All user reviews for the Avid Pro Tools 11

I got Pro Tools 11 for free because I bought 10 when I was a student at LA Recording School. This was pretty sweet. I had it installed on my 2012 MacBook Pro with 4GB of Ram, and on the 5400 RPM 500 GB internal hard drive. I had no problems with the setup and it was in fact really fast. Now, this version does not upgrade or uninstall your previous Pro Tools version. I have 10 and 11 and they both have their independent icons and folders.

I had no issues installing or running it for the first time. I had my laptop optimized to run with Pro Tools 10 according to Avid suggestions, but I also installed 11 on another computer that hadn’t been optimized, and it presented no problems during or after setup.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

The difference performance-wise between 10 and 11 is staggering. 11 uses the full capabilities of your computer. It loads fast, runs the sessions and virtual instruments like nothing. On 10 for instance, as soon as I record-enable a track, the fans of the computer would start revving up. This does not happen on 11. Not even during the recording of multiple tracks.

Of course, being 64-bit can far utilize better the resources of your computer than 10 could ever have.

OVERALL OPINION

Pro Tools 11 is the next logical step for Avid and for users. The new format of plugins is still troublesome for some because not every developer supports the new AAX64 format. The new metering options are terrific and the faders look cool too! I have the UAD plugins and the run perfect on this new version of Pro Tools. I would even dare to say that they sound better. Avid claims that this is true because of their new Audio Engine. I kinda believe them to some extent.

Pros:
- Excellent performance
- New metering options and looks
- New Avid plugin bundle

Cons:
- You need to upgrade your plugins to AAX64

Thats right, offline bounce lets you turn your track into a mixdown at up to 150X real time! Major selling point for Pro Tools 11 for sure. This is especially appealing to those who do audiobook or podcasting work. Not all is sunshine and rainbows with PT 11 (sorry to ruin your day). The latest edition of Pro Tools will NOT run your old 32-bit plug-ins (which was virtually all plug-ins at the time of release). Lets get to the specs and see what this version of Pro Tools has to offer:

-96/48/24 maximum simultaneous tracks @ 48/96/192 kHz
-192 kHz & 32-bit maximum
-32 inputs & 32 maximum simultaneous audio recording tracks
-128 instrument Tracks
-512 MIDI tracks
-128 auxiliary tracks
-256 busses
-1 video track
-Support of 64-bit plug-ins
-Offline bounce mode
-16k delay compensation
-60+ virtual instruments, effects, sound processing, & utility plug-ins
-Ultra low latency with a dedicated input buffer
-Extended metering
-New video engine
-Compatible with any core audio or ASIO compatible interface

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

It's a solid build, I'll be the first to admit that. Running only 64-bit plug-ins will definitely improve your systems performance when using many plug-ins at the same time. And like I said before offline bounce, what a life saver. No more leaving your computer to sit for hours while you bounce down that audiobook chapter. Bouncing at 150X's real time will have the track ready before you know it. I have to confess, I have way to many plug-ins to switch over to PT 11. For now I just work within Pro Tools 10 and then bounce long files in PT 11.

Latency is attacked from a different angle in Pro Tools 11. A dual buffer system allows an input buffer for record-enabled or input-monitored tracks (among other things). A much lower value can be set for the latency, allowing low latency monitoring of input through plug-ins, and instant response when using soft synths live. A 16k delay compensation will help you monitor while you record a track.

Extended metering gives you 30% more meter space for those really fine adjustments. We've all done it before, battling with the gain knob because you can't seem to get the gain right. Well this isn't going to solve that problem, but it will help! This is extremely helpful for those who don't have the best eye sight or have their monitor too far away. Sadly only the HD version has the 13 extra metering options.

It is important to note that Pro Tools 11 is a 64-bit DAW, so do not buy it if you have a 32-bit system.

OVERALL OPINION

The thing I liked least about PT 11 and every version of Pro Tools, iLok. People will always figure out ways to steal the software and the only one that hurts is the person who pays for it. We are the ones who have to have a USB slot taken up (and have a small amount of CPU being used because it is plugged in). We are the ones who have to pay to a subscription service to have "zero downtime" or else we face hell trying to get our paid for licenses recovered. I must digress, this is the software I am best at using and so I must play by the rules.

Value for price, it's really hard to put a price on these things. You get the argument that says that people work so long on this, but are they the ones who are getting a percent of the profits? Or are the hard working deserving people at avid all on salary. With a price tag of $699 it's no cheap item. I don't personally know Avid's finances but I can imagine they are making some nice change at $699 a pop, especially since this is an industry standard. I received it as part of a free upgrade, which was great because I think I would have just stayed with Pro Tools 10 if I had to pay. You also have to consider the loss of some of your paid plug-ins. Say you bought some great sounding plug-ins in the past and spent a good amount, it can't feel great not being able to use them with your new DAW.

Lets not forget about the wonderful Avid Virtual Instruments package. With the new 64 bit plug-in system, your mini grand piano has never preformed so well. Seriously you need to try running Boom, Vacuum, Xpand and the Mini Grand.. all at once. I have yet to have Pro Tools stop the session before of an error with too many plug-ins.

Overall it's a great program, a few steps back may have been necessary to usher in the next step in digital recording.

Pros:
-64-bit program (running 64-bit plug-ins)
-Offline bounce allows you to bounce at up to 150X real time
-Extended metering

Cons:
-iLok, iLok, iLok
-No support for 32-bit plug-ins
-Will not work on your 32-bit computer
-If something goes wrong and you need support you will most likely have to buy a $30 call ticket (and potentially one for Pace (iLok))

****Notes****
-Due to licensing issues Avid has removed the Big Fish Audio loops from it's website.

Hassle-free installation on my PC running Win7 64 bits (obviously). The most complicated part is transferring the license to the iLock lol

No incompatibilities with my pc nor soundcard (Motu 828mk3 Hybrid). The only 2 plug-ins not recognized are RTAS. I must update them to AAX.


SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

- Intel Core I5
- Gygabite motherboard
- 16gb ram DDR3
- System drive: 120gb ssd
- Audio drives: 2x1Tb sata3 7200rpm in raid1
- Sound card: Motu 828mk3 Hybrid via usb2

Pro Tools works perfectly well except for the fact that, on pc, you have to close it to change the buffer size of the Motu, while on my Macbook I can do it directly from within PT.

OVERALL OPINION

Version 11 is really fresh but I've been using PT10 for a year and I'm very satisfied with it.

I switched to 11 because I can FINALLY work at 64bits and do offline bounces, which is faster if you don't use any hardware during mixdown. There are other details worth noting, like the new keyboard shortcuts or double-clicking on the Mix window to add a new track.

However, as I said before, there's the drawback that you need to close PT to change the buffer size of the soundcard when working on a PC, but not on a Mac.

I disapprove AVID's commercial policy of offering a somewhat limited software, which is nevertheless enough for small setups, and also forces you to buy AVID interfaces for several thousand dollars to upgrade to the HD version. Especially if you consider that surround mixing is offered by default on all competitor software programs.

The installation is easy, the hardest is managing the iLock account.
Being used to Cubase, I was a bit lost at first. The hardest for me was setting up the D/A inputs and outputs of my racks, as well as the buses and sends.
I haven't found any incompatibilities for now.
I haven't studied the manual enough for now.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V Premium
Processor: intel core i7 3770
RAM: G-SKILL Extreme3 PC12800 Trident X CAS7
Hard Drive: SSD 840 PRO Samsung
Soundcard: Motu 828 MK2 FireWire
Its performance is excellent, the 64-bit buffer allows a very reliable latency and the direct monitoring is indispensable to record audio with big VST sessions.
Pro Tools 11 works correctly and is stable, for the time being....

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for 1 and a half months.
I have only tried Steinberg's Cubase before.
What I like best: Its performance handling software like east west or vienna.
What I like the least: That it doesn't have direct monitoring on the non-HD version and, especially, that it doesn't have an equivalent to MAP EXPRESSION and other details cubase has.
But most of all, the incredible complexity to switch to pro Tools HD which means forking out over 5,000 bucks...
I feel sorry for those who have a PCIe or thunderbolt card, who are forced to buy and AVID card even if they already have the best of the best. It must be hard...

Yes, the installation poses no problems. I actually reinstalled everything on my PC to start with a clean system.
The setup is easy because I updated from pro tools 10.
Right now I have an incompatibility issue with kontakt 5
but I think the latter is to blame.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I have an Asus sabertooth 990fx motherboard
Amd FX8350 32gb 1600mhz processor
Motu 828 mk3 hybrid soundcard.
My virtual instruments are on Samsung SSDs (500gb and 250gb).
This setup is very reliable.
The software works perfectly and you can really feel the difference with respect to version 10 due to its power.
For the sake of comparison, an orchestral template with around
200 tracks took 2 minutes 45 seconds to open for the first time.
Under pro tools 11 ditto vienna ensemble pro
And the second time it took just 45 seconds.

OVERALL OPINION

I have being using version 11 for a month.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again because the 64-bit architecture is a real plus, considering that, up to now, I had being using vienna ensemble pro 5 to get around the 64-bit problem.
And that wasn't very user-friendly.
What I like best is the 64-bit performance for big templates, the offline bounce option and the software's responsiveness.

No issues during installation.
As for the manual, like with all sequencers, I find it unbearable and incomprehensible!
I had to watch a Pro Tools training video to familiarize myself with the Pro Tools-specific shortcuts and functions.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I use it on a
Mac pro Quad core 2 x 2.8Ghz
10 GB Ram
Mac os 10.9
No issues whatsoever.

The software is stable on Mavericks, as far as I can tell.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for nearly a month.
I'm new to Pro Tools.

I used Logic for years, so I needed a video training to get familiarized with Pro Tools.
In the end, I find it more practical and very user-friendly.

But I won't complain about the past! Logic is also a very good sequencer!

Mark: 10

No issues whatsoever, I downloaded it from Avid's website and authorized it with the iLok key. Everything worked fine right from the start.

Avid has the good idea of including a pro tools version 10 so that you can use your RTAS plug-ins. Versions 10 and 11 can coexist perfectly side by side on the same drive. It's a delight!

No incompatibilities.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I run both versions on a last generation iMac i7 with 8Gb RAM... Version 10 is very good, but the same session with version 11 is less resources-intensive (I'd say 8 times less... )

Everything is very stable, it simply flows. The AAX format is amazingly flexible (Dynamic processing).

I gave it a 9 because the control panel of Eleven Rack is not implemented into version 11, which is regrettable....

Mark: 9

OVERALL OPINION

I have been using it for a bit over six months now. I have always used pro tools, there was a huge leap from version 9 to version 10... Regarding version 11, I'd say there are little new features, but the overhaul of the software makes it run 10 times better. You can load really huge sessions without it crashing, which is very nice.

When it comes to the offline bounce I'd say it took a long time!!!!!! But it's true that it's good to finally have it..

I'm truly amazed by the AAX format. I thought about changing my mac for a huge (and also very expensive) system, but in the end, upgrading to pro tools 11 is more than enough to deal with the resource-intensive sessions.

I don't think it's cheap, BUT unless you are very, very stupid and fork out $650 for a DVD, you can spend another $50 and get an ELEVEN rack, which includes pro tools...


Based on my experience, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again.

Overall mark: 9 (for the implementation of the eleven rack interface in pro tools 11).

The installation does not pose problems on Mac. For Windows, I do not know.
The configuration does not ask me specific problems and I thought it was pretty easy.
No incompatibilities with sequencers that I usually use.
The manual is a bit messy, but in general, it can quickly serve as a reference in case of doubt. But there is more in the genre!

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I installed it on a fairly muscular iMac and MacBook Pro on a VERY muscular, I carry everywhere. I only use SSDs.
ProTools air to be stable for now.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it occasionally, but I prefer Logic Pro X and Cubase.
What I like: NO BIG THING. I know it's going to shock because ProTools is the reference in the DAW, but not for me. First, I have not managed to run one of my rather-ins that I use with the latest version of Cubase. I find the interface a little "old" and a little messy. I struggled to click on some "small" buttons. On an iMac is not a problem, but on a smaller screen like the MacBook Pro, I had some problems.
I do not like the mixer. I prefer that Logic Pro X, much clearer in my taste.
In short: I do not like ProTools and I think I'll sell it.
I think Pro Tools is too expensive compared to other sequencers that do as well.
A standard, certainly, but, in my opinion, surpassed by Apple and Cubase.

The installation is done it without problems?
Installation is no problem on my imac, and the pro tools 11 ilok and easier system management


The general configuration is easy?
Yes but it takes a pro tools can know whether to find, but otherwise it's going.

Have you experienced any incompatibilities?
With non AAX plugins 64 bit can very, my plugins for the most part are expensive ARTURIA and make updates quickly to fix the problem.

The manual is clear and sufficient? ..
For my part, no need.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

What is the configuration of your computer? (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Disk / sound card ..)
I use a IMAC CORE I5 2.5GHZ and sound card MBOX MINI 3G.

What performance?
Very good

The software works he correctly on this configuration?
Yes very well, I hailleur very surprised since he did not have to plant once, and with pro tools 10's was me come several times!


This software + hardware is stable?
Yes very stable for me.

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you use it?
For some weeks

Have you tried many other models before buying it?
I had pro tools 9 and the ten

What is the particular feature you like best and least?
Midday management is much better than before, easier and midi interfaces are very well taken care of, the wokfloaw and better, the new audio AAE and very well too, after the engine is not a revolution
I is not cool after having abandoned the VST, RTAS, but hey this is my personal opinion!
But set apart her, I am very happy with my choice, the base I was gone for a cubase 7, but when I get on the promotion has 489euros (pro tools 9 + sound card update with pro tools 10 and11) offered then I made the deal right away!

How would you rate the quality / price?
Very good, with the promotion!

With experience, you do again this choice? ...
Oh yes!

[my opinion concerns only the Mac version]

Ultra Easy Installation more installer, the application is placed in the application folder and that's it (Pro Tools then install the rest). AIR plug ins must be installed later with another installers.

The longest is to download apps on the Avid website but they are separated Pro tools / plugins (AIR instruments and FX) / Optional plugins fee (Smack, Pultec, BF, Revibe, etc.).

The downside is the new format AAX 64 bits (hence lower my score of 9 to 8). There is nothing to distinguish AAX1 (32bits) of AAX2 (64bits) and suddenly it's hard to know what is compatible PT10, PT11 or two.

In my case (see config below), so I had to keep (or rather install) some RTAS plug-ins (. Dpm) for PT10 (including AIR instruments and FX that are only in 64bit AAX while others liked -ins are Avid-compatible 32/64 bit, as the D-Verb is now AAX 32/64).

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I installed PT11 on Mac (ML OSX.8.3) cohabiting with PT10.3.6.
- "Clean" install (OS and then PT11 and PT10 Avid plug-ins and third-party plug-ins)
- OS on SSD / Banks samples (AIR and Co.) on SSD (not reinstalled since PT9) / Digital Audio on internal 7200rpm drive.

All this in a (old) macbook pro 2008 (C2D @ 2.4GHz) with 4GB of RAM with a RME UFX card (firewire cable).

For now, some plug-ins AAX2, I have installed the Arturia V Collection and Vienna Ensemble Pro 5 that work perfectly (for the moment).

My machine is getting old but the performance is good. In fact we find the performance under PT10 OSX.6 (SL), which are a bit better (although finer graphical interface and therefore more difficult to manage). I tested with the sessions with demos delivered PT10 and PT11, and I can get buffers H / W (Note: I always disable the option "ignore errors falling on playback") at the same level as in PT10 SL.

Example of demo session PT10 (Audrye - Turn Me Off)

- PT10.3.3 under SL (OSX.6.8) buffer @ 256 samples it is still rolling but it is limited. CPU <65%
- PT10.3.6 under SL (OSX.6.8) buffer @ 256 samples CPU <45%. @ 128 samples it rolls again but I can not touch (fader opening plugs) if the reading stops.
- PT10.3.6 in ML buffer @ 1024 samples mini if ​​it does not pass, and even with two screens it does not pass either (sic). CPU <35%
- PT11 in ML buffer @ 128 samples even if the display lague a little, I can continue to work normally (@ 64 samples is not possible). CPU <40%

By bcp against it consumes RAM (4GB is really a minimum order bosser).

So with current machine (Core i7 or Xeon MacPro) and more RAM, I think it should dépoter.

Overall, the software looks more stable (but sometimes I still have unplanned downtime but bcp rare) with a much better management of resources (CPU, RAM) and the ability to activate resource allocation dynamically. Also a simplification of the audio engine settings which is not so bad.

Please note:

- Sessions are backward PT10/PT11 (without conversion).

- The latest version of Vienna Ensemble Pro 5 (VEP 5.1.1.12337) is currently fully compatible and above can now directly convert old sessions with the plug in RTAS AAX (before we had to redo everything by hand because there had two versions: RTAS and AAX one side of the other).

- On the Bounce offline: it really works great. We can now easily bouncer main outputs but also any bus. This was the case before in real time, but now a simple right click on a bus in the mix and you can choose to directly bouncer.

In addition, the offline bounce works with virtual instruments whatever their type (softsynth or sampler). Even better, the virtual instrumentals "deported" to another machine via VEP5 also bouncent which was not a foregone conclusion and especially take into account the resources of the slave machine (when it is more powerful than the DAW c &#39; is significant).

(Be careful though with samplers that use streaming direct-to-disk. Here the bounce will work but if the hard drives are too slow, there may be artifacts (Case sounds) on the "tails / releases" sounds. I did the test with BFD2 and I randomly cuts on the release of cymables or snares. Where with Superior Drummer 2 (Toontrack) that puts the samples in RAM, no worries. By changing the engine settings (engine) BFD, and putting the samples into RAM and no artifacts bonus bounce became 14x (2x against streaming). A test so with other sample banks. With virtual synth, RAS at the moment.)

To see with all plug-ins installed third when available in 64 bit AAX.

OVERALL OPINION

I&#39;ve had qq days, then test. I&#39;m still working on version 10.3 in SL. Version 10.3.6 the same as ML is difficult to use on my machine.

I used PT since version 4 (and 3) and follows the evolution of the software for years (at least natively). I rant since version 7 of the chronic instability of PT LE and native (since they changed the RTAS) and I&#39;m glad we finally get rid of this format in favor of a more stable format and more designed. From this point of view for the moment I&#39;m not disappointed, but it is to do once there will be more plug-ins AAX2 format.

The offline bounce and the new engine is real progress but overall it is not a revolution in the sense that Pro Tools only catch up on bcp functions than its challengers. and the rest is very similar to that Pro Tools 10 should have been (and they still lag behind Nuendo because despite their new VU Meters, they were not included, even in the HD version, measures the current broadcast standards film and tv).

We would have liked Avid goes further by offering more new (the bin that has not changed, even more flexibility in routing (eg send the filled place, insert and faders or you want in the string treatment as in the Harrison Mixbus) have a polarity switch per a best management solo tracks instruments / midi, etc) and fewer limitations (petty as always) on the "normal" version compared to the HD versions (there is even the option CPTK - overpriced - or HD software only version).

The news are a great addition but it all depends on the needs and the version that already has: for those who PT10 (especially in SL 10.3.6), which did not have the 11 blackjack and are clad in plugs is URGENT TO WAIT. Because, again, little plugs are ready.

But this version of Pro Tools may still be one of the best long (as PT5/PT6 which were examples of stability). However, the version 10.3.6 PT provides a large performance gain with the channel strip (including in SL) so ...

For those like me who have made the choice for virtual VEP5 instrumentals bcp is easier but I expect qd porting all plugs "FX" to really work with.