New Pro Tools Express for Mboxes
 

There's already an announcement from Avid about this, but it appears to be closed to comments, so that's why I posted here.

Avid has introduced Protools Express, which is a very light edition of protools (16 tracks, limited instruments) that is bundled with what formerly was the hardware only versions of the Mbox and Mbox Mini.

It looks like it's a way a at least giving something to the hardware only versions, and users will be able to upgrade to regular Protools at a special price.

So from what I can see on the main Mbox family page, it looks like the hardware only version of the Mbox Pro is discontinued (you can only get it bundled with the full Protools), and what were the hardware only versions of the Mbox and Mbox Mini, will now come with this new Express software.

Sounds like a cool idea. Perhaps Avid can clarify what's the deal with the Mbox Pro.

http://www.avid.com/US/products/fami...ntcmp=AV-HP-S2

http://avid.custkb.com/avid/app/self...p?DocId=436171

http://www.avid.com/US/products/family/mbox/compare

Re: New Protools Express for Mboxes
 

I'd actually prefer if Avid kept it simple and had only Protools and Protools HD. There is enough confusion over Protools SE, Protools MP, the older Protools LE, and now Protools Express.

Re: New Protools Express for Mboxes
 

Re: New Protools Express for Mboxes
 

Does it require an iLok dongle?

Re: New Protools Express for Mboxes
 

Pro Tools Express does require an iLok.

Re: New Pro Tools Express for Mboxes
 

Mbox Pro will continue to be sold with Pro Tools 10.

Re: New Pro Tools Express for Mboxes
 

Thanks for clarifying, Max. Is there a particular reason for not selling the Mbox Pro hardware only anymore?

I'm just curious from a marketing point of view.

Re: New Pro Tools Express for Mboxes
 

I think it's kinda cool software to be honest. If I were to have to start over, an Mbox + PT Express + IEP is about all I'd need. I never come close to touching the full Pro Tools track limit. My biggest track right now is 11 audio tracks, 3 instrument tracks, and a couple other MIDI tracks feeding into those instruments. I'm sure at some point I'd have to get creative or bounce things down. I could see myself recommending an Mbox or an Mbox Mini to someone who's just getting started, too.

Most people want it with Pro Tools software. It's only $200 more with Pro Tools 10 included, which is a substantial savings over buying the software outright.

Re: New Pro Tools Express for Mboxes
 

Then, if you already own Pro Tools and use it with a 3rd party interface: there will be no way to switch to an M-Box Pro without buying the software twice, correct?

Just looking for clarification on this.