IBC 2012: Pro Tools takes advantage of Thunderbolt technology
September 7, 2012

IBC 2012: Pro Tools takes advantage of Thunderbolt technology

AMSTERDAM — At the IBC show, Avid (www.avid.com) introduced the new Pro Tools|HD Native Thunderbolt interface, which delivers low latency and high sound quality for Thunderbolt-equipped CPUs that serve as hosts for audio workstations. 

The Pro Tools|HD Native Thunderbolt interface brings the Pro Tools |HD toolset and premium conversion of Pro Tools |HD Series interfaces to a broader group of customers who are using laptops or other computers with Thunderbolt technology. Using Thunderbolt technology, the interface provides high sound quality, low latency, and the power of a Pro Tools|HD Native system in a mobile-based hardware solution, while connecting with Pro Tools|HD Series interfaces for capturing and monitoring audio. In addition, customers can conveniently monitor mixes using the interface’s built-in headphone output, which is powerful enough to drive headphones with high impedance loads.

Pro Tools|HD Native is sold as a system that includes a choice of HD Native core — Thunderbolt interface or PCIe card — Pro Tools|HD software, and a choice of Pro Tools|HD Series audio interface. System prices are the same for both core systems. In addition, customers who own a Digi 002, 003, or Mbox Pro can trade in their hardware towards a new Pro Tools|HD Native system and save $1,000.

System prices are as follows: Pro Tools|HD Native (Thunderbolt interface or PCIe card), Pro Tools HD software, and HD OMNI system, $4,999; Pro Tools|HD Native (Thunderbolt interface or PCIe card), Pro Tools HD software, and HD I/O system, starts at $5,999; Digi 002, Digi 003, or Mbox Pro exchange to Pro Tools|HD Native (Thunderbolt interface or PCIe card), Pro Tools HD software, and HD OMNI, $3,999.