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Getting Started with Pro Tools

  1. Pro Tools Activation and Registration
  2. Pro Tools Download and Installation
  3. Pro Tools Audio and MIDI Setup

Pro Tools Activation and Registration

Getting started with Pro Tools software requires an Avid and iLok account. If you already have accounts you prefer to use, continue doing so and use their respective login credentials when prompted. If you do not have either account, both are required to access your Pro Tools software, and you will need to create them.

  1. Create iLok account.
  2. Download and install iLok License Manager software.
  3. Create Avid account.
  4. Link iLok account to Avid account.
  5. Register Pro Tools Activation Code.
  6. Download and install Pro Tools software.

Additional Pro Tools License Resources

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Pro Tools Download and Installation

Pro Tools software can be downloaded from either the Avid Link application or directly from Avid.com. Avid Link will always install the latest compatible version available for your system, but when downloading from Avid.com make sure to download compatible versions with your specific system. Downloads you will want include the main DAW installer, as well as AIR plug-ins and virtual instrument bundles. Once each file is downloaded to your computer you must then install each component one at a time. Be sure to select any applicable external storage locations when installing large file volumes, such as for virtual instrument libraries.

  1. Download Pro Tools DAW software installer.
  2. Install Pro Tools.
  3. Download plug-in and virtual instrument software installers.
  4. Install plug-ins and virtual instruments.
  5. Launch Pro Tools, it will check for a license and scan for plug-ins.
  6. Configure Pro Tools Audio and MIDI settings.

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Pro Tools Audio and MIDI setup

After you’ve installed and licensed Pro Tools to your computer, it must be configured to work with your system’s audio and MIDI devices. That means selecting the audio interface as the Playback engine for audio input and output, creating and labeling the input and output paths (labels), and enabling and naming MIDI controllers and input devices. Once that’s done, you should be able to record audio and MIDI input and play it back through your headphones or speakers.

  1. Select Playback Engine (audio interface).
  2. Label input and output paths (I/O).
  3. Enable MIDI devices (keyboard, controller, etc.).
  4. Label MIDI controllers and devices.
  5. Create an Audio track and record.
  6. Create a Virtual Instrument track and record.
  7. Play back audio.

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Additional Pro Tools resources

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Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. Select manufacturers may require that only the manufacturer’s products qualify towards the minimum purchase amount needed to be eligible for promotional financing. Otherwise, an invoice that meets the minimum purchase amount and contains at least one qualifying manufacturer product is eligible for promotional financing. No interest will be charged on promo purchase balance, and equal monthly payments are required on promo purchase until it is paid in full. The payments equal the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next whole dollar. These payments may be higher than the payments that would be required if this purchase was a non-promo purchase. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to the prior months’ rounding. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.

Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on the promo balance if you pay it off, in full, within the promo period. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo balance from the purchase date. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo balance before the end of the promo period, depending on purchase amount, promo length and payment allocation. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the promo balance. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.

The estimated required monthly payment shown which excludes taxes and delivery equals the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next cent. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to this rounding. These payments apply only with the financing offer shown. If you make these payments by the due date each month, you should pay off this amount financed within the promo period, if it is the only balance you are paying off. If you have other balances on your account, this payment will be added to any other minimum monthly payments.

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