First Thoughts on Pro Tools First. Ok, let's jump in. Firstly, I'm going to be testing Pro Tools on Mac. I'm using a MacBook Pro 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7 and an Apollo Twin, two pretty industry standard hardware systems for running any music software. Pro Tools Control is a great extension to Pro Tools. I find it completely useful for remote mixing during a tracking session and of course when you're in a full mixing session. The Softkeys are really handy shortcuts to widely used options and you have the ability to create your own Sofkeys based on existing EuCon commands or keyboard. Pro Tools First is a free demo version of Pro Tools for Windows and Mac. Though this version is restricted, it offers a good way to learn about Pro Tools bef. Following the recent announcement of the 2019 Mac Pro, and the comments that some people think that the Mac Pro 7,1 is too expensive for a lot of Pro Tools users and our look at the possible costs of a Mac Pro 7,1 based Pro Tools computer, in this article we are going to look at the different options for each Apple Mac computer model and explore which could be the most suitable as a Pro Tools. How to install Pro Tools First. Pro Tools First is the free version of Pro Tools, the most famous DAW nowadays.Available for Windows and Mac, it comes loaded with many of the most used tools from Pro Tools, which can be more than enough for starters or those who are looking for an easy (but powerful) way to compose and record their own songs with a computer.
Avid Pro Tools First is a free and lite version of the Pro Tools, using the same interface as the full version software.
Pro Tools First is a leading professional software in the DAW platform for music and the post-production of movies.
This lite version allows the user 16 audio tracks, 16 virtual instrument tracks, enables users to record up to four tracks simultaneously. This tool contains various samples of different genres in music, to enable users to record and mix music quickly and easily.
Pro Tools First Macos Mojave
What is Avid Pro Tools First?
Avid Pro Tools First is a music production software that is used for musical composition, creating electronic music (which we know as EDM or electronic dance music). The software is quite impactful when it comes to musical education.
This software helps those people who find it difficult to use traditional instruments for music production, thus giving people new options to produce and be in touch with music.
Features of Pro Tools First
- Timeline:- A graphical representation is provided by a timeline in this software which includes:- an audio envelope and waveform. For videos, there is a sequence of frame thumbnails, auxillary's audio level, and master tracks. The time-stretching of audio clips can be enabled by Elastic Audio.
- Templates:-These templates have been created by the developers and the professionals to showcase their preference of mixing, their favorite plug-ins for specific instruments. These templates help users who are using the software for the first time by giving them a glimpse through these templates. For each genre of music, there are specific instruments that come loaded with these templates. With the help of these users can start their music from scratch.
- Recording-in-Loop:- If users are working on some solo project then this feature is quite handy.
- Fix and Mix:- This software offers its users professional tools to craft their music to perfection. Users can change the tempo, bass, pitch to give perfection to their music which it needs.
- Record Button:- User can connect their mic and other musical instruments, as this software provides four-channel of recording, helping the users in capturing individual performances.
- Sharing:- Users can promote themselves and their music by joining the Avid Artist Community, where users can interact with other artists all over the world.
- Effects and Plug-Ins:- This software comes preloaded with 20 effects and plug-ins which can make your music better. Users can visit in-app Marketplace where users can find virtual instruments, guitar effects, etc for a very low price.
Installation Requirement for Pro Tools First
For Mac:
- Intel® Mac with macOS Sierra (10.12.6), macOS High Sierra (10.13.6), or macOS Mojave (10.14.4 or 10.14.5) Note: OS X 10.9 or earlier will not work, and there are known issues with OS X 10.10 Yosemite
- Intel® i5 processor
- 4GB RAM (8GB or more recommended)
- Minimum 1280 Horizontal Monitor Resolution
- Internet connection for installation
- 15GB disk space for installation
- USB-port, FireWire-port or Thunderbolt-port for CoreAudio-supported audio device
- Supports Marketplace in-app purchased AAX plug-ins in Pro Tools | First
- PACE hard disk authorization (no iLok required)
For Windows:
- Intel® PC with Windows 10 (build 1809) Note: Windows 8.1 and previous are no longer tested or supported with Pro Tools First
- Intel® i5 processor
- 4GB RAM (8GB or more recommended)
- Minimum 1280 Horizontal Monitor Resolution
- Internet connection for installation
- 15GB disk space for installation
- USB-port or FireWire-port for ASIO-supported audio device OR install ASIO4ALL to use Pro Tools First with your PC's built-in audio I/O
- Supports Marketplace in-app purchased AAX plug-ins in Pro Tools | First
- PACE hard disk authorization (no iLok required)
How to Download and Install Pro Tools First for PC
For Windows
- Users can download the installer from their Avid account. After downloading the zip file (.ZIP) uncompress the installer using any Unzip Tool.
- Now unzip the file to any desired location and double click on the Pro Tools First Installer.
- Follow the instructions to complete the installation.
- After its completion click on Finish to exit the installer.
For Mac
- Users can download the installer from their Avid account. After downloading the zip file (.dmg) uncompress the installer using any Unzip Tool.
- Now unzip the disk image file to any desired location and double click on the Pro Tools First disk image file.
- Locate the installer and double click on the installer to begin the installation.
- Follow the instructions to complete the installation.
- After its completion click on Finish to exit the installer.
- Industry news and tips
- Opportunities to submit your music and collaborate with others
- Free software and resources
- Free membership to Music Gateway
Is this the right email address? If not, you can correct it.
Is this the right email address? If not, you can correct it.
- Licence your music to Films, TV and Ads
- Manage your music and metadata
- Submit music to labels and publishers
- Create playlists to showcase to A&R reps
- Collaborate with others and pitch for work
- ...and so much more!
- 5GB+ of samples
- VST plugins
- Midi production files and templates
- Industry guides and how-tos
- Spotify curator list
- ...and so much more!
My name is Michael Stockwell, I'm a British songwriter & producer based in London. I'm going to make a Pro Tools First review where I'll cover the look, feel & functionality of it and see what the Pro Tools First limitations and strengths are when compared to the Pro Tools 2018 full version.
Interested in learning more about Pro Tools (First) but in over your head? Easily collaborate or network with someone from our community of thousands.
First Thoughts on Pro Tools First
Ok, let's jump in. Firstly, I'm going to be testing Pro Tools on Mac. I'm using a MacBook Pro 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7 and an Apollo Twin, two pretty industry standard hardware systems for running any music software.
So I really like the simplicity of the Pro Tools First download from the Avid marketplace, It's quick and easy, no faffing around. All you need is an email and you're good to go. Although, it would be a good idea for you to look up the Pro Tools First system requirements before you go ahead.
Pro Tools For Free Mac
I already have a Pro Tools account so everything was really fast for me to set up. If you are new to this though, you'll need to do create a Pro Tools First sign up/account. Also, If you're using Avid and want to use the full version of Pro Tools First, iLok is a requirement, so keep that in mind. However, you can use the Pro Tools First app without this. Avid has some helpful information online on how to activate pro tools first licenses using the iLok Cloud.
Before you start using the software you need some sort of audio interface. This simply is something you plug your mic and guitars/keys/bass or whatever you want into. The audio interface converts the digital signal into audio. You also plug your headphones and speakers into it. You don't need anything crazy to start off with, Pro Tools make some really great ones.
I've owned a few from the Mbox family, But there are loads on the market which do the same job. USB versions are great for starting off.
Going Hands Down
On opening the free software it looks great. A little different from the full version as expected, maybe slightly cheaper looking, I'm talking specifically about the faders; still cool but looks like a slightly older version. All in all, it's very similar, just slightly fewer options on some of the main functions as I look around quickly.
On loading an instrument track I notice the only option I have is Xpand. It's a really great soft synth, you can pretty much reach for any instrument you could think of, but at this point, I'm really missing the piano that comes with the full version. You can see that there are very few Pro Tools First plugins.
It's my go-to instrument for songwriting or starting most projects. Xpand is the only synth available and there's no option for another virtual instrument which is a little disappointing.
Not only that, when trying to import a third party virtual instrument just for kicks I'm quickly shut down, they don't allow this so it's Xpand or nothing. They've also included a load of free bundled loops available which is useful for getting any project started.
The Comparison
The MIDI is the same as the full version which is great, very easy to use and familiar. I feel that Pro Tools have really stepped up their game with MIDI in the past few years. There is one big drawback with this version though. When I try to bounce the MIDI to audio it won't let me.
This is quite annoying as you really can't do anything creatively with MIDI editing tools the same way as with audio. This is essential for any creative producer to be original and unique from the get-go. It does let you freeze midi like the full version which is cool for space saving but then again, you can't do anything with frozen MIDI.
The plugins are simple, nothing really going on here. Starting with the compression, It's great for beginners, but you've only got one to choose from, really basic stuff. Same goes for the EQ, It's awesome and I use it all the time in the full version in pretty much every record I make. But it's a tiny taste of what the full version can offer.
Let's go to the mix window now. The number of tracks is always important when making music I think, as I try and go past 16 tracks it stops me. You could very quickly use up at least 10 track nowadays for just drums, So this version has huge limitations here.
Check-Out of the Effects
Ok let's talk effects: You've got one reverb and one delay; quite disappointing. Although with a bit of talent and imagination you can do some crazy things with just these, most music producers are going to get bored very quickly with this. It doesn't allow any third party plugins like Waves or Apollo but I guess that's the point, It's all geared up to get you to move to the full version.
When you've filled up your 16 track masterpiece and thinking of bouncing it's still very easy, just like the full version. The big difference is it doesn't have the mp3 option, which let's be honest, we all need. So it's just WAV format for now.
If you're just starting out or have never owned a DAW and want to try recording for the first time without spending any money then I would say this software is for you. On that basis, it's awesome because it's so basic.
One compressor, one EQ and one virtual instrument. It's not confusing you with a crazy amount of options. After all, I recorded for about ten years without the use of any compression or the ability to cut, move and chop things up in a digital system.
First Thoughts on Pro Tools First. Ok, let's jump in. Firstly, I'm going to be testing Pro Tools on Mac. I'm using a MacBook Pro 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7 and an Apollo Twin, two pretty industry standard hardware systems for running any music software. Pro Tools Control is a great extension to Pro Tools. I find it completely useful for remote mixing during a tracking session and of course when you're in a full mixing session. The Softkeys are really handy shortcuts to widely used options and you have the ability to create your own Sofkeys based on existing EuCon commands or keyboard. Pro Tools First is a free demo version of Pro Tools for Windows and Mac. Though this version is restricted, it offers a good way to learn about Pro Tools bef. Following the recent announcement of the 2019 Mac Pro, and the comments that some people think that the Mac Pro 7,1 is too expensive for a lot of Pro Tools users and our look at the possible costs of a Mac Pro 7,1 based Pro Tools computer, in this article we are going to look at the different options for each Apple Mac computer model and explore which could be the most suitable as a Pro Tools. How to install Pro Tools First. Pro Tools First is the free version of Pro Tools, the most famous DAW nowadays.Available for Windows and Mac, it comes loaded with many of the most used tools from Pro Tools, which can be more than enough for starters or those who are looking for an easy (but powerful) way to compose and record their own songs with a computer.
Avid Pro Tools First is a free and lite version of the Pro Tools, using the same interface as the full version software.
Pro Tools First is a leading professional software in the DAW platform for music and the post-production of movies.
This lite version allows the user 16 audio tracks, 16 virtual instrument tracks, enables users to record up to four tracks simultaneously. This tool contains various samples of different genres in music, to enable users to record and mix music quickly and easily.
Pro Tools First Macos Mojave
What is Avid Pro Tools First?
Avid Pro Tools First is a music production software that is used for musical composition, creating electronic music (which we know as EDM or electronic dance music). The software is quite impactful when it comes to musical education.
This software helps those people who find it difficult to use traditional instruments for music production, thus giving people new options to produce and be in touch with music.
Features of Pro Tools First
- Timeline:- A graphical representation is provided by a timeline in this software which includes:- an audio envelope and waveform. For videos, there is a sequence of frame thumbnails, auxillary's audio level, and master tracks. The time-stretching of audio clips can be enabled by Elastic Audio.
- Templates:-These templates have been created by the developers and the professionals to showcase their preference of mixing, their favorite plug-ins for specific instruments. These templates help users who are using the software for the first time by giving them a glimpse through these templates. For each genre of music, there are specific instruments that come loaded with these templates. With the help of these users can start their music from scratch.
- Recording-in-Loop:- If users are working on some solo project then this feature is quite handy.
- Fix and Mix:- This software offers its users professional tools to craft their music to perfection. Users can change the tempo, bass, pitch to give perfection to their music which it needs.
- Record Button:- User can connect their mic and other musical instruments, as this software provides four-channel of recording, helping the users in capturing individual performances.
- Sharing:- Users can promote themselves and their music by joining the Avid Artist Community, where users can interact with other artists all over the world.
- Effects and Plug-Ins:- This software comes preloaded with 20 effects and plug-ins which can make your music better. Users can visit in-app Marketplace where users can find virtual instruments, guitar effects, etc for a very low price.
Installation Requirement for Pro Tools First
For Mac:
- Intel® Mac with macOS Sierra (10.12.6), macOS High Sierra (10.13.6), or macOS Mojave (10.14.4 or 10.14.5) Note: OS X 10.9 or earlier will not work, and there are known issues with OS X 10.10 Yosemite
- Intel® i5 processor
- 4GB RAM (8GB or more recommended)
- Minimum 1280 Horizontal Monitor Resolution
- Internet connection for installation
- 15GB disk space for installation
- USB-port, FireWire-port or Thunderbolt-port for CoreAudio-supported audio device
- Supports Marketplace in-app purchased AAX plug-ins in Pro Tools | First
- PACE hard disk authorization (no iLok required)
For Windows:
- Intel® PC with Windows 10 (build 1809) Note: Windows 8.1 and previous are no longer tested or supported with Pro Tools First
- Intel® i5 processor
- 4GB RAM (8GB or more recommended)
- Minimum 1280 Horizontal Monitor Resolution
- Internet connection for installation
- 15GB disk space for installation
- USB-port or FireWire-port for ASIO-supported audio device OR install ASIO4ALL to use Pro Tools First with your PC's built-in audio I/O
- Supports Marketplace in-app purchased AAX plug-ins in Pro Tools | First
- PACE hard disk authorization (no iLok required)
How to Download and Install Pro Tools First for PC
For Windows
- Users can download the installer from their Avid account. After downloading the zip file (.ZIP) uncompress the installer using any Unzip Tool.
- Now unzip the file to any desired location and double click on the Pro Tools First Installer.
- Follow the instructions to complete the installation.
- After its completion click on Finish to exit the installer.
For Mac
- Users can download the installer from their Avid account. After downloading the zip file (.dmg) uncompress the installer using any Unzip Tool.
- Now unzip the disk image file to any desired location and double click on the Pro Tools First disk image file.
- Locate the installer and double click on the installer to begin the installation.
- Follow the instructions to complete the installation.
- After its completion click on Finish to exit the installer.
- Industry news and tips
- Opportunities to submit your music and collaborate with others
- Free software and resources
- Free membership to Music Gateway
Is this the right email address? If not, you can correct it.
Is this the right email address? If not, you can correct it.
- Licence your music to Films, TV and Ads
- Manage your music and metadata
- Submit music to labels and publishers
- Create playlists to showcase to A&R reps
- Collaborate with others and pitch for work
- ...and so much more!
- 5GB+ of samples
- VST plugins
- Midi production files and templates
- Industry guides and how-tos
- Spotify curator list
- ...and so much more!
My name is Michael Stockwell, I'm a British songwriter & producer based in London. I'm going to make a Pro Tools First review where I'll cover the look, feel & functionality of it and see what the Pro Tools First limitations and strengths are when compared to the Pro Tools 2018 full version.
Interested in learning more about Pro Tools (First) but in over your head? Easily collaborate or network with someone from our community of thousands.
First Thoughts on Pro Tools First
Ok, let's jump in. Firstly, I'm going to be testing Pro Tools on Mac. I'm using a MacBook Pro 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7 and an Apollo Twin, two pretty industry standard hardware systems for running any music software.
So I really like the simplicity of the Pro Tools First download from the Avid marketplace, It's quick and easy, no faffing around. All you need is an email and you're good to go. Although, it would be a good idea for you to look up the Pro Tools First system requirements before you go ahead.
Pro Tools For Free Mac
I already have a Pro Tools account so everything was really fast for me to set up. If you are new to this though, you'll need to do create a Pro Tools First sign up/account. Also, If you're using Avid and want to use the full version of Pro Tools First, iLok is a requirement, so keep that in mind. However, you can use the Pro Tools First app without this. Avid has some helpful information online on how to activate pro tools first licenses using the iLok Cloud.
Before you start using the software you need some sort of audio interface. This simply is something you plug your mic and guitars/keys/bass or whatever you want into. The audio interface converts the digital signal into audio. You also plug your headphones and speakers into it. You don't need anything crazy to start off with, Pro Tools make some really great ones.
I've owned a few from the Mbox family, But there are loads on the market which do the same job. USB versions are great for starting off.
Going Hands Down
On opening the free software it looks great. A little different from the full version as expected, maybe slightly cheaper looking, I'm talking specifically about the faders; still cool but looks like a slightly older version. All in all, it's very similar, just slightly fewer options on some of the main functions as I look around quickly.
On loading an instrument track I notice the only option I have is Xpand. It's a really great soft synth, you can pretty much reach for any instrument you could think of, but at this point, I'm really missing the piano that comes with the full version. You can see that there are very few Pro Tools First plugins.
It's my go-to instrument for songwriting or starting most projects. Xpand is the only synth available and there's no option for another virtual instrument which is a little disappointing.
Not only that, when trying to import a third party virtual instrument just for kicks I'm quickly shut down, they don't allow this so it's Xpand or nothing. They've also included a load of free bundled loops available which is useful for getting any project started.
The Comparison
The MIDI is the same as the full version which is great, very easy to use and familiar. I feel that Pro Tools have really stepped up their game with MIDI in the past few years. There is one big drawback with this version though. When I try to bounce the MIDI to audio it won't let me.
This is quite annoying as you really can't do anything creatively with MIDI editing tools the same way as with audio. This is essential for any creative producer to be original and unique from the get-go. It does let you freeze midi like the full version which is cool for space saving but then again, you can't do anything with frozen MIDI.
The plugins are simple, nothing really going on here. Starting with the compression, It's great for beginners, but you've only got one to choose from, really basic stuff. Same goes for the EQ, It's awesome and I use it all the time in the full version in pretty much every record I make. But it's a tiny taste of what the full version can offer.
Let's go to the mix window now. The number of tracks is always important when making music I think, as I try and go past 16 tracks it stops me. You could very quickly use up at least 10 track nowadays for just drums, So this version has huge limitations here.
Check-Out of the Effects
Ok let's talk effects: You've got one reverb and one delay; quite disappointing. Although with a bit of talent and imagination you can do some crazy things with just these, most music producers are going to get bored very quickly with this. It doesn't allow any third party plugins like Waves or Apollo but I guess that's the point, It's all geared up to get you to move to the full version.
When you've filled up your 16 track masterpiece and thinking of bouncing it's still very easy, just like the full version. The big difference is it doesn't have the mp3 option, which let's be honest, we all need. So it's just WAV format for now.
If you're just starting out or have never owned a DAW and want to try recording for the first time without spending any money then I would say this software is for you. On that basis, it's awesome because it's so basic.
One compressor, one EQ and one virtual instrument. It's not confusing you with a crazy amount of options. After all, I recorded for about ten years without the use of any compression or the ability to cut, move and chop things up in a digital system.
You also have the same sound quality as most hit records are made with these days. If you're more advanced and want something simple just for writing or getting those ideas down then this is so ideal. You're not gonna be able to make the next Daft Punk record on it but you could certainly write the next ‘Get Lucky' demo on it.
So when it comes to comparing Pro Tools First vs Pro Tools specs, the important things to know are:
Specs Comparison |
| Pro Tools First | Pro Tools 13 | |
| Number of Audio Tracks | 16 | 128 |
| Midi Tracks | 16 | 1024 |
| Full Record, Edit, Cut & Copy | YES | Yes |
| Track Freeze, Commit & Bounce Audio | Freeze Only | Yes |
| Full import session data from other sessions | No | Yes |
| Auxiliary Tracks | 16 | 128 |
| Included Plugins | 23 | 80 |
| Virtual Instruments | 1 | 6 |
| Maximum Sample rate | 32Bit (96 kHz) | 32Bit (96 kHz) |
| MP3 Option | No | Yes |
| Third Party Plugins/Instruments | No | Yes |
| Cloud Collaboration | Yes | Yes |
| Number of Projects | 3 | Unlimited |
|cta-link type='producers'|
You also have to have into consideration the main difference, which is the price. As mentioned before, Pro Tools First is completely free, while an up-to-date Pro Tools subscription starts at £20.25 a month (not including any add-ons).
In Summary, I would say Pro Tools First is a great taste of the full version, especially for the look and feel of it. If you just starting out this is the DAW for you. However, it might put some more advanced producers off who are looking for something different from ‘Logic' or ‘Reason' with how little plugin-ins & VST instruments are included in this version. But take it from me, don't let this put you off. The full version is top notch!
If you are still not 100% clear on which Software would best suit your needs, you can always get in contact with another producer to help you with your tracks. Why not check out our World-Wide Marketplace with 1000s of professional artists, producers and musicians? Get a Free Trial now!
Get in touch with us if you'd like us to write a Pro Tools HD First tutorial.
