Protools HD Native card via coreaudio?

[BasketCase]

Hey guys,

Over the last few weeks I have been investigating my options for moving to PT11... not necessarily PT HD 11 though, from a HD system. Currently I use Apogee 16x converters - with no intention of changing, as they do the job nicely!

So far I am investigating:
- Apogees via RME AES card.
- Apogees via LYNX AES card.
- Apogees via RME RAYDAT
- Apogees via Apogee Symphony 64 card
- Apogees via HD Native card.

There seems to be some pretty clear advantages for going the Apogee Symphony 64 or HD Native route. The main one being that it allows the 16x converters to be used in advanced routing mode. This gives a 1x AD16x and 1x DA16x 64 channels of I/O (16 analogue in, 16 analogue out, 16 digital in, and 16 digital out) via one card. The Lynx or AES solutions won't do that...

So... summing up the prices to get those 64 channels of I/O:

RME - 2x RAYDAT or AES = $2000 to $3000.
LYNX - 2x AES = $1300.
Apogee Symphony with X-cards = $1400.
HD Native card = $1000 used on ebay.

So the HD native card at present is pretty cheap as well! But will it run under vanilla PT11 via core audio and offer the 64 channels of I/O I need? ...because PT HD software obviously isn't included when purchasing a cheap second hand HD native card.

[nst7]

You will need an HD license for Protools to recognize the HD Native card, and thus anything that's hooked up to it.

[BasketCase]

Originally Posted by nst7

You will need an HD license for Protools to recognize the HD Native card, and thus anything that's hooked up to it.

so that is to say - there is no coreaudio drivers for the HD native card?

[nst7]

Yes, there is, but it won't work for Protools with the HD Native card (or Thunderbolt version). Just for other DAW's (Logic, Cubase, etc.).

Meaning, if there is an HD Native card (or Thunderbolt version) installed, with an HD (or 3rd party HD compatible) interface hooked up, it will need to see an HD license on your Ilok. If it doesn't see an HD license on the Ilok, it will make you choose a different interface, such as usb, firewire, built in computer output, etc., in order to use Protools.

[BasketCase]

Well that is a bit ridiculous... innit.

The HD native card works via coreaudio, so Avid put the time in to actually break that functionality within protools.

[Brock Mixwell]

The avid core audio and asio drivers are absolutely shocking SHOCKING!

If your main priority is to run core audio/asio you would be stupid to put cash towards an hd native card.

These systems choke almost immediately at low latency, the Mbox series drivers are even worse.

If you are looking for a high performance core audio/asio solution you should get an rme hdsp card

The extra investment will more than pay for its self

(Words from an hd native owner who chooses to run pro tools under rme drivers for better stability (only holding the hd native card in case avid lock to hardware for hd 12))

[nst7]

Please don't spread misinformation just because you had trouble with your system.

Most people are doing with these systems exactly what you say can't be done.

[nst7]

@Basketcase,

Your best option would probably be to buy an HD Native/Omni bundle, and just sell the Omni. Or keep it if you need a monitor controller.

[smfelton]

i'm sure i read somewhere that someone had tested it and Native HD Card did work with PT10 non HD obviously they had none of the HD software functionality but did work for i/o. I could be wrong. But it makes sense as the drivers are built in to the single installer. I don't have a non HD licence so i'm afraidI cant try this.....

[nst7]

I believe it was a CPTK license in the situation you're referring to.