Avid® (NASDAQ: AVID) today introduced Pro Tools | HD
Native, enabling a growing market of music and post-production
professionals to tackle demanding audio projects using the full
capabilities of Pro Tools® HD software running entirely on computer CPU
host-processing power. Taking advantage of the rapid advancement in the
performance of computer processors, this newest member of the Pro Tools
family couples the cutting-edge software features, premium sound quality
and broad compatibility of Pro Tools | HD systems, with a highly
efficient native audio driver. This combination offers customers
outstanding performance without the additional dedicated processing
hardware included in larger Pro Tools | HD DSP-assisted systems.The Pro Tools | HD Native system offers customers a completely
integrated professional hardware and software solution featuring a new
Pro Tools | HD Native PCIe card and running Pro Tools HD
software–delivering a new level of price-performance and simplified,
open workflows for recording, editing and mixing. Providing the best
audio quality, Pro Tools | HD Native uses Pro Tools HD Series interfaces
for up to 64 channels of premium audio conversion and I/O. Support for
SYNC HD enables accurate synchronization to picture for post-production
workflows. For integrated monitoring and tactile control, the system
integrates with Avid® ICON and C|24™ work surfaces, and features
lossless session and project interchange with other Pro Tools and Avid
video editing systems for simplified collaboration.Additional features include:
- Third-party DAW support–Opens up workflows by giving customers the
flexibility to work on their DAW of choice with support for Core Audio
and ASIO drivers, enabling broad compatibility with third-party audio
applications, such as Apple Logic, Steinberg Cubase, and others, while
also offering Avid-advantaged integration with our own solutions.- Integrated low latency mixer–Allows customers to focus on recording
high quality audio with near-zero latency, rather than the distraction
of managing a separate low latency mixer. The Pro Tools | HD Native PCIe
card enables customers to easily establish a low latency monitor path
directly in the Pro Tools system with the push of a button for set and
forget direct monitoring while tracking.- Pro Tools HD Series Interface support–Offers customers the ability
to achieve premium audio conversion with up to 192 tracks of audio, and
up to 64 channels of I/O using HD I/O, HD OMNI and HD MADI. Customers
can create flexible configurations that support a variety of analog and
open digital formats for seamless integration into any audio
environment. Giving customers an even broader selection of I/O, the
system is also compatible with legacy Avid Pro Tools HD interfaces.- Broad compatibility–Provides customers the flexibility to use their
platform of choice with the highest performance and stability available
on a native platform, supporting both Windows 7 and Mac Snow Leopard
10.6 or higher.What Customers are Saying
Early reviews are in, and the industry’s hottest music and post
production professionals are excited about new Pro Tools | HD Native.According to Andrew Scheps, producer, mixer and engineer for bands
such as the Rolling Stones, U2 and the Red Hot Chili Peppers: “Pro Tools
| HD Native is amazing! It was incredibly easy to set up and allowed me
to open up a mix I had been working on in HD and get right to work,
using the same 64 channels of analog I/O as well as my Sync I/O. I even
ran the same session with all the peripherals on my MacBook Pro with a
Magma chassis. It works great!”Glenn Rosenstein, audio post expert and multiplatinum
producer/engineer whose credits include Ziggy Marley, U2 and Heaven
Hill, said: “Pro Tools | HD Native is the natural evolution of a tried
and true recording system. It takes full advantage of today’s higher
revving computers, while accessing all that is right and familiar with
the Pro Tools environment. Compatibility is no issue–HD Native fits
transparently and reliably into my world, bringing a new flexibility and
unmatched sonic performance. I’ve noticed a definite boost in Pro Tools
responsiveness, and a significantly more aggressive workflow. The Pro
Tools|HD Native PCIe card, combined with the new compliment of Pro Tools
HD Series I/O’s, is truly the next step.”Nick Hemingway, producer and engineer for heavy metal bands such as
Cancer, Desecration and ISOR, said: “What strikes me most is how snappy
Pro Tools | HD Native works on my Windows 7 platform! Hitting playback
is instantaneous and Pro Tools software loading time is faster than I’ve
ever experienced. Having just finished a 20 day album tracking session
with Pro Tools | HD Native, I have to say it’s a joy to use. Long studio
days of recording 18 simultaneous drum channels with very complicated
independent headphone mixes, hundreds of drop ins & industrial
strength elastic audio drum editing. Pro Tools | HD Native didn’t miss a
beat or get bogged down through the entire session, it’s simply
flawless.”Pricing and Availability
The Pro Tools | HD Native system will be available worldwide November
5 starting at $3,495 USD. Pro Tools | HD Native will also be available
bundled with Pro Tools HD OMNI I/O starting at $5,995 USD. For regions
outside of the U.S., please see your local retailer for pricing. For
more information on features and availability, visit: www.avid.com.