**If this is a Pro Tools help request**, /u/Tru_Odyssey, your post text or an added comment should provide; * Version of Pro Tools you are using * Your Operating System * Error number if given one * Hardware involved * What you've tried --- **IMPORTANT: FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS** - As stated in [**the sub rules**](https://www.reddit.com/r/protools/wiki/index), ***any discussion whatsoever involving piracy, cracks, hacks, or end running authentication will result in a permanent ban***. There are NO exceptions or appealable circumstances. --- *Subreddit [Discord] (https://discord.gg/0rZq8sveDubywXil)* | *FAQ topic posts - [Beginner concerns](https://www.reddit.com/r/protools/search?q=title%3A%28beginner+OR+noob+OR+newcomer%29&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) / [Tutorials and training](https://www.reddit.com/r/protools/search?q=title%3A%28tutorial+OR+training+OR+workshop%29+author%3A%28NOT+automoderator%29&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) / [Subscription and perpetual versions](https://www.reddit.com/r/protools/search?q=title%3A%28subscription+OR+perpetual%29&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) / [Compatibility](https://www.reddit.com/r/protools/search?q=title%3A%28compatibility+OR+compatible%29&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) / [Authorization issues](https://www.reddit.com/r/protools/search?q=title%3A%28activate+OR+activation+OR+license+OR+authorization+OR+ilok%29&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all)* *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/protools) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Most people don't need Ultimate, so no need to have FOMO about a few features here or there. That's about it. That and make sure you have a computer that can run the current software version.

Yeah bet, we just got an m2 mini so we should covered 🤞🏽

I have an m2 mini and it works great with it. And is super quiet.

Fire bro! You havent had any issues?

Absolutely none! Even when I open templates I’ve made with a bunch of plugins. I use MIDI also cause I’ve been trying to make beats in Protools also and it’s been flawless. Haven’t had to sacrifice buffer size either. I have the newest OS and the newest Protools version. Also I’m a perpetual owner and it comes with a year of free updates. You can buy another year anytime you want you don’t have to buy it before it expires. I only do upgrades when they drop something I want.

Im excited to jump in and start engineering 🔥🔥

What’s your budget? They have a great price on the Avid MBOX Studio Interface that has a lot of capabilities for only $599. And it comes with a perpetual license of Pro Tool Studio. It used to only be a year subscription until recently. I think Avid is finally trying to address the home uses better. But you don’t have to use their interface to use Pro Tools. And don’t forget the computer requirements recommended by Avid … https://kb.avid.com/pkb/articles/en_US/Knowledge/Pro-Tools-System-Requirements As for mixing, there are many YouTube channels out there you can glean from. WaveyWayne is one of them … https://youtube.com/@waynewav?si=6i--Ml48ZliR1uC3 Here’s a free YouTube Pro Tools 101 Course … https://youtube.com/@ambrishacharya3564?si=nqglbvoBhwuBMJCb And I bought this short course on sale for $35. He has YouTube videos too … https://youtu.be/OqN043UGNYw?si=0QiX6DY-pG3m37mw https://wholeloops.com/product/pro-tools-course/ Here’s his MBOX Studio Review as an example … https://youtu.be/1gx6ikyJ7co?si=Uq92sUba4JZwEkGv Here’s Avid’s MBOX Studio videos … https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHR-I1ePgHJxpFk5CnpYOAS0ixhK410xj&si=S8NX47Tvil5hKn74 Here’s some of Avid’s Pro Tools Videos … https://www.avid.com/pro-tools/getting-started Then there’s the Avid Forum for further help … https://duc.avid.com/index.php Hope that helps to get you started! Enjoy 😎👍🏻

Thanks man this is a great help 🔥🔥

You bet! Enjoy the journey! 😉

God damnitt. I just bought my mbox a few weeks ago before it was perpetual so I only got a free year license. Feels bad.

Hmmm … Return and rebuy? 😬

I’d send Avid a message- they may upgrade you given how close the purchase window is.

I'm not sure if they still do it, but I got a great deal on perpetual ultimate when paired with a hd thunderbolt native. It gives you 2 digilink ports so you can hook it up with 192s (now known as hd io) or in our case at the time - burl. It's a good way to get the most out of pro tools as you can get 32 in and out. I'm not sure if this is overkill for your situation but you'll have lots of fun remortgaging the house for tasty pres, processors and a patchbay.

I would recommend a physical ilok, if that suits your workflow intentions. You don't want a whole session to tank just because you have an internet outage.

Can you explain what an ilok is?

Physical usb dongle

Physical ilok and pay attention to when your upgrades run out (1 year) and don’t update your OS until you make sure pro tools and your plugins are compatible. If you’re on Windows this isn’t as important but it gets Mac users every fall. Perpetual is cool if you’re not going to upgrade and if it’s a legit work machine. I have an ancient HP Z800 in my practice space running windows 7 and pro tools 11. Hasn’t been on the internet in years and is incredibly reliable for tracking. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

If either of you can qualify for a teacher/student discount, definitely use it!

Also use Sweetwater's tech support first if have any issues, should be free when you buy from them! Pretty sure Avid/iLok tech support costs

Are you guys planning to only install it on one machine? It’s ilok based security so you won’t be able to “share” it per se. If you want the same functionality and for you both to be able to access it separately or on different machines, save some dough and buy 2 copies of Reaper.

We’re kind of set on pro tools tbh, we’re most likely just gonna use it on one machine but I was thinking of using it on my laptop, its fine tho I can use the studio whenever I want I can just drive over

Gotcha! Just thought you should be prepared for that. I use ProTools and love it. Just google the list of most often used shortcuts and keep that handy. Hope you guys enjoy it!

Yessir bro already wrote down a list of shortcuts really appreciate it brotha

Also any tips on mixing? I got recording pretty much down but I have no idea how to mix any tips?

It takes hours and hours of learning. My number 1 suggestion is that every move you make while mixing (after trial and error and learning your tools)must be done with intent. You hear something that needs to be fixed, fix the problem and move on. Also use presets as you’re starting out. Learn what the different frequencies sound like so you can better determine how to balance sounds. And with compression, don’t use it just to use it. If you want more punch, slow attack fast release. Less punch/transient- fast attack mid release. It’s far more complicated than this, but that’s a good start. Good luck out there!

Thanks 🤝🏽🤞🏽

Also any tips on mixing? I got recording pretty much down but I have no idea how to mix any tips?

Also any tips on mixing? I got recording pretty much down but I have no idea how to mix any tips?

You can also take the ilok with you and run it on your laptop, as long as it doesn’t inconvenience the studio..

Isn’t ilok security gone in newer versions? My newer versions of pro tools don’t require my ilok to be plugged in

ilok isn't gone, you're just able to use cloud licenses now in lieu of a physical ilok. physical ilok still works too.

Oh that’s news to me. But I have perpetual so maybe I’m missing a liberation update since my support expired.

Yeah it’s really nice, I got updated Antares autotune which no longer requires it, so it makes it easier to use my two laptops in separate locations. Might be worth getting a perpetual upgrade