Should You Upgrade to Pro Tools 9?

A few weeks ago, Avid announced the release of ProTools 9 and we want to know – what’s the difference?

According to the site, the ninth installment leverages the same core functionality as the previous versions. The new version adheres to the same promise of enabling professional-quality recording, editing and mixing features in home or project studios.

According to online reviews, the addition of the automatic delay compensation and the MP3 export seem to be the biggest advantages of upgrade. Pro Tools 9 is also compatible with more interfaces, which facilitates greater collaboration with other artists.

Pro Tools 9 will be offered as a standalone for use with select M-Audio interfaces, as well as in all-new, value packed bundles. Bundling options include MobilePre, Fast Track Pro and Fast Track Ultra (learn more about the bundles here).

Pro Tools 9 HD is the premium, top-of-the-line option, boasting the most features and all-around highest quality of recording options. The significant additions that have been made from Pro Tools HD 8 are:

• AAF/OMF/MXF file interchange
• Core Audio/ASIO support (up to 32 channels)
• MP3 export
• Variable stereo pan depth
• An updated 7.1 surround panner

So ... Should you upgrade?

It’s up to you and your unique needs as an artist. Once you know precisely what you need and, more importantly, what you’re able to spend, it doesn’t hurt to do the research to see what you may be missing out on. Avid posts a nice side-by-side comparison of their products. If you believe the added features will pay for themselves, you should definitely consider investing in anything that will improve the quality of your work.

Expert Insight from one of our Featured Artists, Olesya Star:

"PT9 is worth upgrading mainly for one reason, ADC Automatic Delay Compensation, previously only in PTHD.... Although Ableton and others have had it in for ages, it helps massively when you use lots of Virtual Instruments and RTAS plugins al...l chained. Saves me time away from the calculator. Have you tried Presonus Studio one/pro? not really for the VI's as PT's are far far better, but the overall mix quality is absolutely jaw-dropping and the built in studio toys (compressors/limiters/delays) just seem to sound better than the ones in PT. Worth considering before an upgrade.  Even though, when all said and done though, Pro Tools just rocks. Period."

Pro Tools 9 is priced at $299.95, but existing Pro Tools users can upgrade for $199.95. It also wouldn’t be a bad idea to check out Ebay for other pricing options.

Just starting out and want to find out the best product for you? Check out this resource.