protools native with hdx system

[kakipaki]

hi guys
i used protools hd with hdx system before
but i left the protools hd system for awhile with some reasons and i am using
protools native versio.
now, i would like to use hdx system but i don't want to be a slave of
ultimate subscription again.
so.. can i use protools native version with hdx card and hd i/o only if i have magma 3t and imac?

[Darryl Ramm]

No.

[albee1952]

HDX hardware requires Ultimate software(or at least HD software). If you want to avoid the subscription, shop for a used license for PT 12.4 HD(and make sure it will work with your computer and OS). Having said that, it actually is possible to buy a perpetual license, its just not obvious on the website, so I would contact Alto Music and chat with a sales person. And, note that starting with 12.6HD, you also need a DigiLink license(1 time purchase at $299). Maybe Alto has a used license for that too.

You also have the option of selling all the hardware you have and going with PT Native software(often referred to as PT "vanilla") and a 3rd party interface. RME and UA Apollo are both excellent options. If that's too rich, look at MOTU and Focusrite. You will be limited to 32 IO, but unless your tracking orchestras, that's not likely to be an issue