This article is going to focus on the software, while next month's follow-up will cover the new HDX hardware and AAX plug-in format. Given that Pro Tools exists as both a hardware and a software platform, we're going to split the review of Pro Tools 10 and the new HDX cards into two parts. For new HDX users, it's the beginning for HD users it's the end (unless you upgrade to HDX) and for native users, it's the next step. This means that Pro Tools 10 is, arguably, a release that's going to represent something different depending on the hardware you're using. However, with Pro Tools 9 having added support for completely native systems beyond those previously catered for by Pro Tools LE, there is now an increasing number of people running the software without any Avid hardware at all. If the previous hardware transition from Mix to HD is any indication, HD systems will continue to be used in studios, both private and commercial, for at least the next three to five years, which means that Pro Tools 10 is a fairly important release for HD users. This decision is sure to cause a few raised eyebrows - nay, pitchforks - from existing users, but Avid have at least said they will acknowledge this hardware 'through software maintenance updates for the next three years, and offer hardware repair and phone support for the next five years”. This means that what will presumably be called Pro Tools 11 won't offer support for Pro Tools HD Accel systems with the old HD Core, Process or Accel cards, nor the older blue-and-silver interfaces. One of the reasons I would describe Pro Tools 10 as a watershed release is that, in Avid parlance, it will be the last 'feature release” of Pro Tools to support the now suddenly 'legacy' HD hardware. And, if this wasn't already enough for existing users to consider, Avid are also taking the opportunity to encourage the adoption of various support and maintenance packages, both new and existing, alongside more traditional upgrade options.

In addition to offering a host of new features, including a completely new plug-in format, Pro Tools 10 also supports HDX, the long-anticipated DSP hardware successor to HD. Pro Tools 10 is a watershed release for Avid's industry-standard music and audio creation system. Notice the new Mod Delay III plug-in and the additional disk cache meters in the System Usage window.

With Pro Tools now catering for such a wide range of users, can the latest version provide both value and satisfaction for everyone?

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