Pro Tools software to release a free version in 2015

Pro Tools software to release a free version in 2015

Pro Tools, arguably the most famous and most used music software in professional recording studios around the world, has announced the release of a free version called “Pro Tools First”. 

The new version aims to target both beginners and more experienced musicians and doesn’t skimp on features, including a selection of templates for songs, projects supporting up to 16 audio tracks and loop recordings for multiple takes. 

In addition, the free software will come will the Xpand!2 music synthesiser, a MIDI editor and Pro Tools’ advanced features like Elastic Pitch and Elastic Time, allowing anyone to correct mistakes on the go. 

Surely, you may say, this is too good to be true and there won’t be any free plug-ins? That’s actually where Avid - Pro Tool’s distributor - may make some money. There are free plug-ins available as part of the software that cover EQ, dynamics, reverb and delays but there is a much wider suite of plug-ins available for purchase. 

Finally, Pro Tools First will allow users to save projects in the cloud and access them from anywhere. 

This is a big leap forward for Avid, considering that just a few years ago Pro Tools would only work with proprietary hardware. The move is likely driven by the presence of several very workable free audio editing software packages which are inevitably taking some business from Pro Tools. 

Getting the attention of musicians early in their careers also means that they will be more likely to invest in Pro Tools software as they have the budget to do so.

As of yet there is no set release date but you can sign up here for updates.

 

(Andrea Leonelli)