Avid releases Pro Tools HD 10.1 to support Mac HDX hardware
updated 07:20 pm EST, Thu December 29, 2011
Free update also requires plug-in updates
One month after the arrival of its HDX hardware card, Avid has released an update to Pro Tools HD, now at version 10.1, that supports the card. The HDX processor offers a 5x boost in processing and adds support for 64 I/O channels by moving to a floating-point architecture. The update is only available for those who own the HDX hardware or those who do a hardware exchange from the previous HD card. Various plug-in updates are also available.
The Mac Pro-only (Nehelem/Westmere models), Lion-only card is a significant improvement over the previous model, generally doubling and in some cases quadrupling options such as I/O channels, audio tracks and voices along with significantly faster performance. The new software updates will appear in a users' Avid account once they have activated the shipped version of Pro Tools HD 10 that comes with the card.
In addition to upgrading the Pro Tools software, users will need to download and install updates for some plug-ins, including the Classic Compressors Bundle, HEAT, Impact, the Pultec Bundle, Reel Tape Saturation, Reel Tape Suite, Reverb One, ReVibe and Smack as applicable. All the updated plug-ins will also reflect the 10.1 version number. The Pro Tools HD 10.1 installer itself weighs in at 2.36GB.
The HDX workstation card, including Pro Tools HD 10 and an HD-series interface, sells for $10,000. Pro Tools HD 10 by itself sells for $700, with upgrades from Pro Tools 9 available for $300. Owners of previous hardware cards can get the HDX card at a discount as well.
