I feel that Pro Tools have really stepped up its game with MIDI in the past few years. The MIDI is the same as the full version which is great, very easy to use and familiar. They’ve also included a load of free bundled loops available which is useful for getting any project started. Not only that but when trying to import a third-party virtual instrument just for kicks I’m quickly shut down, they don’t allow this so it’s Xpand or nothing. Xpand is the only synth available and there’s no option for another virtual instrument which is a little disappointing. It’s my go-to instrument for songwriting or starting most projects. You can see that there are very few Pro Tools First plugins. It’s a really great soft synth, you can pretty much reach for any instrument you could think of, but at this point, I’m really missing the piano that comes with the full version. On loading an instrument track I notice the only option I have is Xpand. All in all, it’s very similar, just slightly fewer options on some of the main functions as I look around quickly. A little different from the full version as expected, and maybe slightly cheaper looking, I’m talking specifically about the faders still cool but looks like a slightly older version. On opening the free version of Pro Tools software it looks great. I’ve owned a few from the Mbox family, But there are loads on the market which do the same job. You also plug your headphones and speakers into it. You don’t need anything crazy to start off with, Pro Tools make some really great ones. The audio interface converts the digital signal into audio files. This simply is something you plug your mic and guitars/keys/bass or whatever you want into. Avid has some helpful information online on how to activate pro tools’ first licenses using the iLok Cloud.īefore you start using the software you need some sort of audio interface. However, you can use the Pro Tools First app without this. Also, If you’re using Avid and want to use the full version of Pro Tools First, iLok is a requirement, so keep that in mind. If you are new to this though, you’ll need to do create a Pro Tools First sign-up/account. I already have a Pro Tools account so everything was really fast for me to set up. Although, it would be a good idea for you to look up the Pro Tools First system requirements before you go ahead. All you need is an email and you’re good to go. So I really like the simplicity of the Pro Tools First download from the Avid marketplace, It’s quick and easy, with no faffing around. I’m using a MacBook Pro 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7 and an Apollo Twin, two pretty industry-standard hardware systems for running any music software. Firstly, I’m going to be testing Pro Tools on Mac. Yes, it is genuinely free! All you will need to do is enter your email and create an account but we’ll get into that below… First Thoughts on Pro Tools First Pro Tools First is the free version of Pro Tools.

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