Pro Tools 2020.5 won't launch on Mac mini

[Ben Jenssen]

I've had troubles too w/macmini, but I found this:
https://youtu.be/l-LvtuUxAQc
I think it's to do with the system volume write lock.

[mac90501]

I did a successful install of 2020.9. I get the same error message at "midi engine"

[GoButtonGuy]

I have a nearly identical Mini and had some issues at first but here's what I did and do in other situations like this.

As others have said do a clean install using a bootable drive and the combo update. @JFreak posted the instructions for this a couple pages back. Keep whatever drive you use tucked away in case you have to use it again.

Combo update will include all the point updates from the .0 version of the OS to what you are installing. Sometimes if you just install updates upon updates or even skip one you may have issues that PT doesn't like.

Combo update 10.10.5
https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2040?locale=en_US

Once you've done that don't install or attach any hardware other than a basic monitor and keyboard/mouse. Use wired internet if possible and disable Wifi. On really cranky installs I use a wired keyboard and mouse to eliminate variables in the Bluetooth. Don't install drivers for any of your peripherals. You are only going to be installing a bare bones Pro Tools at this point.

Go to your Avid account and download a new copy of Pro Tools. In this case I'd go back to 2020.5 and go from there. Install only what you need for a bare system. Don't install any of the extra content or plug ins. Don't install any of your third party plug ins. Only Pro Tools, only enough to launch.

If you get it to launch and get a workspace you can then start adding things. I'd turn the Wifi and Bluetooth back on at first. I have issues where the Wifi has to be disabled for a stable Pro Tools session. Others do not. Next I'd add your interface and any drivers required if they aren't Core Audio, one at a time. Download the latest drivers directly from the vendor. Do not use any you have from other installs. Everything you install has to be fresh. This eliminates mis versioning or corrupt files that still may have been installed or didn't link properly when initially installed.

If you keep launching and something craters the rig, you know you've found it. Uninstall whatever it was and go back to adding things back. Repeat the uninstall looking for other devices that cause issues. Anything that causes an issue set it aside and keep going to the next component. This way you will narrow down what is causing the problems. If nothing else installs and allows launch after the first one that failed you know that one is causing issues.

I doubt it's the Mini hardware though could be. It's likely some sort of software/hardware interaction. It's a lot of work to do it this way but in difficult installs (not just Pro Tools) it's a good way to eliminate all the variables.

[JFreak]

Maybe 2020.9 now as it was just released, but otherwise solid advise

[GoButtonGuy]

Thanks.

I suggested the last version because I know it works and it's not less than a day old.

[mac90501]

Thanks for the information.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Southsidemusic]

Originally Posted by spinsong

Just looked it up. That interface isn’t qualified with protools. That might be your bummer.

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Looked what up? Are you saying Apollo X-Series interfaces (X8P) is not compatible?? We run 4 of the X8P and X16 and a X4 and have done for a year plus and they sure work Great! NOT the issue for the OP! The Apollo interfaces are ALL working and qualified with PT all versions.

[CarlNova]

I am having the same issue with a 2019 MBP 16".
I've tried everything I know and PT still won't launch.
I've filled a report with Avid. Awaiting a response.