The Bottom Line
Pro Tools LE 8, introduced at this year's AES show in San Francisco, offers incredibly expanded features over previous versions; a beautiful, intuitive interface is only the beginning. Offering an expanded track count, a comprehensive collection of plug-ins and effects, and high quality virtual instruments, Pro Tools LE 8 is sure to give the competition -- namely Apple's Logic Studio -- a run for the money (and further solidify Pro Tools as the market leader in digital audio workstations).
Please note: This is a preview, not a full review. Stay tuned for a full featured review as soon as Pro Tools 8 is available!
Please note: This is a preview, not a full review. Stay tuned for a full featured review as soon as Pro Tools 8 is available!
Pros
- Expanded Track Count - Up to 48 Tracks
- 10 Inserts Per Channel
- Extended File Size Support
- Groundbreaking Virtual Instruments
Cons
- None.
Description
- Fully-updated version of Pro Tools.
- 48 tracks of 24-bit, 96kHz audio mixing. Up to 128 tracks with expansion packs.
- Groundbreaking new virtual instruments, included with Pro Tools LE 8, including grand piano and Hammond B3 simulation.
- 10 inserts per channel.
- Expanded file sizes.
- Built-in pitch correction.
Guide Review - Preview: Pro Tools LE Version 8
Pro Tools LE is a slightly scaled back version of it's big brother, Pro Tools HD. Bundled with hardware perfectly suited for project and mixing studios, LE offers those on a budget the power of Pro Tools for all of their multi-tracking needs.
Pro Tools 8 represents the biggest update to Pro Tools in years. Let's look at some of the features you'll see in this upcoming update.
Digidesign has added a drum machine, called Boom, to make creation of beats easier than ever before. Keyboard sounds come from Mini Grand, a grand piano simulator, DB-33 (a Hammond B3 simulator), and Vacuum and XPand! synths.
Digidesign's Eleven and SansAmp amplifier simulators are included, as well. These give any user the power over ultimate tone from a direct-input guitar.
Also highly of note, Pro Tools 8 LE offers the ability to use up to 48 tracks at once. Add on the additional Music Production Toolkit 2 and DV Toolkit 2, you'll gain 128 tracks.
Pro Tools 8 represents the biggest update to Pro Tools in years. Let's look at some of the features you'll see in this upcoming update.
Beautiful new interface
Pro Tools LE 8 clearly takes a note from competitor Logic in it's new interface. A sleeker interface alongside a better graphic interface gives you a much better visual experience (and the dark grey background helps ease strained eyes during long mix sessions). Otherwise, Pro Tools' workflow layout remains unchanged.Revolutionary virtual instruments, amp simulators
Taking another cue from Logic, Pro Tools 8 LE offers several fantastic options for virtual instruments, directly insertable into your projects.Digidesign has added a drum machine, called Boom, to make creation of beats easier than ever before. Keyboard sounds come from Mini Grand, a grand piano simulator, DB-33 (a Hammond B3 simulator), and Vacuum and XPand! synths.
Digidesign's Eleven and SansAmp amplifier simulators are included, as well. These give any user the power over ultimate tone from a direct-input guitar.
Expanded track counts, Elastic Pitch
Among the other impressive features coming along with Version 8, Digidesign has added the ability to easily correct the pitch of any piece of your recording, in real-time and without affecting timing or tempo. Digidesign's Elastic Tempo takes a stab at the pitch correction standard offered by Antares with their Auto Tune software.Also highly of note, Pro Tools 8 LE offers the ability to use up to 48 tracks at once. Add on the additional Music Production Toolkit 2 and DV Toolkit 2, you'll gain 128 tracks.