Does Pro Tools Support Vst Plugins
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.
As you may already know Pro-Tools uses AAX Plugins but there is wealth of VST instruments and effects availble for production. One of the ongoing debates for Pro Tools users is the issue of having AAX compatible plug-ins for Pro Tools 11 and also hosting VST and AU. AAX, VST 2, VST 3, AU, NKS (All formats are 64-bit only) Supported Hosts: Logic Pro X, Ableton Live 9–10, Pro Tools 12.8-2019, FL Studio 20, Cubase 9–10, Nuendo 10, Wavelab 9, Sound Forge Pro 13, Sound Forge Mac 3, Studio One 4, REAPER 5, Reason 10, Audition CC 2019, Premiere Pro CC 2019, MASCHINE 2, Komplete Kontrol, Bitwig Studio 3, Final. All Plugin Alliance plugins are now available in the 'multi-channel' category in Pro Tools As of June 2018, we are enabling support for the multichannel category in ProTools for all products. The plugins in the list below can now be found both in the “multi-mono plugin” and the “multichannel plugin” categories on stereo tracks in ProTools. Pro Tools does not directly support VST plugins When you buy PT 11, you also get a copy of PT 10. They are very different beasts because PT 10 is a bridge to the past. Tutorial Using VST plugins in Pro Tools. Steinberg’s Virtual Studio Technology has been around since 1. VST plug- ins make up a majority of the plug- in selection out there.
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. Vst surround mixdown plugins.
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.
Free Plugins For Pro Tools
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 |
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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!
Kerovee clownfish vst plugin. 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.
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I am not sure what McDSP plug-ins I own. Where can I see my purchases?
McDSP does not maintain user accounts at this time. Instead we rely on your iLok account information for ownership issues. Please log into your iLok account and sort by PUBLISHER NAME to see what McDSP plug-ins you own.
I am trying to make a purchase with your online store and my credit cards keep getting declined at checkout but the provider says it's OK and it works for other sites. What can I do?
This can happen for a variety of reasons. If you are not in the US, it is a common practice for credit cards to prevent foreign transactions as part of their fraud protection. If this is the case, contacting your credit card company may fix the problem and you can request us to try your card again: orders@mcdsp.com. If you are outside of the United States, you can also try using “99999” [5 nines] for the ZIP field and try again.
Or you can place the order again using a different credit card or Paypal.
But let us know if you have attempted multiple orders so that we can delete your extraneous, duplicate order(s.) Contact orders@mcdsp.com.
If you continue to have problems, please contact us at orders@mcdsp.com. We will respond as quickly as possible. In the meantime, all of our plugins have a 14 day trial period.
I purchased some plug-ins. Why can't I see any authorizations in my iLok account?
You should have an activation code listed for each product in your electronic receipt. Log into your iLok account via the iLok License Manager application. Go to the LICENSE menu at the very top and select REDEEM ACTIVATION CODE. Then the authorization will be in the AVAILABLE section of your account. Right click and select ACTIVATE and assign it to an iLok2 or an iLok3. You can also drag it from the list to an iLok2 or an iLok3 activate as well.
I lost my iLok/My iLok was stolen. What can be done to restore my plug-ins?
First, go to ilok.com and file a LOST or STOLEN iLok RMA. Send the RMA# provided to support@mcdsp.com and we do what we can to get you back up and running again.
I just purchased a plug-in but I work on two different systems. May I have another authorization for my second system?
Our licensing policy is one iLok authorization per product purchased. However, we only support the iLok dongle and iLok cloud methods for authorization so you can freely move your authorizations from one system to another.
How do I get demo authorizations to check out McDSP plug-ins?
The easiest way to get a demo authorization is to install whatever plug-in[s] you wish to try, Launch your DAW, and when the authorization window comes up, click the TRY button and enter in your iLok information. Be sure you have an iLok2 or iLok 3 connected for the demo auth to be assigned. Thank you for trying McDSP.
Where do various VST plug-ins get installed on Windows systems?
VST install locations:
x64 VST (2) = C:/Program Files/Common Files/Steinberg/VST2
x64 VST3 = C:/Program Files/Common Files/VST3
Win32 VST (2) = C:/Program Files (x86)/Common Files/Steinberg/VST2
Win32 VST3 = C:/Program Files (x86)/Common Files/VST3
Where are the VST3 presets installed on the Windows system?
Location of VST3 presets on Windows
C:/Users//Documents/VST3 Presets/McDSP/
Windows – C:/Program Files (x86)/McDSP/
Mac – Boot HD/Applications/McDSP/
They are located at the very bottom of our downloads page.
I am running Pro Tools 10 but my v6 plug-ins are not recognized.
You must be running Pro Tools 10.3.8, but Pro Tools 10.3.10 is highly recommended.
Just installed a new version of McDSP plug-ins but they are not recognized by my DAW.
It may be an issue with the copy protection being used. Please go to www.ilok.com and download and install the latest version of the iLok License Manager application and log into your iLok account. Then right click your iLok with your McDSP auths and select SYNCHRONIZE. Once the spinning blue wheel completes, log out and try your DAW again.
Log into your iLok account and sort by PUBLISHER NAME to see what McDSP plug-ins you own. If they start with ”McDSP…[plug-in name]” they are v4. Otherwise, they will only have the plug-in name and either a “v5” or “v6” after it.
What is the difference between an HD and Native McDSP plug-in?
The difference is that the HD plug-ins can run on either host processors or the DSP’s of an Avid HDX system to keep from taxing your host. There is no difference in sound quality since they are the same algorithms. So if you do not own an Avid HDX system, all you need is the Native version.
I am trying to use one of your VST[2] plug-ins but I cannot find any presets.
Since we only recently released VST2 presets, they are not currently included in the plugins. Please download them here.
Do you provide educational discounts to students and teachers?
Yes we do. You can find out more information about McDSP’s EDU program here.
Pro Tools Vst Plugins
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