[Southsidemusic]

First question: You can not upgrade from PT8 to PT12 anymore. You need to get a perpetual PT12 or a secondhand Perpetual licensee.

You could go the monthly sub route but PT12 will stop if and when you decide to get out.

So 11 Rack will work on other DAW's as it is USB and has its own driver.

So .. second hand PT12 usually cost about 250-300 US Dollars as that is a great option for you. The 11 rack works good with PT12 so no need for any further investment in interfaces.