Common question lately: “I have a Digidesign Pro Tools III PCI system. Can I add the new Pro Tools 24 to my system? I figure I’ll get 16 tracks (original PT system) + 24 tracks (PT24) = 40 tracks. My Power Mac 9500/120 still has two slots open, so I have room to install the cards. Please tell me this will work…”
Unfortunately, we can’t tell you what you want to hear. Digidesign’s Pro Tools III and Pro Tools 24 are completely different beasts. There is no way to use the two systems in the same computer.
It is possible to use some of the components of your older Pro Tools system with a new Pro Tools 24 system. DSP Farms have always been 24-bit compatible and will work fine. Original 888 interfaces will likewise work with Pro Tools 24, although they will be limited to 18-bit performance. Older 882 interfaces are not compatible with the new Pro Tools system.