I thought Pro Tools 9 and UP didn't need hardware?

[Rojo14]

I have used Pro Tools since 2001 with my Digi001.. 'I left the game' in 2010 and the last thing I owned was Pro Tools 8 with a Digi003.

I'm back lol. I just bought a Macbook Pro with Mavericks 10.9.1 My boss bought an Akai MPK 88 and it came with Pro Tools Express and I installed it. Set up the iLok and all that stuff and register. I figured I can fire it up and just use it for simple editing and small mixes but it can't locate the hardware. I was under the impression for the last 4 years that Pro Tools in order to compete with Logic Pro didn't require hardware anymore like Digi003s and MBoxes..

Am I missing something? Hope I can get some help. Thanks guys!

[Craig F]

Pro Tools, yes
Express, no
http://www.avid.com/US/Common/produc...mparison-table

Comes bundled at no charge with Mbox, Fast Track Solo, and Fast Track Duo interfaces only

I think you boss got taken by the salesman

[Rojo14]

Thanks for the quick reply.. However that makes no sense.. Why would they give you Pro Tools Express included with an Akai MPK 88 if you need hardware? What's the point in that?

I just tried to open Pro Tools Express with my neighbors DIGI003 and it still can't find "the hardware" weiiiird! ok..

Nah the boss man has 3 HD systems He just bought an MPK 88. He's all good

Originally Posted by Craig F

Pro Tools, yes
Express, no
http://www.avid.com/US/Common/produc...mparison-table


I think you boss got taken by the salesman

[Rojo14]

Thanks for the quick reply.

Why would they give us Pro Tools Express with an AKAI MPK 88 Midi Controller.. If it's not going to work? Makes no sense.

Pro Tools Express was included inside the box!

[Craig F]

I'm going to kick it up the chain
Does the MPK88 have any audio or is or just a MIDI controller?

[Rojo14]

It's just a midi controller.

I just tried to open Pro Tools Express with my neighbors Digi003 and it still can't find the hardware.

[Top Jimmy]

Documentation about how all this works with Express is pretty vague. What I do know is that you have to have both the iLok and the MPK88 plugged into the same computer to be able to run Express on it. As far as the audio interface that it allows you to use, your guess is as good as mine. You'll have to see what you get once it's running.

[Rojo14]

Originally Posted by Top Jimmy

Documentation about how all this works with Express is pretty vague. What I do know is that you have to have both the iLok and the MPK88 plugged into the same computer to be able to run Express on it. As far as the audio interface that it allows you to use, your guess is as good as mine. You'll have to see what you get once it's running.

Hmm. I guess I'm going to have to try it with that MPK 88. How sad! that thing is huge! I thought I would be able to just carry my lap top with a free version of Pro Tools. Looks like Im going to have to buy a real version

Thanks guys!

[Craig F]

some more info if you want it
http://www.inmusicbrands.com/ptex/faq
and
http://avid.force.com/pkb/articles/FAQ/en436171