Pro Tools moves to subscriptions

Pro Tools Studio screen shot

Avid is updating its Pro Tools audio production software with three new versions, and a move to subscriptions.

The new packages include Pro Tools Artist, at $9.99 a month, Pro Tools Studio, at $39.99 a month, and Pro Tools Flex, aimed at production houses, at $99.99 a month. Each of the packages are also available on annual plans, at a discount.

Pro Tools Artist is a new entry level package which, Avid says, is aimed at music creators. However, it uses the same file formats as other Pro Tools applications. Artists and producers can hand over their work to other studios or producers running higher-end Pro Tools set ups.

The launch of Artist fills a gap in the Pro Tools lineup, following the retirement of the free, Pro Tools First programme late last year. Artist offers up to 32 audio tracks, can record up to 16 sources simultaneously, and supports MIDI and Avid’s virtual instruments and plug ins.

Studio increases the track count to 512 and adds surround and Dolby Atmos mixing, previously only available on Pro Tools Ultimate setups. The software also adds automation and Clip Effects editing. It supports 64 master tracks against Artist’s one.

Pro Tools Studio supports one video track. On Flex, that increases to 64, along with 2048 audio tracks. The underlying software for Flex is Pro Tools Ultimate.

Pro Tools Studio replaces the previous Pro Tools application. Existing customers can choose to move to a subscription or to upgrade their perpetual licence and renew their support plans. This is detailed on the Avid website.

New customers will need to take out a subscription plan. The new versions of Pro Tools are available now.