A discussion we had on the podcast this week was what would people pay for a complete versions of Pro Tools? What we mean by complete is one that has all the features found in the HD version of the software, such as surround and more than 32 hardware inputs, if you want to see the entire list then Avid have a helpful Pro Tools comparison chart here.

There is nothing new about this concept for those who remember Avid used to sell Complete Production Toolkit 2, which effectively did the same thing, but we are not suggesting that concept simply Pro Tools HD software that can be purchased without hardware ties. By the way the image above is a mock-up and can't be purchased right now.

Opinions vary as to a comparative price with some suggesting getting it all for $599 whilst others take a view that a fair comparison would be Nuendo pricing of around $2000.

So if there was a hardware free version of Pro Tools with all the HD features would you pay $2000 for it?

Furthermore should Avid simply sell HDX hardware on its own merit, which is for large studios and post facilities it allows large track count low latency tracking and mixing, rather than as they do now use the features in HD software as a lever to try and get people to the hardware?

If you are a HD user do you see the value of your purchase in the hardware part of it alone or did you buy it knowing you were getting premium features and the only way to get them was by buying HD hardware?

Discuss.