Avid’s recent release of Pro Tools 10 has caused quite a sir in the recording world. Whether it’s because it dropped a mere 11 months after the launch of Pro Tools 9 or because it costs more than previous upgrades, a lot of people have been hesitant to make the jump to version 10.
I completely understand, and was curious to see how it stacked up in reality. So today’s video will cover a couple of cool new features as well as my final opinion on whether or not it’s right for you. Remember, no one is forcing you to upgrade. I’m just here to help you make an informed decision.
Unlock the power of Pro Tools with my REthink Pro Tools video series. Now updated for Pro Tools 10 www.REthinkProTools.com
Comments
Good review. I upgraded the first week since I got the upgrade for free (student account). And I must say that it is the most stable, snappiest and satisfying workflow-wise release since I first came from Logic to Pro Tools 6. My late 2009 iMac with Core2Duo processors feels like completely different machine than it did with Snow Leopard and Pro Tools 8-9.
Also, just a cool tip. If you purchase the RAMDisk app from the Mac app store, you can use it to create a mini drive within your RAM, and if you copy your Pro Tools project into it and boot it up from there, you will essentially get the same result as HD users get using disk cashing. I went from 30-50% Disk usage when really pushing the new DEMO session on my system drive, to steady 5% when running it off RAMDisk. It makes PT 10 even better. Just remember to back up from the RAMdisk every once in a while. if your computer goes down, the ram disk is deleted.
Stian
Stian, that’s really helpful info. Thanks alot!
IS IT COMPATIBLE WITH LION
@Smith, Yes it is compatible with Lion. I’m using it with Lion and have had no problems. Smooth and snappy.
I just saw Graham’s video and well – I’m dying to try mine out! Thanks for the RAMDISK tip… Will try that as well. I’m just finishing a mix on 8.0.5 and don’t want to upgrade just yet. Really want to finish this project and move on to the next then in Pro Tools 10… Overall, I’m impressed with all the features and comments I’ve read around…
Hi Graham,
I don’t want to sound like a compulsive gear shopper, but after watching your “5 minutes to a better mix series” I couldn’t help but sit in awe of the simplicity (seemingly) of Pro Tools’ interface. I’ve been using updated versions of Cubase for the last 6 years; I used Sonar for a few years prior to that. Cubase has been intuitive so far, but there’s something more natural about the way Pro Tools carries itself. For example, Cubase frustrates me opening several mixer windows that require endless scrolling. In fact, I rarely use the graphical mixer interface because it feels like it gets in the way.
Anyway, I record through a Firepod and Cubase gets the job done. But I’ve always had an eye for Pro Tools and your videos haven’t helped end that interest. I particularly like the Inserts/Plugins (?) aspect of Pro Tools. Everything just looks simpler and cleaner, yet there are Pro Tools haters who say it’s outdated and unintuitive. Any thoughts?
By the way, I use virtual instruments for everything except for vocals, guitars, and bass guitar. Is Pro Tools better or as good for MIDI programming and virtual instruments as Cubase?
Thanks,
Bryan
@Bryan,
I have used ProTools 8 instruments as well and I really have enjoyed the XPand2 and MiniGrand (keyboard player). I was also turned into Mainstage (Apple) since it has been on a reduced price ($30) at the Apple Store. I got it, and well for the price, you get to download lots of content; almost 20gb of sounds and such… I am working my way into learning Mainstage so I can’t say it is awesome or not at this stage, but for $30 the risk was defined and I took the bait…
I have also been introduced to another program called: Reaper (reaper.fm)… Some professionals really like it – and since you ask for thoughts – it’s always nice to share. Like I’ve said in an earlier post – I’m finishing a mix as I type this and I’m not ready to move into the new Pro Tools 10, but today I just got the MacPro 8 Core, Saphire 56 and Pro Tools 10 for the studio… I think it’s going to be “sick” to use all the new tools… Will wait for the new year, after this mix, to start using them!
Jorge
I use Reaper (V3.76) & Studio One v2 a lot these days, and they both work fine.
The only thing that has held me back from PT is the lack of native VST support, I have never had any luck with any wrappers, including jBridge.
Plus some of the “features”, like being able to control the volume of individual clips & ADC has been on the the free Kristal Audio Engine, among others, for years….