Digidesign Pro Tools LE 8 - Upgrade Boxed Version
Pro Tools LE 8 Upgrade from Digidesign provides a substantial leap forward for an already iconic software, adding long requested features, several virtual instruments, multiple processing and utility plug-ins, and a redesign of the user interface.
Basic track count has been increased and several new virtual instruments added, along with a host of sound-processing and utility plug-ins. MIDI note input has been enhanced with a very comprehensive score editor, while MIDI editing is now easier with a dedicated MIDI editor.
Additionally, Pro Tools LE 8 ships with 8GB of professional quality loops for quickly sketching out musical ideas. The included Structure Free sample player comes with an almost 1GB sample library, while also being able to import unencrypted third-party sound libraries.
Note! Although referred to as an upgrade, this version is a stand-alone installer and does not require previous versions of Pro Tools LE to be present. It does however, require Digidesign LE based hardware to function.
- General
-
- Expanded audio track count to 48 mono or stereo tracks
- Support for up to 10 plug-ins on any given track
- Track-comping feature simultaneously displays each take created during cycle recoding, with each take viewed as a discrete track, one below the other
- Solo and promote buttons facilitate immediately assembling of the perfect take from any part of the playlist
- Smart Tool automatically switches between the multiple edit tools, allowing the user to stay focused on the task at hand
- Memory locations can be set as location markers to specific points in the Timeline, edit selections, or as a set of track display-settings, allowing for quick recall with a keyboard shortcut
- Everything in the Pro Tools environment can be automated, providing full dynamic control and absolute recall of every session element, from track volume, mute and panning, to all plug-in parameters
- All automation data stays tied to its corresponding audio and MIDI
- For faster opening times, sessions can be opened with all plug-ins inactive, for instance to provide a visual check of a session layout
- User Interface
-
- Completely redesigned graphical user interface
- Edit windows features a fully customizable tool bar that allows for displaying and rearranging any element
- Each track in the edit window can show multiple lanes of data that can include waveform, volume, pan and any other automation parameter
- Mix window has been refreshed with new faders, LEDs, pan knobs and a new color palate provides total user customization
- MIDI tracks can also display multiple lanes of MIDI data
- Effects and Instruments
-
- Virtual instruments from the Advanced Instrument Research (AIR) group now include a mini grand acoustic piano, a "vacuum tube" monophonic synthesizer, complete with a decidedly vintage look, Xpand!2 synthesizer, the DB-33 tonewheel organ, and Structure Free sample player
- The DB-33 organ includes a rotating speaker simulator that can be accessed by any other track or instrument
- Percussion is represented by FXpansion BFD Lite acoustic drum module and Boom, an electronic drum machine and sequencer
- Plug-ins include the usual DigiRack plug-ins, EQ III, dynamics and delays
- A whole suite of processing plug-ins from the AIR group provide things like chorus, flanging, a phaser, various flavors of reverb, an enhancer, and much more
- For guitar processing, PT LE 8 includes Eleven Free and SansAmp guitar amp and speaker modelled plug-ins
- A whole range of AudioSuite off-line processors is also included
- M-Audio Torq LE DJ software and an 8GB collection of professional quality loops from Big Fish Audio provide DJ tools or the means for quickly creating backing tracks to enhance songwriting workflow
- MIDI Editing
-
- Editing can be done via a dedicated MIDI editing window, or a split edit screen with a docked editor that targets every selection made
- The MIDI edit tools allows for inserting, selecting, deleting and stretching all without changing tools
- The docked editor also has it its own set of tools including a Smart Tool and the information panes can be moved around to suit individual requirements
- Using the track list users can decide which track to work on
- When editing multiple tracks the MIDI editor allows for targeting a particular track to make sure only the notes that belong to that track are edited
- Viewing the score editor is done via a single click without leaving the MIDI editor
- MIDI Beat Clock Sample Offset can be set on a port-by-port basis
- Score Editor
-
- Just like the MIDI editor, score editing can be done via a dedicated score editing window, or a split edit screen with a docked editor that targets every selection made
- Editing note information, deleting and transposing is easy and flexible
- Includes real-time transcription and chord symbols
- The trimmer tool will extend notes; the pencil tool is used for positioning, and using a modifier key allows for instant velocity changes
- Clicking the track list will add another stave to the score and the track display settings allow each instrument to show with its correct individual or global attributes
- Score setup provides control over score information, display, spacing and layout parameters
- The export to Sibelius function makes score printing easy and professional looking
- Elastic Pitch
-
- Addition to the Elastic Audio feature in Pro Tools, Elastic pitch allows for real-time transposition of audio as if it were MIDI information
- Can be used during production for testing out arrangement ideas
- Can also be used for making radical changes in timbre
- Vocal pitch correction for sharp or flat notes
| System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Mac |
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| PC |
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 10 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Good audio (4)
- Easy to install (3)
- Easy to use (3)
- Good power output (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio (6)
- Professional recording (5)
- Multimedia (4)
- Amateur recording (3)
- Home use (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (4), Quality oriented (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great update
Great update! Much improved overall look from Pro Tools LE 7.4 and I really like the new virtual instruments that come standard with 8.0. I'm using a new macbook pro i7 running Mac OSX ...Read complete review
Great update! Much improved overall look from Pro Tools LE 7.4 and I really like the new virtual instruments that come standard with 8.0. I'm using a new macbook pro i7 running Mac OSX 10.6.3 install went perfect although pro tools says i'm using an MBOX 2 when in actuality I'm using a DIGI 002. My hybrid and structure free virtual instrument are not working correctly the instrument has a yellow distorted cover over it, I have to call Digidesign about these issues.
I'm very happy about the upgrade it's very solid no crashes and I can run several virtual instrument and plug all at once without a problem.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Fairly easy to install upgrade
I recently upgraded my OS and therefore needed to finally upgrade Pro Tools as well. After running this upgrade disc, there are a few more upgrades that need to be installed via links on ...Read complete review
I recently upgraded my OS and therefore needed to finally upgrade Pro Tools as well. After running this upgrade disc, there are a few more upgrades that need to be installed via links on Avid's website. Unfortunately, it is not as straight forward as it could be - Avid could make it easier to find all the links. After installing Pro Tools 8, you will also need to go into your hard drive files and delete preference files for older versions of Pro Tools. Otherwise, the program will not run smoothly (or at all). So, it took some doing, but now that I have version 8 installed I am happy with it. The new features are nice improvements over version 7.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 10 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-10
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about Digidesign Pro Tools LE 8 - Upgrade Boxed Version:
Pro Tools is awesome. This particular version of it is 8.0.3. It works perfectly with my Digi 002 interface and my Mac OSX 10.5.8 operating system. I have 2 gigs of RAM in my MacBook and Pro Tools has been running just fine. I am very satisfied with my product and I recommend that anyone who wants to record with Pro Tools should buy it brand new from B&H. [...] I got a good viable product.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Durable
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Digidesign Pro Tools LE 8 - Upgrade Boxed Version:
I really recommend this software to anyone who wants to work in "audio industry" as a professional. I have been using Pro Tools 7 for a long time and I took the decision to upgrade to Pro Tools 8. Make your decision but i definitely recommend it.
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Navigate
- Fast
- Great Value
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Educational Purposes
- Home Use
- Multimedia
Comments about Digidesign Pro Tools LE 8 - Upgrade Boxed Version:
Just upgraded from Pro Tools LE 7 to LE 8 & I am quite pleased. I love the new interface & all the extras. The new screen is a lot easier on the eyes & I like the 64 bit capabilities & the increased track count. I just recently installed the program so to be honest with you I am still exploring all the new features but I am sure they be a pleasant surprise,
Love Pro Tools
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Install
Cons
- Compatibility Issues
Best Uses
- Multimedia
Comments about Digidesign Pro Tools LE 8 - Upgrade Boxed Version:
The software was easy to install. I had to update my ram but all in all it was a good purchase.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Navigate
- Fast
- Great Value
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Use
- Multimedia
Comments about Digidesign Pro Tools LE 8 - Upgrade Boxed Version:
This is a solid but not dramatic upgrade. I upgraded mostly because I went to MacPro and Leopard.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Good new features
- Powerful
Cons
- Hard To Install or Upgrade
Best Uses
- Home Use
- Multimedia
Comments about Digidesign Pro Tools LE 8 - Upgrade Boxed Version:
I recently upgraded my OS and therefore needed to finally upgrade Pro Tools as well. After running this upgrade disc, there are a few more upgrades that need to be installed via links on Avid's website. Unfortunately, it is not as straight forward as it could be - Avid could make it easier to find all the links. After installing Pro Tools 8, you will also need to go into your hard drive files and delete preference files for older versions of Pro Tools. Otherwise, the program will not run smoothly (or at all). So, it took some doing, but now that I have version 8 installed I am happy with it. The new features are nice improvements over version 7.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Digidesign Pro Tools LE 8 - Upgrade Boxed Version:
Great update! Much improved overall look from Pro Tools LE 7.4 and I really like the new virtual instruments that come standard with 8.0. I'm using a new macbook pro i7 running Mac OSX 10.6.3 install went perfect although pro tools says i'm using an MBOX 2 when in actuality I'm using a DIGI 002. My hybrid and structure free virtual instrument are not working correctly the instrument has a yellow distorted cover over it, I have to call Digidesign about these issues.
I'm very happy about the upgrade it's very solid no crashes and I can run several virtual instrument and plug all at once without a problem.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Digidesign Pro Tools LE 8 - Upgrade Boxed Version:
This is truly an upgrade with considerable functionality. So far I am impressed with the number of new features. It is worth the [$]
- Recommended:
- DIg 002 Digimax Presonus Command 8
Pros
- Clear Sound
Cons
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Digidesign Pro Tools LE 8 - Upgrade Boxed Version:
Worth the upgrade just for all the instruments and plugins compared to a couple versions ago.
Pros
- Quick load
Cons
- Limited Functions
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Digidesign Pro Tools LE 8 - Upgrade Boxed Version:
Using for mixing however it would be nice it it contained it's own AutoTune interface and came with a manual.
Displaying reviews 1-10
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