So, 7 weeks into Pro Tools 9 with the Complete Production Tool Kit 2 and I’m loving it. I was using PT8 LE with the DV Toolkit 2 my workflow was as streamlined as I could get it, but ADC(automatic delay compensation) was always the biggest issue. I’m using the DIGI 002R with the Black Lion Audio Signature Mod. So really, the limits were in the software.

In brief, Pro Tools LE seemed always restrained to maintain a distinct separation from ProTools HD. Pro Tools HD’s power came from their dedicated DSP processing cards. Now that computers have achieved higher processing power, users have more options. There are plugins that only work on HD and as great as they might be, this upgrade is totally worth it. LE ceases to exist and non-HD users can achieve a better product. You can check out AVID for more details.

ADC is now available in PT9. As soon as I opened an existing session, I heard a difference. I work on both HD and LE systems and had found that although achievable, it always took a little longer in LE to get the sound just right. PT9 now has the space and clarity that helps make better decisions in the mix; inevitably increasing workflow. I then took a session(24bit/48k) with 24 tracks and copied in triplicate to make 72 tracks. All the tracks had at least 3 plugins and there were 3 (DSP hog) Mach Five Plugins. The session ran smooth as CPU usage read 32%.

I never really ran out of tracks in my previous system. Now I don’t even have to worry. Their audio record(simultaneous) track input count has jumped from 18 to 32. You can connect a third party Firewire interface to your computer and add more inputs. The playback track count has also increased to 192 from 64. That’s really nice!

These 2 upgrades alone have made PT9 and option for studios reluctant to go to Pro Tools because of limitations that are not an issue in other DAW(Digital Audio Workstation) like Cubase, Reaper, Logic, Digital Performer, et al. The ability to use a third party interface or none at all has re-invigorated this old Pro Tools fan. It might not be HD but I run mine like it is.

Thanks for listening!