There hasn't been this much buzz about a pro tools release in quite awhile. We would guess that the reason for that is this update answers a lot of complaints that PT users have had for years. Here's a quick overview of some major bullet points...
1. You can now use 3rd party interfaces. Now, Avid will truly have to compete in an open hardware marketplace. Should be interesting to watch.
2.Automatic delay compensation in LE. That's pretty big news. So why would anybody buy an HD rig ever again? Higher level pros or anybody who is tracking will not be able to make do with an LE rig. HD systems will still have more power in key areas like number of instrument tracks, voices for playback, midi tracks, video etc. HD also supports surround...the LE version not so much.
3. Free mp3 export. Ok, this seems small but so many users have complained in the past that Avid should bundle the mp3 option with the software that it's a real victory for bloggers everywhere.
4. More is more. More audio tracks. More aux tracks. More busses. More midi tracks. More instrument tracks. Major juice all over the place. Finally, you can unnecessarily complicate your projects with ease.
5. Support for more controllers. Pick up a C24 and go nuts on your LE rig. If you're not swimming in cash, go for the Euphonix MC Mix, it's now supported. Users know that Avid has been an exclusive little country club in the past. The club is opening up for what feels like the first time.
This is a very short list just to make the point that Avid has both listened to its users and responded to pressure from competitors in a significant way. Anybody who was thinking of switching to another daw will at least have to pause and take a look at version 9.
As for negatives, some are no doubt cheesed off that it's only compatible with Windows 7 and Snow Leopard (10.6.2 and up to be exact). Of course, the internet will suffer no shortage of flamers who love to hate. We'll let them prattle on about all the evils and gross injustices.
The bottom line these days is that you can handle complex audio projects on a lot of different systems. Maybe you choose which one based on price. Maybe on features. Maybe you choose by which one has the coolest logo. It just doesn't matter as long as you're happy with it. As for the flamers, don't buy stuff you hate. Problem solved.
