OK, so how do things currently stand for the 'LE' crowd ?

[Culhane]

I have been reading with interest the many responses primarily relating to the perceived price increases for the PT10 upgrades. The HD users have understandably, with their superior investment in both time and money, been particularly eloquent and educational.

I, on the other hand, am one of the seemingly lowly "LE" clients. A faithful, if less profitable (individually) customer over many years, starting with Audiomedia III then to 002Rack. I seem I am not alone in my disappointment with the now $499 from LE upgrade to PT10 price tag. Certainly the new release sounds interesting, as did PT9.

I see a response to the HD groups cost concerns with a happy, in effect, price drop from 1K to $600 with support plan. Great for them.

I don't see a response to the similar concerns from the 'LE' contingent.
Are the 'LE' budget customers not worth the trouble any more ?
Yes, we tend to look for pricing in the ballpark of competing products, we do appreciate the value that has been the 'LE' track in previous years.
The recent upgrade prices are a bit of a shock for us too. I the current pricing the best we can hope for ?

Now, of course Avid can charge whatever it wants, and perhaps I am abnormally cheap, but, as much as I would like to go with the upgrades, considering the imminent obsolence of my 002R interface, it just is not a good investment. It would be like putting an expensive new paint job on a reliable old car whose days are limited. As much as I would like to, I need to save the cash for the down payment on my a new car.
I really don't know how the volume of 'LE' customers impacts Avid's bottom line. I would guess there are a lot more of us than the 'top of the line' group - which should make us also worthy of a 'response' as well. Perhaps I missed it (there is a lot of material here). Just trying to get clarity on where we stand.

To summarize, specifically:

Question: What about us LE customers ? Any relief for us on the upgrade pricing ?

Question: Is the PT 9 upgrade no longer available ? I am not finding it.

Thank you for your consideration.

[scottedog]

I think we've been hung out to dry. Avid seems to be catering to 'pros' only...and not very well.
I stayed at v8 mainly because the 'upgrade' was definitely not worth the money.
Avid's falling apart at the seams it seems.

[Fooks]

I wouldn't figure the version 9 upgrade is still around since PT10 is the focus.
Unfortunately, the LE customers have been left in the cold, man. I had PT8 LE and moved right to PT9, but I myself am really struggling to move to 10. I have my eye on Cubase or the pricey Nuendo, something to think about I guess.

[flautista]

+ 1 are we left behind, 003 + factory Is not too old
To reach its end
Do we'll have a new interface instead 003 not so expensive like HD
Are we in your plans AVID???

[albee1952]

This LE customer went to PT9 and am quite happy with it. Until I can buy 10 for a much better price, I will stay right where I am and not worry about it. I get my work done and my customers are happy(which means I am still making money). For those that are still at 8, you might find 9 cheaper now due to the release of 10. Its a good upgrade if your system and OS are ready for it

[scottedog]

I think guys are saying they can't find the PT9 upgrade.

[zakco]

I am completely amazed that anyone doing this for a living would consider $299 to be expensive for an upgrade of this calibre...especially considering you can use the hardware of your choice. And for the hobbyists...well, I sincerely hope that Avid isn't making business decisions based on this market segment!

wow...just wow.

[Culhane]

Originally Posted by zakco

I am completely amazed that anyone doing this for a living would consider $299 to be expensive for an upgrade of this calibre...especially considering you can use the hardware of your choice. And for the hobbyists...well, I sincerely hope that Avid isn't making business decisions based on this market segment!

wow...just wow.

"Wow" right back at ya !

No, I, and others, are NOT doing this for a living. Pretty much all the professionals start out as 'hobbyists'. I sincerely hope Avid is not dismissing this market segment which can be a significant source of income for the company, while cultivating future 'pro' users.
I fail to see how maintaining the 'LE' contingent is harmful to the 'pro' group.

[Culhane]

Originally Posted by scottedog

I think guys are saying they can't find the PT9 upgrade.

Yes, I don't see the PT9 upgrade offered any more.
It looks like 10 or nothing.

[zakco]

Originally Posted by Culhane

I fail to see how maintaining the 'LE' contingent is harmful to the 'pro' group.

When Avid has to spend valuable resources making sure every POS, cheapo USB interface works with PT and offering support to these "Systems" that have no right to be in a serious recording environment, it is not helpful to the greater good of what should be a "pro" product IMO.

Not to mention how distracting all this bellyaching and whining is to their already limited support staff...

$299 is more than fair IMO.

Move on to Reaper already...