When it comes to music production, Pro Tools is a trusted digital audio workstation (DAW) software used by professionals and aspiring creators alike.
However, with three versions available – Pro Tools Artist, Pro Tools Studio, and Pro Tools Ultimate – it can be challenging to determine which one is right for you.
In this post, we will compare the track limitations, plugin and instrument differences, MIDI creation capabilities, recording inputs, video editing features exclusive to Pro Tools Studio edition's advanced features for professional music production evaluation on both editions.
We will also assess system requirements and compatibility for both versions before investigating pricing structures of each version as well as upgrade options available.
Finally we will consider collaboration opportunities with Avid Cloud Services alongside customer support options offered.
- Comparing Track Limitations in Pro Tools Artist and Studio
- Understanding the Plugin and Instrument Differences between Versions
- MIDI Creation Capabilities of Pro Tools Artist and Studio Editions
- Recording Inputs: Determining Your Needs for Simultaneous Tracks
- Video Editing Features Exclusive to Pro Tools Studio
- Evaluating Additional Advanced Features for Professional Music Production
- Assessing System Requirements and Compatibility for Both Versions
- Pricing Structure and Upgrade Options: Making an Informed Decision
- Considering Collaboration Opportunities with Avid Cloud Services
- Weighing Customer Support Options for Pro Tools Artist Vs. Studio
- To Sum Up
- Don't Have It Yet? Download Avid Pro Tools
Comparing Track Limitations in Pro Tools Artist and Studio
The most significant difference between these two software versions is the number of tracks that can be recorded simultaneously.
While the basic version of Pro Tools Artist only allows up to four simultaneous recording inputs; upgrading to the more advanced version of Pro Tool studio increases this number considerably - 16 or even 64 simultaneous recording inputs depending on your needs.
In addition to track numbers considerations there are many other factors to consider before choosing which version fits best with your needs.
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Understanding the Plugin and Instrument Differences between Versions
The biggest difference between these two versions has been outlined above so let's look at what they have in common first-
Both versions include a massive collection of plugins, instruments as well as sounds that allow users turn their ideas into professional-quality music.
In most cases an aspiring musician may not require all tools included in a full-version such as pro tools studio; however if making high-end productions more regularly then investing in a fuller toolset may become necessary.
There are several additional features that come with the studio version of Pro Tools like comprehensive automation tools, surround sound support and more advanced video editing suite.
MIDI Creation Capabilities of Pro Tools Artist and Studio Editions
The MIDI creation capabilities in both editions are pretty much the same, allowing users to create music using virtual instruments as well as hardware controllers; however there are some differences between the two versions.
For example, the Pro Tools Artist edition allows for 128 MIDI tracks compared to up to 512 MIDI tracks being available in a full-version such as pro tools studio.
Recording Inputs: Determining Your Needs for Simultaneous Tracks
If you plan on recording a band or other live performance, then you will need to consider how many simultaneous recording inputs you require before purchasing either version of Pro Tools.
As outlined already while Four simultaneous recording inputs are possible with the basic version of Pro Tools Artist; expanding your setup will mean upgrading virtually all aspects including software so it is best make this assessment early on.
Video Editing Features Exclusive to Pro Tools Studio
If video editing is an important aspect of your music production process, then it may be worth considering upgrading to the full-version –Pro Tool studio which offers more specialised video editing features than its simpler artist sibling.
These features include things like Frame Flex Pitch Correction and Avid Video Engine integration amongst others.
Evaluating Additional Advanced Features for Professional Music Production
While both versions offer similar primary functionality such as mixing ,editing and mastering; advanced users may be interested in some of added extras that come along with pro tools studio.
The most notable is probably VCA Master Tracks -allowing channel grouping functionality which helps simplify otherwise complex routing scenarios.
Assessing System Requirements and Compatibility for Both Versions
Make sure you check that the system requirements and compatibility with your device before investing in either version.
Both versions require a minimum 8GB of RAM as well as a quad-core processor; however full-version pro tools studio requires more resources compared to its artist sibling.
Ideally both versions should be installed on an SSD drive.
Pricing Structure and Upgrade Options: Making an Informed Decision
The price for Pro Tools Artist is approximately $299, while the cost for Pro Tools Studio ranges from $599 to over $1999 depending on which features are required.
These prices are regular updates but it is worth checking what offers or bundles might be available.
Upgrading from one version of Pro Tools to another can also incur additional costs so do weigh up these options carefully beforehand.
Considering Collaboration Opportunities with Avid Cloud Services
If you like working remotely or collaborating online, then consider using Avid's cloud services which allows easy file sharing between other users including those who don't own any version of pro tools software at all.
This feature brings added value especially for those planning on collaborating on projects across different devices and locations.
Weighing Customer Support Options for Pro Tools Artist Vs. Studio
Finally, when looking at customer support options-both editions have available phone, email support as well as discussion boards but some differences may lie in response times based on priority levels (based usually upon plan purchased).
The full-version does get dedicated priority access status meaning faster responses than could typically be expected from the basic artist edition service level.
To Sum Up
- Pro Tools Artist: This edition includes essential tools such music recording and MIDI creation capabilties but is limited with tracks and recording inputs so could be suitable for aspiring music creators.
- Pro Tools Studio: Offering everything that the artist edition has to offer but with more advanced features such as larger track counts or video editing tools, can be a far greater investment for professional users
Take time to consider requirements before making final decision. Remember it is also important to assess what you need at present compared to how your needs may evolve in the future when choosing which version of Pro Tools would best suit your particular use-case, skill level and budget.