Is Pro Tools Worth The Price in 2024? A Comprehensive Review

If you’re involved in the music industry somehow, chances are you’ve come across the renowned Pro Tools software. 

Developed by Avid, Pro Tools is an exceptional audio editing software that streamlines the process of editing and mixing tracks. 

I found that Pro Tools 12 ensures optimal simplicity and efficiency. It’s versatile enough to cater to both amateur bedroom musicians and professional producers alike. 

This has solidified its reputation as a leader in the industry. However, we found that a drawback of Pro Tools is its price tag, which can be quite substantial. 

In this comprehensive review, we’ll find out if Pro Tools is worth it in 2023. We’ll also examine customer reviews and evaluate its performance against competitors. 

So is Pro Tools worth it? We can finally find out if it justifies its price tag.

Understanding Avid Pro Tools

Avid Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by Avid Technology, Inc., a subsidiary of the media conglomerate News Corporation. 

This software is designed to facilitate various aspects of audio content creation, including recording, editing, mixing, mastering, and publishing. 

It can be downloaded directly from the official website and is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, macOS Sierra, and iOS devices. 

Pro Tools comprises two main components: the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and the Media Composer. The DAW allows you to record, edit, mix, master, and publish audio files.

The Media Composer enables the creation of video projects encompassing live performances, web videos, podcasts, and multimedia content. 

Both components can be obtained separately or as part of the complete package. However, the DAW itself is more prevalent as it primarily focuses on the music editing process. 

This is the core requirement for most users.

Quick History of Avid Pro Tools

Pro Tools has undergone extensive development and upgrades to reach its current iteration as Pro Tools 12. 

The software’s journey began in 1989, with the initial release of Pro Tools garnering immediate acclaim within the music industry. 

It swiftly replaced the previously ubiquitous Digidesign Sound Tools software, gaining recognition as a significant upgrade. 

Over the following years, Pro Tools experienced a surge in popularity as more producers sought access to its capabilities. 

During the 80s and 90s, acquiring software was not as simple as today’s convenient online downloads. Individuals mostly had to purchase physical discs from electronic stores. 

Over subsequent decades, Avid introduced numerous enhanced versions of Pro Tools. This exhaustively employed a variety of alphanumeric combinations. 

In 2015, Pro Tools 12 was unveiled, immediately hailed as Avid’s most impressive rendition yet. Pro Tools 12 has ultimately become an industry standard worldwide.

Quick Critic Reviews

Features and Benefits of Avid Pro Tools 12

Let’s check out a comprehensive breakdown of Pro Tools 12’s key features:

Seamless Audio Editing

Pro Tools stands out as one of the premier choices for audio editing. Its comprehensive range of capabilities includes powerful waveform editors.

It also has an array of effects plugins and an extensive selection of MIDI controllers. 

I can effortlessly select any audio section with my mouse and seamlessly drag it into another track. This eliminates the need for manual clip dragging and saves both time and effort. 

A great added advantage I found is the ability to add automation to individual clips within a project. This provided more control over the duration of each sound. 

I then found a simpler approach, importing a WAV file into a project and working on the audio directly as a viable option.

Effortless Edits

Like a lot of the modern DAWs, I found that working with Pro Tools simplifies the process of creating edits. 

By clicking on the Edit button located in the bottom left corner of the window, I can easily choose between Cut, Copy, or Paste. 

This depended on the desired outcome I wanted, and I learned shortcuts pretty quickly. 

Once I made the edit, confirming it with the Enter key allows for seamless progression to the next step. 

The absence of complicated menus and the clear layout of the software gave me an intuitive editing experience.

Unparalleled  Mixing and Mastering

Back when I was a beginner, I knew my mixes were lacking and could not figure out what the issue was. 

I now know that mixing and mastering my tracks would have them sound more professional and polished. 

Mixing and mastering play a vital role in producing exceptional songs. Pro Tools offers an intuitive approach to this process. 

With Pro Tools 12, adjusting the volume levels of specific instruments was a breeze. I could effortlessly drag instruments onto the fader bar, precisely positioning them in the desired location. 

Applying compression to individual instruments to enhance or diminish their volume was a simple task.

I found it exceptional that Pro Tools allowed me to create EQ presets and save them for future projects. 

But…

I found out the hard way that once settings or effects are applied, they cannot be modified or undone.

Harnessing the Power of MIDI Controllers

Pro Tools goes beyond audio file editing by incorporating powerful MIDI capabilities. So I opened up my MIDI controller plugin, the M4L Controller.

It enabled me to load MIDI notes from my keyboard and drum machine. These notes can then be assigned to various controls on the interface using the MIDI mapping system. 

This functionality allows me to play drums using my computer keyboard. This saved me some time and eliminated the need for a separate hardware kit. 

I found the MIDI functionality in Pro Tools to be impressive. But it can require some familiarity for those who have not worked extensively with MIDI in the past.

Audio Editing Software for All

Contrary to popular belief, audio editing software like Pro Tools extends its utility beyond musicians and recording studios. It serves a variety of purposes outside of music production. 

For example

I can use it to clean up voiceovers or remove background noise from podcasts. 

On top of that, you can convert MP3 files to FLAC format for playback on phones or tablets. Pro Tools 12 has an array of features that make it a versatile option across different fields.

What’s The Difference With Pro Tools Ultimate

Let’s take a closer look at the features that set Pro Tools 12 Ultimate apart:

1. Unparalleled Audio Track Count: Pro Tools Ultimate offers an astounding 192 inputs and outputs (I/O) using the hybrid HDX engine. 

This expanded capacity allows you to handle large-scale audio projects, including surround sound and immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos.

2. Extensive Auxiliary Input Tracks: With 512 auxiliary input tracks, Pro Tools Ultimate enables you to create intricate and detailed mixes. This is done by routing audio signals to various effects and processors. 

This flexibility allows you complete control over your audio production, ensuring the perfect balance and sonic clarity.

3. Enhanced Video Capability: Pro Tools Ultimate supports up to 64 video tracks. This makes it an ideal choice for professionals working on media post-production or large-scale audiovisual projects. 

Whether you’re editing, syncing, or processing audio for video content, Pro Tools Ultimate delivers unmatched precision and efficiency.

4. Advanced Compatibility and Connectivity: Pro Tools Ultimate goes beyond the standard version by providing compatibility with additional professional-grade hardware. This includes HDX and MTRX support. 

This compatibility expands your options for integrating high-end audio interfaces and control surfaces into your setup.

5. Industry-Standard Support: Pro Tools Ultimate is trusted by industry leaders and is recognized by major production companies, including Netflix. 

It offers support for Dolby Atmos mixing and ADM export.

This ensures compatibility with the latest industry standards and technologies.

Choosing the Right Pro Tools Version for You

When deciding between Pro Tools and Pro Tools Ultimate, it’s essential to consider your specific requirements, skill level, and long-term goals. 

Here are some scenarios to help guide your decision:

1. Pro Tools: 

The standard Pro Tools version is ideal for intermediate producers. It’s great if you’re looking to enhance your music production skills and expand your creative horizons. 

It’s also great if you already have experience with other DAW software and are ready to delve deeper. 

Pro Tools provides a solid foundation and a wealth of features to support your growth. It’s an excellent choice for working with clients, collaborating with other studios, and taking on more significant projects.

2. Pro Tools Ultimate: 

Pro Tools Ultimate is the ultimate tool for you if: 

You’re a professional audio engineer, mixer, or mastering specialist involved in major productions, both in-studio and live environments. 

It has an enhanced track count, advanced features, and compatibility with industry-standard hardware. This gives you the power to tackle complex audio challenges with ease. 

Pro Tools Ultimate’s networking capabilities make it indispensable in large recording environments and allow seamless collaboration among multiple users. 

If your audio production career involves high-budget projects and demands top-tier performance, Pro Tools Ultimate is the ideal choice.

With that said, both Pro Tools and Pro Tools Ultimate offer powerful tools for audio production. They are both tailored to specific needs. 

Evaluate your current skill level, career aspirations, and the scale of your projects to determine which version aligns best with your goals. 

Remember, Avid’s subscription-based pricing model ensures access to the latest updates and ongoing support. 

This makes Pro Tools a valuable investment in your audio production studio.

The Value for Money

As previously mentioned, Pro Tools 12 comes with a price tag. It also requires an investment of at least a few hundred dollars, regardless of the chosen package. 

Avid’s shift from a single payment model to an annual subscription system sparked controversy among music producers initially. 

With that said, this transition aligns with the prevailing trend in the software industry. At present, Avid offers two packages for Pro Tools 12: Pro Tools and Pro Tools Ultimate. 

The basic version is less expensive than the Ultimate package. It provides access to all the powerful audio mixing, editing, and enhancing features we have examined. 

On top of that, you can take advantage of “inner circle rewards,” a program by Avid. It offers products and rewards worth approximately $1500 throughout the year. 

The Pro Tools Ultimate package grants access to:

• New Avid releases 
• The Avid complete plugin bundle 
• HEAT
• Pro Tools: MachineControl
• ExpertPlus support

Here’s what Pro Tools can do for Producers

Pro Tools remains an outstanding software that empowers musicians of all levels to create exceptional music. 

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, Pro Tools offers a wide range of features and capabilities to enhance your music production skills.

With its seamless audio editing, I could easily manipulate waveforms, apply effects, and control sound duration with precision. 

The intuitive editing process allowed me to effortlessly do cuts, copies, and pastes,  which greatly streamlined my workflow.

When it comes to mixing and mastering, Pro Tools provides a comprehensive set of tools to ensure your songs sound polished and professional. 

I can easily adjust volume levels, apply compression, and create EQ presets, all contributing to a captivating final mix.

I was surprised to see that Pro Tools goes beyond traditional audio editing with its robust MIDI functionality. 

Manipulating MIDI data and assigning it to various controls opens up new creative possibilities. It allows you a more versatile music production experience.

It’s important to note that Pro Tools isn’t limited to musicians alone. Its capabilities extend to various applications such as voiceover cleaning, podcast editing, and file conversion. 

We found that this makes it an especially valuable tool for professionals in different fields.

While Pro Tools comes at a cost, the value it delivers is undeniable. The basic package offers a range of powerful features. 

We found that the Ultimate package provides additional benefits and access to future Avid releases. 

It’s important to consider your specific needs and aspirations as a musician or producer to determine the package that suits you best.

To Wrap It Up – Is Pro Tools Worth It In 2023?

In the end, Pro Tools is a top-tier digital audio workstation that empowered me to unlock my full musical potential. 

It’s no wonder Pro Tools 12 is the industry standard in music production and audio processing. 

I enjoyed its extensive feature set, user-friendly interface, and versatility. In my opinion, Pro Tools will remain a leading choice in the music production industry. 

So, if you’re ready to take your music to the next level, Pro Tools is clearly the software that can help you achieve your goals.

FAQs

Mike Harwood

Mike is a skilled musician, guitar technician, and music producer with a passion for audio and gear. He excels in teaching guitar, editing podcasts/videos, and creating captivating soundscapes using cutting-edge hardware, software, and plugins. Mike’s talent and commitment make him highly sought-after in the industry, inspiring fellow musicians worldwide.