Coming to the Protools dance very late

[eddie1261]

I apologize in advance for any redundancies, but being 3 versions behind makes it near impossible to find an answer to this question.

After using Sonar for a long time, I want to move on to Protools. However, budget dictates that I buy a used old version to see if I like it. I have an M-Audio Fast Track Pro interface, and research tells me I must purchase an M-Powered version. I found on on eBay but want to ask a question before I buy it.

I am totally unfamiliar with iLok. The ad says " It is new, unregistered and ready to add to your iLok account." I don't know what that means. I can take from that statement that iLok is some virtual place on the internet where you register things. Is that correct? This is going on an XP computer so again from research I believe that v8 is the newest version that I can use without upgrading the OS and I prefer to not do that right now.

The ad shows some sort of USB dongle that I assume must be in place for Protools to run.

Am I on the right track here with all of these assumptions?

Thanks in advance for any feedback I get.

[Glenjb]

You can use that m audio fast track pro with any pro tools version 9 and up.

ilok is a physical USB dongle.

Edit: just saw win xp, someone else will have to speak to that.

[Bruce Paine]

Click on the Avid Support How To Video Series link at the top of the forum. The first part of the first Pro Tools video shows what the iLok USB device is, and how to create an iLok account.

Whether you get a Pro Tools M-Powered license or a regular Pro Tools 9 or higher license, you will need a physical iLok USB device to store the license on, and an account at www.iLok.com to manage your iLok licenses.

[eddie1261]

The version I saw on eBay was 8. Does that matter at all to the responders?

[Glenjb]

Originally Posted by eddie1261

The version I saw on eBay was 8. Does that matter at all to the responders?

M powered 8? Yes u need ilok.

Pro tools 8 Le? No but you can't use it with your fast track

[eddie1261]

Thanks for the reply. The M-Powered package is new in shrink wrap and comes with an ilok. I think for the price I will get it so I have it to learn on. Then if I like it, like Spinal Tap, I will go to 11.