymore for Pro Tools that are within the 2015 or newer upgrade/support plans (HD hardware is another story).There is a work-around through iLok for $100 but here's where the problem really is: changing the name of the Avid Master account. Yea...good luck with that.

So, my advice...as of now, the ONLY way to truly own a PT license is by using an activation code in your Master Account or buying direct. Any other way...you never actually own the license as it will always belong to someone's Master account.

For those of you (randies reading this thread that don't care) that still want to pay that $250 for the used iLok and account, you will need the login and password of the Avid account as well. Without that, you're throwing away $250. If you do manage to get that from the seller, then from that point on, you are now the person on the account, not yourself. This can potentially be okay if you know that seller personally; otherwise, that's a risk you may regret. Why? Because with a little effort and shedding a tear, they can always get the account back any time they want.