Getting Re-Started

[blackscot]

I have several projects from a few years ago that were generated using a Version 6.1 Mbox and Pro Tools LE on Windows XP. I am now on a new computer using Windows 8.1 and would like to resurrect my old work.

Three questions:

(1) Obviously the XP version of Pro Tools would not install on the new computer, so I will need to get the latest version compatible with 8.1. I'm assuming a new Mbox will be required as well (?).

(2) Should I be able to open and work on my Pro Tools 6.1 projects using the latest version?

(3) Any other recommendations/insights to get me going again?

Thanks for any help.

[albee1952]

You have it correct. Since you mentioned LE6.1, that would mean you have the original(baby blue) Mbox and that became obsolete with the release of 8.0.3(now it MIGHT work, but you would be in totally unsupported territory and on your own)

If you ARE going to abandon the old(and I would), you are not(like the old days) tied Digi/Avid hardware. HOWEVER, since you need both new software AND an interface, I would consider a new Eleven Rack(which will include a license for 10 and 11. If you are a guitar player, and only need to use 1 mic at a time for vocals, this is a great option. If you are NOT a guitarist, and/or you need to record more inputs, then its not such a great option(but maybe still the best way to get new software by selling the rack unit(and keep the software). Once you have software, you can use almost ANY current interface, from M-Audio(which I DO NOT recommend), Focusrite, MOTU, RME(which I DO recommend) or if cash is tight, a used 003(you can buy a used 003rack for under $300 and it still works in PT11(IF you have a compatible FW port or card).

[VRW]

Originally Posted by albee1952

...RME(which I DO recommend)...

+1 RME by far the best choice for Windows!

...would be worth the money as very reliable and well supported with great drivers n stuff for many years again...
If you could afford it, have a look at this one (best option quality-wise for the use with Windows between $1000-2000.- IMO).
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FirefaceUCX

All the best.

[musicman691]

So far everyone has talked about hardware which is good. But there's another issue: PT11 no longer uses RTAS plugins so you'll need aax64 versions of any third party plugins you may have. Also Avid may not have aax64 versions of all it's own old plugins and that's something you're going to have to check on your own. So don't be surprised if you open an old project and PT11 natters at you about not having the needed plugin.

Welcome to the modern era of PT11. Much success to you.

[blackscot]

Thanks for the steers re. new gear. Also for the warning's about lost plug-ins -- that is less of a concern to me than just being able to re-open the old projects, have all the tracks still there, etc.

And FYI, I am primarily a guitarist and use various other instruments (mostly MIDI keyboard) to construct backing tracks. So one input at a time is generally used.

So just to be clear, will any of the recommended gear directions let me resurrect the old projects?

[Craig F]

So just to be clear, will any of the recommended gear directions let me resurrect the old projects?

in short, yes
in realty it depends on all of your needs (Midi via Midi interface/cables or over USB, ect.)

being a guitarist you may want to look at the Eleven Rack (11R for short) http://www.avid.com/US/products/eleven-rack