Pro Tools First Compatibility with Melodyne Essentials 4

[rgpinder]

Long time Sonar user and trying out Pro Tools First to determine if I want to switch. I found I can't transfer data between Pro Tools First and Melodyne Essentials 4 (64 bit). In theory I should be able to create a new insert on a vocal track, choose Melodyne, and then play a snippet and transfer audio to Melodyne for auto-tune etc. But this doesn't appear to work the way it should or does in Sonar. Is this something that works with the studio version of Pro Tools 12 but doesn't work with the free version for some reason? I thought even the free version would allow for plugins you've purchased, even though it doesn't come with many built in.

[unkJE]

Welcome to the Forum!

Unfortunately, PT First only runs plugins purchased through the Avid Store:

http://avid.force.com/pkb/articles/e...s-First-FAQ#16

Q) Can I use any AAX plug-ins with Pro Tools | First?
A) Over 20 plug-ins are included with Pro Tools | First including the Xpand!2 Virtual Instrument. Pro Tools | First supports AAX Native 64 and AAX AudioSuite 64 plug-ins purchased from within the in-app Store. Check the description/specs in the Avid Marketplace to confirm if an iLok is required. Plug-in bundles which include ‘First’ in the name are specifically designed for use with Pro Tools | First and do not require an iLok. These plug-ins should download and automatically install, without needing to re-launch Pro Tools. Plug-ins purchased through the Avid Marketplace with your Avid Master Account will work with Pro Tools | First. Some plug-ins installed manually (outside of Marketplace) will work with Pro Tools | First, but most plug-ins will remain hidden and unavailable at launch. If you purchase plug-ins for Pro Tools | First then upgrade to Pro Tools, those plug-ins will be available as the AAX Native 64 format is exactly the same for Pro Tools | First and Pro Tools.

Q) AAX 64-bit plug-ins require an iLok, but Pro Tools | First doesn’t, so can I use these plug-ins?
A) Many 64-bit AAX plug-ins from Avid and third-party manufacturers do not require an iLok to use and are ideal for use with Pro Tools | First but must be purchased from within Pro Tools | First using the in-app purchase feature. You may also choose to purchase and use any AAX Native 64-bit plug-ins from the in-app Avid Marketplace that require an iLok, but you will need to purchase an iLok USB Smart Key separately to allow activation of these plug-ins.